Need help on power steering problems 2001 Town and Country minivan.

I just purchased a 2001 town and country minivan. It has minor
problems, the rear wipers don't work, the front water pumps don't work
but I figured that was easily taken care of. However, several times
now, I have started the car and had no power steering. It has taken
either several restarts or turning off EVERYTHING - radio, fans,
lights, etc and then I pull out, the steering is rather heavy and as
soon as I get going it is ok. (Those times when I first start, the
steering is impossible).

What should I have the mechanic check. Is it a battery or electrical
problem that might also affect the wiper pumps?

Any info would be appreciated.

In article .com>,
says...
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>I just purchased a 2001 town and country minivan. It has minor
>problems, the rear wipers don't work, the front water pumps don't work
>but I figured that was easily taken care of. However, several times
>now, I have started the car and had no power steering. It has taken
>either several restarts or turning off EVERYTHING - radio, fans,
>lights, etc and then I pull out, the steering is rather heavy and as
>soon as I get going it is ok. (Those times when I first start, the
>steering is impossible).
>
>What should I have the mechanic check. Is it a battery or electrical
>problem that might also affect the wiper pumps?

check the reservoir and make sure the fluid level is correct. I have a 2005
that has under 7k miles on it and it has a leaky rack. We are waiting for a
new rack to be available so that we can take the car back to get the rack
replaced.
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alex