my power steering has been crapping out, when you shut the car off then re-start, sometimes it works again, sometimes not. any ideas?? thanks btw it's a 2004 mazda3i

 

its an electronic pump and not cheap... i priced one at the dealer for like 895$ not including labor. i would check the relays and swap them around to see if it just might be a faulty relay.

 

A good place to start and good advice if you"d ask me. Relays can get sticky and uncooperative.
Failing that, look on eBay for a used pump.

 

Or local wrecking yard, I would would make sure of the relays first.

 

thanks for the advice, i just bought this car, where might i find these relays you guys are referring to?

 

They are under the hood left side, on the 08 it is an 80 amp, it is also #2 and a 10 amp fuse# 25, But there is a diagram on the fuse box cover [8D]

 

I found a used A/c Compressor for my Mazda for about 175$ with 24000 miles on it from this junk yard in Orlando, FL the dealer wanted 1200$ for the compressor with clutch and coil. They have there inventory online, but only ship to buisness so i had it shipped to my job. There website is www.jimsfl.com. I've spoken to the on the phone there pretty descent place for junk parts. sometimes they'll waranty the parts.

The relays are under the hood near the battery box. if you flip the fuse lid over there is a diagram of where the relays and fuses are located.

oh and the powersteering pump is located in the passenger side front fender close to the headlight. doesn't look like fun to do.

but i can tell you if you ever need an A/c compressor its a piece of cake.

 

i think the relays we're talking about are in-line fuses aren't they? anyhow i took the car to the mechanic today, they can't figure it out either, couldn't even narrow it down, is it the pump or an electrical issue. any help would be greatly appreciated. there was power at the pump, i'm wondering if it's the control module buried under the coolant reservoir, please HELP