What does a steering wheel-shaped warning light mean?
4 Answers
A steering wheel-shaped warning light indicates an issue with the electric power steering system. Here are the key details about this dashboard warning light: 1. Working principle: Normally, when turning the ignition switch from OFF to ACC, this warning light briefly illuminates for system self-check and extinguishes if no faults are detected. 2. Symptom: When this light stays on, it means power steering assistance has failed, requiring significantly more effort to turn the steering wheel. 3. Fault conditions: There are two scenarios - either the light remains constantly illuminated or flashes for 5-10 minutes before going off. The former requires immediate repair, while the latter may be resolved by reducing or temporarily disabling motor assistance.
Last year my car had this warning light come on, and the steering wheel suddenly became heavier while driving. After taking it to the repair shop, they found it was an issue with the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. The most common symptom when this light comes on is the steering wheel becoming noticeably heavier, especially requiring much more effort during low-speed turns. It could be a faulty torque sensor or a malfunction in the electric power steering motor. The most dangerous scenario is some models may suddenly lose power assistance, causing the steering wheel to lock up—this is absolutely not something to take lightly. My advice is to drive at low speed to a safe spot and immediately turn off and restart the engine when the light comes on; sometimes it's just a computer glitch that can be resolved. If that doesn’t work, calling a tow truck is the safest option, as the steering system is critical to driving safety.
Seeing the steering wheel icon on the dashboard indicates a steering system malfunction. I just helped my neighbor fix a similar issue last week: the electric power steering controller had short-circuited due to moisture. This caused the steering wheel to become extremely heavy, requiring both hands to forcefully turn it even when parking in reverse. The usual inspection sequence is to first read the fault codes, then check if the power assist motor is functioning properly. Nowadays, many cars have the electronic power steering module integrated below the steering column, requiring disassembly to inspect for oxidation on signal wires and power connectors. Labor costs around 300 yuan, while a new module replacement is approximately 1600. It's best to address this promptly to avoid long-term damage to the steering rack.
Take this warning light seriously when driving, as it indicates abnormal power steering. First, check if the steering wheel has become noticeably heavier, and try making continuous low-speed turns left and right. Some vehicles may temporarily recover after a restart, but immediate inspection is necessary. Focus on checking the steering angle sensor data and whether the electronic power steering motor fuse is blown. The worst-case scenario could be an internal fault in the steering gear, requiring repairs costing several thousand. I've seen fellow drivers stubbornly drive to the repair shop, only to lose power steering completely and nearly hit guardrails. For safety, avoid highways if this light comes on.
