If you have a hydraulic power steering system and this light appears, it probably means you’re low on power steering fluid . If that’s the case, pull over and top it off with the right kind of fluid. The light should then turn off. If the system is low on fluid, it’s usually because there’s a leak somewhere.
Why would the power steering light came on?
One of the most common reasons for the power steering warning light to come on is to let the driver know that there is not enough or very little power steering fluid and if this is the case, pull over to check the steering fluid levels as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Is it safe to drive with power steering 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.
What do you do if your electric power steering light comes on?
If you’re driving along and you notice your power steering light come on – which looks like a steering wheel with an exclamation mark next to it – you should park your car in a safe place as soon as you can, taking extra care as you’ll be struggling a little with much heavier steering.
How much does it cost to fix electric power steering?
The Best in Auto Repair The average cost for power steering control module replacement is between $742 and $769 . Labor costs are estimated between $106 and $134 while parts are priced at $635. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location.
Can you still drive a car if the power steering goes out?
Driving your car for extended periods without power steering fluid can damage the pump . While there’s nothing that physically stops you from driving your car if you have a power steering fluid leak, once the level drops, your pump runs dry. This causes increased friction and heat and can quickly cause expensive damage.
What does the red steering wheel light mean on a VW?
The red power steering system light means you should stop the car as soon as it’s safe .
How do I know if my power steering pump is failing?
- Your Car Makes a Whining Noise Any Time You Turn the Wheel. ...
- Your Car’s Steering Wheel Is Slow to Respond. ...
- Your Car’s Steering Wheel Is Stiff. ...
- Your Car Makes Squealing Noises When You Turn the Key in the Ignition. ...
- Your Car Makes Groaning Noises.
What causes power steering failure?
Power steering systems require hydraulic fluid to operate. Hydraulic power steering fluid can leak from worn or damaged hoses and failing seals . When enough fluid is lost, the power steering pump can overheat or wear out prematurely, resulting in a loss of hydraulic pressure and failure of the power steering system.
What causes power steering malfunction?
Because your engine is connected to your power steering pump, any stretching, fraying, corrosion or breakage can cause the immediate failure of your system. We recommend having your power steering belt checked with every maintenance service, and replacing it if it shows any signs of wear, aging, or damage.
What happens if electric steering fails?
When the power steering fails, the wheels of the car become exponentially more difficult to turn . The wheels will turn, but the force required to make this happen can be unexpected and problematic. If power steering failure occurs while a car is in motion, an accident can result.
How do you diagnose electric power steering problems?
The main indication you’ll get if there is a malfunction with the electric power steering system is that the EPS light will illuminate on the dashboard . Specifically, the warning light will come on when the EPS system is off.
How long does it take to fix power steering?
Estimated times for your repair range from 1-2 hours . Most technicians and shops charge a minimum hourly charge for labor, on top of the cost for parts and fluids.
How do I reset my electric power steering?
Turn ignition switch OFF, and turn ignition switch ON. The EPS indicator comes on for about 6 seconds. Within 4 seconds of turning the switch ON, while the EPS indicator is on, turn the steering wheel 45° to left from straight ahead driving position, and hold steering wheel in position until EPS indicator goes off.
Is a power steering leak expensive to fix?
That mostly depends on where you want to repair the power steering fluid leaks. However, the best thing is that it’s not overly expensive when compared to other car repair tasks. But you can expect the cost to be anywhere from $100 to $220 , including manual labor costs. And that’s only if you replace the hose.
