Table of Contents

Introduction

Power steering(1) is an essential feature of modern vehicles that decreases the effort of turning the car and increases the driver’s comfort. Furthermore, power steering also improves the vehicle’s response rate, allowing a driver to quickly change the car’s direction by turning the steering wheel.

Car vacuum cleaners come in many designs and forms, the most common of which is the handheld car vacuum. Top 15 Best Car Vacuum Cleaners in 2018 cleaner.
Car vacuum cleaners come in many designs and forms, the most common of which is the handheld car vacuum. Top 15 Best Car Vacuum Cleaners in 2018 cleaner.
The power steering light can be in the form of small steering or EPS sign blinking on the vehicle’s dashboard.

Some drivers ignore this light, considering it a sign of low hydraulic fuel or some sensor error. However, this sign can notify some severe errors such as power steering failure. So, it is recommended that drivers never ignore this warning light as it can cause serious accidents. This article has highlighted some reasons for the blinking of this warning light and some remedies that can resolve this warning light issue.
random image

Difference between a Hydraulic Power Steering and an Electric Power Steering?

A hydraulic power steering (4) uses the hydraulic pump and pistons for steering the vehicle. Hydraulic power steering was the first type of power steering introduced in models like 1951 Chrysler Imperial, Chevrolet Impala, etc.
Car vacuum cleaners come in many designs and forms, the most common of which is the handheld car vacuum. Top 15 Best Car Vacuum Cleaners in 2018 cleaner.
Car vacuum cleaners come in many designs and forms, the most common of which is the handheld car vacuum. Top 15 Best Car Vacuum Cleaners in 2018 cleaner.

However, there has been some fine-tuning in this power steering system for 50 years. In hydraulic power steering, the pump uses the fluid that creates hydraulic pressure on the steering rack and pinion. This allows the driver to turn a heavy vehicle with minimal effort. But the major disadvantage of hydraulic power steering is that it utilizes power from the car’s engine and impacts the vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

On the other hand, an EPS (Electronic Power Steering) is the most widely used power steering system in modern automotive.

Car vacuum cleaners come in many designs and forms, the most common of which is the handheld car vacuum. Top 15 Best Car Vacuum Cleaners in 2018 cleaner.
Car vacuum cleaners come in many designs and forms, the most common of which is the handheld car vacuum. Top 15 Best Car Vacuum Cleaners in 2018 cleaner.
An EPS uses an electric motor and a sensor placed on the steering column to assist the drivers in turning the vehicle. The sensors analyze the torque the driver applies and then send a signal to the motor regarding the assistance required by the driver to turn the front wheels.

As a driver, you might have noted that turning an EPS at low speed, such as parking or simple maneuvering, is easier than taking high-speed turns. However, EPS does not take any power from the car’s engine; instead, it takes power from the car’s battery. So, it has no impact on the car’s fuel economy.

Common Reasons of Power Steering Warning Light and Remedies

Defective Torque Sensor

Due to the modernization in technology, electric power steering(2) has been introduced to make the drive easy and safe. Moreover, the electric power system also helps reduce fuel consumption, which helps reduce the emission of harmful gases. The Electric power steering system is helpful as it limits the effort required to change the direction of the steering. The electric power steering consists of the shaft torque sensor. The torque sensor is between the output shafts and the input part of the steering.

The shaft torque sensor determines the input power required to rotate the steering wheel. The torque is calculated through the help of rotors present above and below the sensor. These torque sensors mainly operate at the power of 5V.

Car vacuum cleaners come in many designs and forms, the most common of which is the handheld car vacuum. Top 15 Best Car Vacuum Cleaners in 2018 cleaner.
Car vacuum cleaners come in many designs and forms, the most common of which is the handheld car vacuum. Top 15 Best Car Vacuum Cleaners in 2018 cleaner.
If the power supplied to the seasons is below the average voltages, wrong torque information is calculated. This shows that more efforts are required to change the direction of the steering wheel, which can increase the system’s temperature. The data is then transmitted to the control system, and the power steering light turns on due to the change in voltages.

Other than it, there is a change that voltages supplied to the sensor are accurate, but the sensor is defective and cannot find the exact torque. Thus, the faulty sensors then transmit the wrong information regarding the rotation of rotors, and this issue can also turn the power steering light on as a warning.

Try cleaning the sensor with soapy liquid in case of a defective torque sensor. The torque sensor is placed behind the steering wheel and wrapped around the steering column. It is recommended to read the car’s instruction manual as some models have two torque sensors, and there can be a possibility that you are cleaning the wrong sensor. If the sign does not go even after cleaning the sensor, try getting it replaced by contacting a professional mechanic.

