LankyJ10

So earlier today while at my parents house, I accidentally overfilled my power steering fluid and also noticed it was brown and bubbly, so I decided I should empty it out and fill it with fresh fluid using a turkey baster method I saw online (I didn't have the equipment or knowledge to drain it the proper way). However, I had to move the car in order to get another vehicle out of the garage so I could buy the supplies and I believe the overfill caused the PS fluid to spew out around in the engine.

I didn't think much of it, but I had to drive 2.5 hours back to my own apartment afterwards and with about an hour left in the drive, my battery light came on and the lights started dimming. Luckily I had enough charge to stressfully make it back to my apartment.

It's too dark to inspect my engine for possible causes right now but I wanted to ask some folks more knowledgeable than me if the fluid leak could possibly have caused any problems with the battery or wiring system. I'm really really hoping it's not the alternator, so any tips or advice of things to check and/or do would be greatly appreciated. It's a 2000 with around 132k miles.

ESABATM

Belt may be just soaked with oil and slipping.

LankyJ10

Thank you for the response ESABATM! I was able to run the car today and observe the engine and while the belt is working there is definitely an audible squeak every few seconds which leads me to believe you are correct. I doubt trying to clean it without removing it first is a good idea but is it possible to remove the belt to clean it without the need for tire lifts? (I don't have them unfortunately) Or since I drove it for almost three hours is it safe to say that it's done for and I should just pay and get the belt replaced?

Derf00

If the belt is contaminated, just replace it. Depending on how old it is, it may be due anyway. You may also want to take the alternator out and have it bench tested.