It's actually the alternator. Crank the car and disconnect the battery. If the car dies it's the alternator. If not it may be the battery. Rebuilding the alternator is very simple, a few screws and a new set of brushes and it will be like new.
Check the Idle Air Control. This adjusts the idle on the car when loads such as AC or when you pout the transmission into drive. The reason the ATL comes on and you lose some power steering is that the engine is idling too slow for the alternator to produce an output and the power steering pump cna't produce enough pressure. A squealing belt could be caused by grease or oil on the belt or a failing serpentine belt tensioner. Even a replacement compressor could have problems especially when you by cheap ones from "off-brand" parts houses (my experience with my car).
replace the serpentine belt
I have a 99 Ford contour svt has 2.5 v6 dohc.. When my AC unit is on the car wants to die the battery light comes on I lose power steering.I replaced the AC compressor so I know its not locking up the serpentine belt squeals too with the AC on...when its off it runs fine any clue ways causing this??
