Check charging system/battery light on/steering wheel stiff

[diakimnj]

Good morning,

 

I have a 2007 Ford Fusion. When I started it this morning, it started right up, but  the 'check charging system' light stayed on, as well as the battery light & the steering wheel was also very stiff.

Any ideas what this could be?

 

Battery is about 1.5 years old. I'm going to have it towed to my mechanic, but curious what to prepare for :).   Thanks in advance.

Edited February 23, 2021 by diakimnj

[bbf2530]

1 hour ago, diakimnj said:

Good morning,

 

I have a 2007 Ford Fusion. When I started it this morning, it started right up, but  the 'check charging system' light stayed on, as well as the battery light & the steering wheel was also very stiff.

Any ideas what this could be?

 

Battery is about 1.5 years old. I'm going to have it towed to my mechanic, but curious what to prepare for :).   Thanks in advance.

 

Hi diakinmj. Could be many possibilities. Are you driving much with the pandemic? If not, could be as simple as the battery being low on charge, or beginning to fail (even though it is ~1.5 years old). Could be the alternator. Could be a wiring/short issue. And other possibilities.

 

Steering should normally have nothing to do with an electrical issue, since it is a separate, hydraulic system on the 2007's.

 

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

[diakimnj]

Thanks, It gets towed to my mechanic on Thursday.

I drive pretty much every day - usually around 30 miles locally.

It is a 2007 with over 200K miles. I did notice yesterday a slight squealing after starting it up. I don't recall ever replacing the alternator.

Thinking maybe alternator or serpentine belt. Will update.

 

Edited: Just opened the hood and the belt is off.

Edited February 23, 2021 by diakimnj