My 2004 WRX brake and battery light came on. Then I lost power steering. What is going on? What should I do?

sounds simple - pop hood, look at belts. test alternator.

 

the first symptoms sounds like a bad/dying alternator - have it tested or replace it.

 

loss of power steering sounds like you lost a belt which drives your alternator and power steering.

 

your alternator could have failed and then taken the belt out with it which would explain the loss of power steering.

This is what you are looking for.

 

Remove the two bolts and check your belt.

 

Sounds like you lost the accessory belt. On the older subarus, it lights up all the engine warning lights when this happens (because it looses a signal from the alternator which lights up all the lights for some reason), even if the alternator is still good. So, it may be as simple as the belt, and the alternator might be okay.

 

Do you know how old the belt is? Even if it's original, it should still be okay, but getting towards the older range of when it should be replaced.

 

Z