Low Hydraulic Fluid

The power steering system (3) usually operates on the steering fluid. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the steering fluid at its level because it helps in generating the required amount of pressure. This generated pressure helps in moving the direction of the steering wheel. The power created by the steering fluid is then transferred to the hydraulic pump, which allows the vehicle wheel to rotate in the required direction. Therefore, the steering fluid plays an essential role as it helps in safe driving by creating the right amount the pressure. If the steering fluid falls below the level, it would not be easy to rotate the vehicle in the right direction. Hence, it becomes difficult to drive, and more accidents can occur.

Car vacuum cleaners come in many designs and forms, the most common of which is the handheld car vacuum. Top 15 Best Car Vacuum Cleaners in 2018 cleaner.
Car vacuum cleaners come in many designs and forms, the most common of which is the handheld car vacuum. Top 15 Best Car Vacuum Cleaners in 2018 cleaner.
When the fluid is below the level, the steering warning light turns to alert the driver. The liquid usually drops from the level because of a leak in the hose. Due to the low fluid level, the steering wheel becomes stiff, making it difficult to move the vehicle on the exact path. Therefore, the warning light appears to indicate the leakage in the hose of the hydraulic tank.

Changing the hydraulic liquid every 50,000 miles and reading the instruction manual to find the best fluid for your hydraulic power steering is recommended. An expert driver can replace the steering liquid by jacking up the vehicle and finding the power steering reservoir attached to the steering pump. However, you might require extra equipment to drain the liquid, such as a turkey baster. If the sign appears again after some days of fluid replacement, it is recommended to visit a professional mechanic to check the leakage in the hydraulic pump.
random image

Defective Hydraulic Pump

Another cause of the illuminated power steering light is the defect in the hydraulic pump(2). The hydraulic pump may not work accurately and cannot provide the required pressure. This would “dry out “the hydraulic system(4) of the vehicles, and as a result, the steering wheel may get defective. So in the cause of defected hydraulic pump light can turn on as a warning signal.

Car vacuum cleaners come in many designs and forms, the most common of which is the handheld car vacuum. Top 15 Best Car Vacuum Cleaners in 2018 cleaner.
Car vacuum cleaners come in many designs and forms, the most common of which is the handheld car vacuum. Top 15 Best Car Vacuum Cleaners in 2018 cleaner.
A defective hydraulic pump will stiffen the steering wheel, which can cause accidents at a higher speed when the driver requires greater control over the vehicle. Thus, it is requested to visit a professional mechanic to get the hydraulic pump replaced at the earliest.

Electrical Errors

There are chances that the electric power steering light may turn on due to the electrical connection error. The wires may become weak, and as a result, the light is turned on. Moreover, there is a chance that the steering wheel may become slippery and difficult to control while driving. This may occur due to the defective steering gear or bearing.

Car vacuum cleaners come in many designs and forms, the most common of which is the handheld car vacuum. Top 15 Best Car Vacuum Cleaners in 2018 cleaner.
Car vacuum cleaners come in many designs and forms, the most common of which is the handheld car vacuum. Top 15 Best Car Vacuum Cleaners in 2018 cleaner.
A loose steering gear or bearing may cause vibrations in the steering wheel, making driving difficult. To avoid any accidental situation, the light is illuminated. This makes the driver aware of the problem.

The electrical errors can be complex and cannot be comprehended by a simple driver. Further, circuits can be complicated, and connecting the wrong wires can cause a short circuit. Thus, it is recommended to visit a professional mechanic who can comprehend electrical errors and provide a feasible solution.

Faults in Steering Rack and Belt

The power steering light(3) can turn on because of the defective steering rack mount. The steering mount can defect due to the vibrations in the steering wheel. These vibrations usually occur due to a weak electrical connection or defected bearing system.

Car vacuum cleaners come in many designs and forms, the most common of which is the handheld car vacuum. Top 15 Best Car Vacuum Cleaners in 2018 cleaner.
Car vacuum cleaners come in many designs and forms, the most common of which is the handheld car vacuum. Top 15 Best Car Vacuum Cleaners in 2018 cleaner.
The error is the steering rack can make it difficult to control the car; therefore, the warning light appears at the initial stage. The issue is the rack of the steering wheel also causes an error in the stud bearings, and the steering wheel starts to stray while driving. Other than this, the steering belt can also get defective, making the steering hard or jerky. In this situation, the warning light of power steering usually starts illuminating.

