What does a steering wheel with an exclamation mark on the dashboard mean?

[BlakelyRose]

A steering wheel with an exclamation mark on the dashboard is the electric power steering system warning light, indicating a fault in the vehicle's electric power steering system. If this indicator light remains illuminated after the ignition switch is turned on or while driving, it signifies a malfunction in the electric power steering system, and you should promptly visit a repair shop for inspection and repair. If the yellow indicator light is on, it means that part of the steering system has failed, resulting in increased steering effort and difficulty in turning. If the red indicator light is on, it indicates a complete failure of the steering system, with the power steering function disabled. The driver should slow down as soon as possible, park the vehicle safely, and arrange for repairs or wait for assistance. Under normal circumstances, when the ignition switch is turned from OFF to ACC, the electric power steering system fault light will briefly illuminate for a self-check and will turn off if no issues are detected.

[MarianaRose]

Last time I was driving my husband's car on a long trip when suddenly the steering wheel with an exclamation mark light came on the dashboard, which gave me a scare. I asked a mechanic friend, and they said it's a steering system warning, likely indicating a power steering issue. This means the steering would become very heavy, making driving difficult and dangerous. In my case, it was a minor fault with the electronic power steering module, and luckily it was caught early before any accident occurred. If you encounter this situation, you should first slow down and find a safe place to pull over, check the tire pressure and steering fluid, and if possible, head to a 4S shop or repair shop immediately—don't delay. During regular maintenance, also remember to have the mechanic check the steering system—prevention is key.

[KingDella]

As a seasoned driver, I've seen many warning lights on the dashboard. That steering wheel with an exclamation mark symbol represents a steering system fault warning, usually indicating an issue with the power steering system. For example, the electric power steering might fail, making the steering wheel suddenly become heavy, which is very dangerous. When this light appears, you should immediately pull over and prioritize safety. Possible causes include EPS module failure, sensor malfunction, or loose wiring. I recommend not continuing to drive and calling for a tow truck to take it to professional repair. Safety is no small matter; such faults can easily lead to heavy steering and increase the risk of accidents.

[SophieLee]

Having driven for several years, I'm quite familiar with this warning light. A steering wheel with an exclamation mark indicates the power steering system warning light. When illuminated, it means there may be a malfunction in the power steering system, such as issues with the electric power steering. At this point, the steering wheel may become heavy and difficult to turn. Common causes include sensor problems, motor failure, or a faulty control unit. I once experienced this due to short circuits caused by wet wiring on a rainy day. The solution is simple: safely pull over, turn off the engine, wait a few minutes and restart. If that doesn't work, call for roadside assistance. Remember, regular steering system checks can prevent many troubles.