What does the little steering wheel light mean?

power steering fluid levels
This light, a steering wheel and exclamation point, indicates that your vehicle’s power steering fluid levels are low or that there is a fault in the system. If the light remains illuminated after the fluid is filled or comes back on down the road, then the vehicle needs to be inspected by a technician.

What does electric power steering light mean?

The light warns you that the power steering system has failed and prompts you to investigate for a cause. The cause may vary according to the type of power steering system in your car. In hydraulic power steering systems, a leak in the system causing a low fluid level is the most common cause for this problem.

How do you get a steering wheel warning light off?

On hydraulic power steering systems, a common reason for the warning light to illuminate is low power steering fluid. You should pull over if you see this light turn on and check the fluid level immediately. Top it off with the correct fluid type and the light should turn off.

Why is my steering wheel hard to turn but has power steering fluid?

The most common cause of a stiff steering wheel is the lack of enough power steering fluid in the system. This condition can arise if there’s fluid leakage from the pressurized hose area. Refilling the liquid in the power steering tank will fix the problem for the time being, but the leak must be taken care of.

Can I drive with the steering wheel light on?

With the light illuminated, the power assist will stop working to help you steer. You can still drive the car, but the steering wheel will be heavy, and will feel stiffer, much more difficult to turn, so you need to be confident if you are driving this way, and this should be fixed immediately.

Why would power steering light come on?

What causes the power steering light to come on? For vehicles with hydraulic power steering, the most common reason for the power steering warning light is that the fluid level is low. This is often caused by a leak in one of the hoses. Once you’ve topped up your power steering fluid, start your engine.

Why does my steering feel light?

There are times when the power steering fluid level gets low. This makes the steering hard and is considered one of the major reasons. In fact, as soon as you feel the steering is getting hard at low speed, check the power steering oil level. If it is low, refill it to fix the issue.

What does the power steering system warning light mean?

What the power steering system warning light means This warning light tends to be in the shape of a steering wheel, sometimes with an exclamation mark. For cars with electric power steering, the light may say EPS, for electric power steering. Either way, the warning light will be yellow or red in color.

Can you still drive with an electric steering wheel?

You will still be able to drive, but the steering wheel will be very difficult to turn, so you will need to be extra careful when driving. Electric Power Steering Systems: The warning light won’t come on for fluid levels as there is no fluid being used. In fact, simply restarting the engine can sometimes turn the light off.

How does a power steering system work in a car?

The original power steering systems use a hydraulic pump to move fluid into chambers in your steering system. When you turn the steering wheel with the engine running, the pump will fill one of the chambers to help you turn the wheels.

Can a low power steering fluid cause a heavy steering wheel?

When that happens, it is the perfect time to get it refilled, besides fixing the leakage, if any. The heavy steering wheel can, thus, be caused by low power steering fluid. The heavy steering wheel can be caused by low power steering fluid.

What does the steering wheel light mean on the dash?

A warning light on the dash will let you know when a fault has been detected with the steering system . This warning light tends to be in the shape of a steering wheel, sometimes with an exclamation mark. For cars with electric power steering, the light may say EPS , for electric power steering.

What does steering wheel warning light mean?

Power Steering Warning Light The amber steering wheel / exclamation mark is the electronic power steering (EPS) fault light . If you have been making frequent left / right steering movements or had the steering placed at full lock while the engine is on, it may be a temporary fault where the system temporarily shuts off the power steering motor to prevent overheating.

What does the red flashing light on the steering wheel?

A common issue for these vehicles is that a red steering wheel lock indicator will illuminate on the dash information center whenever the vehicle is switched on. Many believe this is a fault in the steering system; however, it is actually part of the security immobilizer to prevent vehicle theft.