Power steering cutting in and out

[skag101]

Hi , I’m Bill from WV. First time posting. Thanks for accepting me. I have a 2021 Wrangler Islander and my youngest has a 2021 Wrangler Willys. Her power steering is doing weird things. Couple of days ago it was cutting out while she was driving. I checked fluid and it was low. Again today it done the same thing but the fluid was full to the line. It will cut out for maybe 10 or 15 seconds, enough to scare her, then act normal again. It’s like trying to steer with the engine off.
Any ideas? I appreciate the help.

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[limeade]

How low was the fluid? If it got too low, it's possible there's some air in the system and it needs to be bled.

-Put front end up on jack stands (not required, but makes it easier)
-Engine off, but power to on
-Ensure fluid is at proper lever
-Turn steering wheel lock to lock 15-20 times
-Check fluid
-Turn engine on
-Turning steering wheel lock to lock 15-20 times (check fluid to ensure it doesn't get too low)
-Observe the fluid while doing this last step as the fluid should be bubble free and calm, if not, continue bleeding

That's how I bled my JL system after removing the steering box and it worked for me.

Hopefully bleeding the system takes care of her issue and your daughter can drive without worry.

 

[skag101]

Thanks for your reply. The fluid was pretty low and I’m not sure why. Never have had to bleed power steering before so this sounds like it could be the problem. I will definitely give this a try and hopefully take care of the problem.
I appreciate your help.

 

[JL 2D]

How low was the fluid? If it got too low, it's possible there's some air in the system and it needs to be bled.

-Put front end up on jack stands (not required, but makes it easier)
-Engine off, but power to on
-Ensure fluid is at proper lever
-Turn steering wheel lock to lock 15-20 times
-Check fluid
-Turn engine on
-Turning steering wheel lock to lock 15-20 times (check fluid to ensure it doesn't get too low)
-Observe the fluid while doing this last step as the fluid should be bubble free and calm, if not, continue bleeding

That's how I bled my JL system after removing the steering box and it worked for me.

Hopefully bleeding the system takes care of her issue and your daughter can drive without worry.

This - I would add to check for leaks as well if it was that low.

 

[skag101]

Good idea. I’m sure the problem started with the low fluid. I’ll check for leaks while on jack stands.

 

[calemasters]

If the P.S. fluid was low, either there is a hydraulic leak, fluid got too hot and spilled out, or trapped air burped out. In 2021 there was an issue at the P.S. motor with the electrical connector. Make sure all the fuses are fully seated.

 

[HiJinx69]

Also, make sure you're using the right kind of fluid. Electro-hydraulic fluid and not regular ATF.

 

[m3reno]

When I had my 2018 the PS would cut out o the point it would not turn. They ended up changing the PS to the metal unit and also doing a computer flash. I still had the issue until they did the flash twice.

 

[zouch]

as @Paulburton alluded to, the Power Steering pumps on these things are electric.
if i was seeing something cutting in and out like that, i'd be thinking i was dealing with an electrical issue.

i'd start by taking a hard look at the relevant fuse(s), and have that thing scanned at the dealer and make sure it's had all the applicable TSBs addressed. not having steering is a Bad Thing!

Hi , I’m Bill from WV. First time posting. Thanks for accepting me. I have a 2021 Wrangler Islander and my youngest has a 2021 Wrangler Willys. Her power steering is doing weird things. Couple of days ago it was cutting out while she was driving. I checked fluid and it was low. Again today it done the same thing but the fluid was full to the line. It will cut out for maybe 10 or 15 seconds, enough to scare her, then act normal again. It’s like trying to steer with the engine off.
Any ideas? I appreciate the help.

 

[Deleted User 38384]

Thanks for your reply. The fluid was pretty low and I’m not sure why. Never have had to bleed power steering before so this sounds like it could be the problem. I will definitely give this a try and hopefully take care of the problem.
I appreciate your help.

If it's worth anything, my '21 Willys Sport EcoDiesel power steering fluid got a little bit low (not a lot, but enough to be noticeable when you doing my monthly inspections) back in 2023, and I topped it off and haven't had an issue since.

Realistically speaking, it might just be a Jeep thing.

I'm with the guy on bleeding the line. Chances are there's some air in there.

 

[alphawolff]

Hi , I’m Bill from WV. First time posting. Thanks for accepting me. I have a 2021 Wrangler Islander and my youngest has a 2021 Wrangler Willys. Her power steering is doing weird things. Couple of days ago it was cutting out while she was driving. I checked fluid and it was low. Again today it done the same thing but the fluid was full to the line. It will cut out for maybe 10 or 15 seconds, enough to scare her, then act normal again. It’s like trying to steer with the engine off.
Any ideas? I appreciate the help.

pull the r/f headlamp out and verify both ground cables there are clean and tight. also verify the ground eyelet on the r/f fender by the battery is tight. both will cause power steering dropout

 

[mwilk012]

Loose battery cables are by far the most common reason I see this problem.

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