What causes the 'Service Power Steering' warning and failure to start?
4 Answers
This phenomenon occurs due to a malfunction in the power steering system. Solution: Users need to immediately contact a repair service to clear the fault. Power steering reduces the driver's operating force on the steering wheel (also known as the handwheel). The device that uses external power to generate steering assistance is called the power steering system. When the power steering system warning light illuminates during vehicle operation, it indicates a fault in the power steering system. At this time, steering assistance is weakened or completely lost, and the resistance when turning the steering wheel becomes several times greater than normal. Since this fault cannot be self-inspected or repaired, the best solution is for the user to drive to the nearest repair station for service. Power steering system maintenance: When the engine is running, check that the oil level in the reservoir must be between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick. It's important to note that an excessively low oil level will cause the power steering system to fail.
I also encountered the power steering warning light coming on plus the engine not starting last time. The steering wheel was as heavy as lifting bricks, and turning the key only produced clicking sounds. Turned out the alternator belt had snapped - what a nightmare! That belt drives both the alternator and power steering pump, so when it breaks you lose charging and steering assist. Pop the hood to check if the belt's still intact; if it is, focus on testing the battery voltage. Corroded battery terminals can also cause complete electrical failure. Don't keep cranking - turn on hazard lights and push the car to safety first, as this dual failure combo can easily strand you. I ended up replacing the belt and getting a jump start, costing me around 500 yuan total.
Power steering warning light on and engine won't start? I've encountered this twice. First time was in winter when I accidentally left the headlights on and drained the battery - after jump-starting, found the steering wheel still locked. Second time was even weirder - when turning the key to ACC position, the dashboard completely died. Turned out to be a blown main fuse in that black box near the battery. My advice: first check the battery - see if interior lights work to confirm power. Then test the power steering by honking the horn - if the steering wheel lightens up when pressed, power supply is normal. Focus on checking the engine bay fuse box, especially those labeled EPS and ECU fuses - these little things can disable the entire vehicle's electronic systems.
Double faults can be really annoying! Did you notice the dashboard flickering when the car wouldn't start? Is the starter just whining without doing its job? When fixing cars, I've found that 80% of such issues are power supply problems. The most typical culprit is an aging battery, especially one that can't hold a charge in winter. Another serious offender is worn-out starter motor brushes – the noise sounds like gears getting stuck. The power steering failure might just be a secondary symptom, as the EPS system shuts down when battery voltage drops below 10V. Grab a multimeter and check the battery's no-load voltage yourself – if it's below 11.8V, jump-start or replace the battery immediately.
