The dash lights on my 95 850 turbo come on when i drive through a puddle. i also lose power steering. The lights go out and the power steering return after a short while, but I would like to get this fixed.

Any ideas out there?

Have any of you people, with this problem, checked to see if your splash shield is missing?

It is not unheard of for a mechanic to leave the shield off after performing a service.

I have had the same problem on my `97 854.The dealer installed a cross grooved serpentine belt(as opposed to the standard linear grooved belt)reasoning that with more grooves in the belt,the water had more chances to be squeezed out.That seem to have corrected the problem.

Sounds like a reasonable solution.

However, I've not ever seen them. Can you, or anyone, provide a source and part number?

The part # is 5060690-4 and it is called a poly cog belt.Price approx $ 40.00

I also have a 1995 850 turbo and have had the EXACT same experience. Quite disconcerting when it occurs.

I am glad to hear someone else has had the same experience !

I posted this experience some months ago. One response I got back suggested that the serpentine accessory belt when wet may be slipping. This would be supported by the loss of power steering and as well as the dashboard warning lights coming on due to the alternator slipping.

The only thing I have a difficult time understanding is that the accessory drive serpentine belt is under significant tension from the tensioner. It is hard to believe that the belt could slip.

Good news- this event has only occurred on my car twice since I bought it new in 1995.

Anyone else care to comment ?

This is completely normal although not recommendable.
When the drive belt gets wet it starts slipping - then you loose power steering and charge from the alternator, which triggers the warning lights. After a while the belts have dried and start working normally again. It doesn't matter if the belt is tightly tebsioned- if water gets on the belt or the pulleys the belt WILL start slipping.

You might want to have your belts checked - but if they are okay I suggest you just don't drive through the deepest puddles, or if you have to drive through them, drive slowly.

I remember my mechanic one changing the auto tensioner for the serpentine belt, he told me they often weaken, which explained the small amount of belt squeal I was getting. So maybe its not the belt itself, but rather the auto tensioner. Just a thought.