What causes the EPS light to come on and the steering to intermittently become heavy?
4 Answers
The reasons for the EPS light coming on and the steering intermittently becoming heavy are as follows: 1. Protection mode: The illumination of the EPS warning light indicates a failure protection mode in the electric power steering system, during which heavy steering is normal. To troubleshoot this issue, it is recommended to visit a repair shop for data stream detection of the electric power steering control unit. Analysis and repair should be based on the frozen fault codes in the control unit. If the electric power steering system signals are inaccurate or the sensors are malfunctioning, the above phenomenon may occur. 2. Battery depletion: The system may also fail to operate. If you sometimes feel the battery is weak when starting the engine and the EPS light comes on, it may indicate a battery issue. If the battery is ruled out, first check the two steering angle sensors of the EPS system.
I've dealt with similar issues quite often. When the EPS light is on and the steering feels alternately light and heavy, it's almost certainly caused by a sensor malfunction. It could be the torque sensor aging and misreading the steering wheel force, or the steering angle sensor providing unstable signals. A drop in battery voltage can also cause the power assist system to intermittently fail, especially noticeable during cold starts or when using air conditioning. You can first check for loose battery terminals or blown fuses yourself. Remember, don't risk driving on highways or making sharp turns with this intermittent problem as it can suddenly worsen. It's safest to quickly find a repair shop to scan for trouble codes with a diagnostic tool. Safety first - after repairs, regularly checking the electrical system can prevent recurrence.
My car is getting old, and when the EPS light comes on, the steering becomes extremely heavy, then improves after a while. It's mostly caused by poor wiring connections. Loose wire plugs or water-induced short circuits can interfere with signal transmission, causing the power assist to fluctuate between strong and weak. It could also be due to a sticky relay or minor errors in the control unit. I suggest you avoid long trips when the light is on and pull over to check if any fuses in the fuse box are blown. If you're eager to troubleshoot, test the battery voltage for stability—if it's low, recharge or replace it. But ultimately, you'll need a professional shop to run a computer diagnostic. Don’t take it lightly—loss of steering control drastically increases accident risks. Try to avoid mountain roads or rainy conditions until it's fixed.
As a car enthusiast, analyzing the reasons for the EPS light turning on and unstable steering: the most common causes are sensor component failures like torque detectors malfunctioning or intermittent power supply issues in the system circuit. Occasional variations in severity suggest intermittent faults, possibly due to wire wear or control module misoperation. The DIY inspection steps include checking if the generator output is around 14 volts and unplugging the power steering connector to clean contact rust. If unable to fix it, take it to a shop for code reading and diagnosis. Early intervention is crucial because steering system failure can make turning difficult and cause lane deviation, especially during peak hours.
