What causes the electronic power steering system indicator light to come on?
2 Answers
Electronic power steering system indicator light comes on due to: 1. Vehicle pulling to one side; 2. Heavy steering; 3. Inconsistent steering effort between left and right turns; 4. Low-speed wobble and unstable steering. Power steering assists drivers in adjusting vehicle direction, reducing steering wheel effort, and plays a role in driving safety and fuel efficiency. Electronically controlled power steering systems can be divided into hydraulic and electric types based on power source, using motor-generated power to assist drivers with steering.
When my electronic power steering indicator light comes on, I realize it could be caused by multiple issues. The most common problem is a faulty steering torque sensor, which detects the force applied to the steering wheel—once it malfunctions, it triggers the warning. The electronic control unit (ECU) might also be defective, such as having internal software errors or hardware damage. Unstable vehicle battery voltage can cause false alarms, especially when restarting after shutdown with excessively low voltage. Aging wiring or loose connectors can interrupt signals and trigger false warnings. More seriously, the steering motor itself might be faulty, leading to reduced assistance or complete failure. I recommend immediately checking the battery status using a simple tool to measure if the voltage is within the normal range of 12-14 volts. If the light is on, the steering wheel will become very heavy, especially during low-speed turns, posing a potential hazard. Never ignore this; visit a professional repair shop as soon as possible for diagnosis to avoid steering failure at high speeds. Regular maintenance of sensors and the battery can reduce such faults, saving you both worry and money.
