When I start the Forester for the first time of the day, the power steering cuts off and then back on. This happens about a dozen times right after starting the car. After a couple of minutes of driving, the power steering stays on for the rest of the day.

 

The drive belt seems nice and tight. I don't hear any belt squealing. The fluid level is good. Any thoughts on what might be happening? Thanks.

Any bubbles in the PS reservoir ? Could be air in the system.

is the belt 9 years old? maybe it's glazed and slipping.

 

any 'jerkiness' in the steering wheel when the PS is failing? that could be air as said above. Look in the reservoir while idling.

 

Edited October 30, 201510 yr by 1 Lucky Texan

1.  check the fluid level and color.

does it look normal?

 

 

 

 cuts off and then back on.

.

 

Can you describe exactly what that means?

 

At idle, while moving, or both?

 

Off and then back on - how fast is that happening - every second or it's on a few minutes, then off a few minutes?

 

Is it a lumpy/notchy feeling that comes and goes - indicating a seizing coupler that's working itself loose?

 

The coupler could be seizing and then working itself loose.  it's rare, odd for such a new vehicle, but so are any steering issues without any other symptoms.