Be kind, you guys..OK? I just bought a used '97 with low miles (51K). Now that it's getting cold, the steering (?) whines through the left side of the steering column. It goes away when warmed up, or warm outside. The noise does vary with engine speed, but goes away when the car is steered slightly to the right. I assume the steering fluid is low. Unfortunately, the owner's manual doesn't tell me where or how to check the fluid. I did find an unknown plastic reservoir; It has a dipstick with numbers on it that could be temperature (?). Is this what I am looking for? Should it be checked running warm, or cold engine turned off?

Thanks,
Kirk
PS: I love the car!

 

Afraid I don't have a picture readily available.
Sounds like you have found the correct resevoir.
Oil expands when hot so it appears that there may be a cold and hot level marked on your dipstick. If so, so long as the oil level lines up with the appropriate line the level is correct.

If the level is INCORRECT then ensure you use an appropriate oil.
Suggest you get a garage to confirm that you have the correct resevoir....just in case.
ANY good mechanic will be able to confirm this without any specific knowledge of the make/model.

Stuart