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Lately when I start the HCHII, and I turn the wheel, it sounds like its low on fluid. However, this sound only lasts for 3-4 seconds.

I looked under the hood (and in the manual), and there is no power steering fluid fill cap anywhere.

Does anyone know how this works, and what the noise might be?

The power steering is an electric-powered system and not hydraulic as most other cars use. Until you mentioned it, I never thought about the "missing" power steering fluid reservoir.

I can't offer an explanation for the noise you hear although it's not unusual to hear a bit more noise in colder weather until the motor and CVT get their oil/fluid pumping.

Cheers,

Roger

Umm , does it have electric power steering ? I don't know , but many hybrids do. If so, there would be no fluid or reservoir.

Yes, the steering is electric assist! H

sweet thanks everyone for the quick replies.

Also - when I'm driving it sometimes makes a sound that sounds like a 'slinky' when you throw one or make waves with it. The sound sometimes will go on for 10 minutes, then suddenly go away, but it always comes back.

I plan on inspecting the wheels and under the vehicle. I didn't see anything under the hood except coolant was low - but that is probably ok because I changed all the coolant and was conservative to make sure I didn't over fill. The coolant temp has been fine

I can hear the electric steering assist when I'm FASing my Insight (DC whine). I also hear a "Sproing!!" type noise when slowing with the brake pedal and hit a crack in the road or some other similar impediment but it doesn't last long and is the hyper-sensitive ABS system (which has the wonderful property of killing all regen, too :rolleyes:).