What does a steering wheel with an exclamation mark mean?
2 Answers
A steering wheel with an exclamation mark is the electric power steering system warning light. If the indicator light stays on after the vehicle's ignition switch is turned on or during driving, it indicates a fault in the electric power steering system. It is recommended to promptly visit a repair shop for inspection and repair. If a yellow indicator light comes on, it indicates that part of the steering system has failed, meaning the steering effort increases and steering becomes difficult. If a red indicator light comes on, it indicates that the steering system has completely failed, and the power steering assistance is no longer functioning. The driver should slow down as soon as possible, park the vehicle safely, and proceed with repairs or wait for assistance. The electric power steering system is a power steering system that directly relies on an electric motor to provide assistive torque.
The other day while driving, I encountered this steering wheel with an exclamation mark light coming on. Suddenly, the steering wheel became very heavy, making it difficult to turn, which gave me quite a scare. Fortunately, there was a repair shop nearby, so I quickly drove over to get it checked. It turned out to be an issue with the electronic power steering system, likely a sensor malfunction or a loose module. The mechanic said this needed immediate attention, as steering failure could be very dangerous. Later, I thought about how such signals could also indicate other problems, like a power steering fluid leak or an electrical short circuit. But no matter the cause, it's crucial to stop and check as soon as you notice it. Since buying my car, I've learned some basic fault identification skills, and I feel that paying attention to these small warning alerts can really be life-saving. From now on, I won't ignore them anymore.
