I have a 2002 Dodge Durango 4x4 SLT when i drive through a mud puddle my steering locks up. Any ideas? This also happens whwn i take it through a car wash. The other thing to is when it goes through the car wash my check gauges light pops on in the dashboard. Any thoughts? The light goes out after a minute or so.

 

my best guess is that the serpentine belt is getting wet and slipping and what you are noticing is a loss of power assist on the steering, a new belt should fix it if that is the problem

 

Check the tensioner also but like shrps said the belt is probably it.