Trouble with the box
 

Ok, a few weeks ago I went to take the car on a quick trip to the grocery store. As I was backing out of the drive way and beginning to turn I realized that it was taking a bit more effort to turn the wheel than I was used to. Crap, power steering is out. Unfortunately I was due back at University so I had to leave the problem for the next time I made it home. I did so this past weekend and when I turned on the car, the power steering worked just fine. No problems at all. I checked the fluid and it was at max so that rules out the pump and any leaks. Thought I was in the clear but as the car got up to temp, it started making this intermittent scratching/sucking sound and I got a CEL with P1126 and P1124. No smoke, so I'm assuming it's either a bad AOS or a tube somewhere. Then last night before I headed back to campus I was going to take the car out for a quick spin again but the power steering was out. This time I got a battery weak light as well as the ABS light.

Am I right in assuming it just needs a new battery and the AOS replaced?

shooting in the dark here but...

could the serpentine belt be slipping / breaking?

You're the 3rd person who's mentioned that so I guess that's probably what needs to be checked.

You know, now that I think about it, I remember I was driving at night a few weeks back and I heard a popping sound and what sounded like something falling out of the car. There was no power loss or CELs and when I stopped to look, there was nothing wrong that I could tell. Could this have been the root of the problem?

Bad or missing belt. Don't drive the car - you have no engine cooling. Simple, cheap, quick replacement.

Cheers!

So I've heard that you can buy an off the shelf goodyear belt for use in the box. Anyone know a specific part number?

Goodyear gatorback belt doesn't fit. Get the oem from dealer or Pelican, Sunset, etc.

Cheers!