In this situation, you are recommended to replace the particular component of your power steering that is causing hindrance in its performance. It is thus requested to visit a professional mechanic to get the defective parts replaced.

Difference in the Tire Pressure

The warning light(2) turns on when the pressure of the tires becomes less and the steering wheel becomes hard. Due to low pressure in the tires, the steering wheel can become stiff, and as a result, there are chances of accidents. In addition to this, the car frame can be bent due to low pressure. Therefore the warning light appears to make the driver aware of the fault. Also, the difference in the tire pressure can cause drifting from one end of the road to the other.

Car vacuum cleaners come in many designs and forms, the most common of which is the handheld car vacuum. Top 15 Best Car Vacuum Cleaners in 2018 cleaner.
Car vacuum cleaners come in many designs and forms, the most common of which is the handheld car vacuum. Top 15 Best Car Vacuum Cleaners in 2018 cleaner.
Other than it, there is a chance that the gear is loose or not well lubricated. The sensors detect the error in the gear and send the information to the power steering wheel. And as a result, the warning light is turned on.

In case of low tire pressure, you should fill the tires with the air pressure recommended in the instruction manual according to the weather conditions. Further, some vehicle models have the recommended air pressure numbers printed in the door channel. Therefore, you can check the tire size and fill the air accordingly.

Personal Experience

I had a power steering warning in a couple of vehicles I owned. In my experience, resolving the power steering light issue in hydraulic power steering is easier. In this case, the light mostly appears due to a leak in the power steering hydraulic pump, or the fluid has become older. On the other hand, I owned a Toyota Prius with an EPS that showed this power steering warning light. Different sensors are associated with an EPS, and the electronics are so complex that it takes much time for a professional mechanic to diagnose the problem. And the cost required to resolve the EPS warning light issue was greater than the vehicle with hydraulic power steering.
random image

Cost Required to Resolve the Power Steering Warning Light Issue

The following table illustrates the cost required to resolve the power steering warning light issue:

Common IssueCost Required to Resolve this Issue
Defective Torque Sensors$80-200 for torque sensor replacement depending upon the number of sensors, $20 for sensor service
Low Hydraulic Fluid$30-60 for hydraulic fluid replacement
Defective Hydraulic Pump$280 to 1000 for hydraulic pump replacement
Faults in Steering Rack and Belt$100-500 to replace steering rack, $90-200 to replace steering belt
Electrical Errors$100-$700 depending upon the type of electrical error causing this problem
Difference in Tire Pressure$5 for tire pressure, $20-80 to replace tire pressure sensor
Replacement of Power Steering$1000-1800 for replacement of entire power steering
Labor Costs$10-200 depending upon the issue
Note that these costs can change if you own a super vehicle or a luxury vehicle brand.
Car vacuum cleaners come in many designs and forms, the most common of which is the handheld car vacuum. Top 15 Best Car Vacuum Cleaners in 2018 cleaner.
Car vacuum cleaners come in many designs and forms, the most common of which is the handheld car vacuum. Top 15 Best Car Vacuum Cleaners in 2018 cleaner.

Conclusion/Key Takeaway Points

So, a power steering warning light can signal a small error. But ignoring this light can even fail power steering. The minor errors include defects in the torque sensor or low hydraulic fluids. But some significant errors such as defective hydraulic pumps or faults in the steering rack can stiff the steering wheel, making it difficult for the driver to turn the vehicle. Therefore, you are recommended to resolve the issue at the earliest to prevent replacing the entire power steering system.

FAQs

Yes, you can drive the vehicle in case of a power steering sign blinking on the cluster meter. But it is recommended to avoid long route traveling as the power steering can fail in between. Further, resolving the issue immediately to prevent any accident is recommended.

After replacing the hydraulic liquid, the power steering light will appear for a few kilometers. But if the light remains even after traveling a few kilometers, it can signal another power steering problem. So you are recommended to take the car to a service center to check the power steering components.

No, it depends upon the extent of the problem. If the hydraulic liquid is low, or there are some faults in the steering rack, belt, or tire pressure. The power steering can become stiff. In case of electrical and sensor problems, there is a possibility that the steering will not become stiff.

You are recommended to replace the hydraulic liquid every 50,000 kilometers. However, the liquid should also be filled in if there is a leak in the hydraulic pump.

References

About Author

Jane Carrey

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Amet interdum nisi eros, at. Amet urna tempus nec sapien non. Sem enim vulputate libero leo, nunc facilisi sed. Arcu, semper nunc neque interdum maecenas pulvinar. Elit.