2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Check engine light and power steer

First, anytime your check engine light comes on, have your computer scanned as fast as possible, without continuing to drive your car. Because when you light comes on, your computer is trying to tell you something via a code it has set in memory. And this very well may be an important code.

If your "Bogging" and "Grumbling" is only a noise, and NOT a feeling, then this could be your power steering. But if your engine is hesitating and running poorly, then no, this isn't your power steering.

It's kind of hard for me to interpret your meaning of "Bogging" and "Grumbling", vs. mine.

Usually those terms would be used to describe the poor performance of an engine. Such as: the engine stumbles upon take off, is hard to start when cold (not necessarily whether related), tries to die when at low engine speeds, etc.

But when you use it to describe a noise, I can't be sure of your issue.

As for your Check engine light, a low fluid level could set a light off on your dash.

If your issue is only a noise, then fill your fluid level to spec and see if the noise goes away.

If your issue is more of an engine performance issue, write back and I'll try to help you from there.

It is my girlfriends car and that is my best iterpritation of what the noises are. To my knowlege there has been no performance issues with the engine or tranny. I will top off the power steering fluid today and see if that fixes the noise, but I am not sure if it will reset the check engine light. If it does not do you know if there is any way to reset it without paying a mechanic to do it. Thanks a bunch for such a quick reply.

When the check engine light comes on, that means your computer is trying to tell you something. Sometimes it's something that will be detrimental to the continued operation of your vehicle.

So the best thing to do when that happens is stop driving the car until you find out what the computer has to say.

AutoZone and many other major parts stores will scan your computer for free. If there's no store close to you that will do this, then there's many more auto shops that will do a free estimate. Call around until you find one. And don't be afraid to tell a mechanic that this service should be done for free. With the economy the way it is, any mechanic will fight for your business.