I recently bought my first Lexus, a 2006 IS350 with 35,500 miles on it, at Newport Lexus. Four days after purchase, the power steering warning light came on just after maneuvering out of my driveway and I lost the boost in a linear manner. Once up to speed, the boost came back but as I slowed, subsequently parking the car, the power boost was gone and I had to man-handled it at any low rpm. I checked out the recall list and found that the PS rack link had been replaced. Long story short. The battery was weak and the alternator doesn't produce enough voltage at idle speed to handle the PS demand. The battery was only 10 months old (Lexus dealer installed), but one cell had died. That caused the power steering inputs at low RPM to be insufficient, thus triggering the PS warning light. However, there was sufficient voltage to NOT indicate a battery problem. Battery warranty was honored at Santa Barbara Lexus and I was out of there with a minimum charge of $62.50. This information should help those who get the PS warning light and lose boost at low rpm.
Lee K
Email - nooch@earthlink.net
