when the Pwr/Str message goes on, check the battery voltage on the DIC driver information center. If it is low below 13 Volts you need to have the charging system and battery tested.
If itis reporting correct voltage above 13 volts you need to have the power steering system tested.
Just a reminder that diagnosis of an alternator problem by a single voltage level can be problematic with these computer-controlled alternators. Once the charge algorithm has determined the battery is fully charged I see the DIC voltage at 12.8V with a perfectly good alternator. The charging system is in "float" mode. In the old days this would indicate alternator failure, but that is not what it indicates in this car.
As far as I can tell, the acid test for a working alternator is, after a cold start when the battery has had an opportunity to settle overnight, look for the DIC voltage to reach 14.8V to 15.0V
for at least a few minutes. An alternator that has the usual failure mode will not be able to reach this high voltage and sustain it. If the highest voltage you ever see is 14.6V, you probably have a failed alternator. And yes, your battery will keep working with the alternator in this partially-failed condition.
