Hi:
Have 05 Mazda 3 (150K) that I'm perplexed with. Intermittently, it loses power steering, light comes on, but no other functions (e.g. radio, etc.) are affected. Generally speaking, power steering returns after a few minutes or even 30 or so seconds sometimes. This takes power steering fluid, but has an electric "assist". I originally suspected the pump unit, but those are $1100, so I'd rather not replace it unless certain. One question is -- its hard to see, but looks like fluid might be leaking onto the pump electronic connectors. I wonder if the pump is serviceable -- seals or replace the electronic assist connectors? Anyone else experience these issues? Of course, took it to shop, and problem won't replicate, and scan codes show nothing wrong.

Thanks.

 

Unplug the heavy duty power & earth plug to the pump, make sure all terminals and clean, dry & free from corrosion. Apply some dielectric grease to the terminals and reconnect.

See how this goes.

 

Thanks. After I posted, I figured I was headed in this direction, as when I look down at the electric terminal plugs from the pump, they don’t look 100% dry.