What does an exclamation mark next to the steering wheel mean?
2 Answers
An exclamation mark next to the steering wheel is alerting the driver to a malfunction in the vehicle's power steering system. When this occurs, it is essential to promptly visit a 4S shop for inspection and repair of the power steering system. The power steering system is crucial for a car as it directly affects driving stability and handling. There are three common types of power steering systems in vehicles: electro-hydraulic power steering, electric power steering, and mechanical hydraulic power steering. Both mechanical hydraulic power steering and electro-hydraulic power steering systems are equipped with a power steering pump. In mechanical hydraulic systems, the pump is driven by the engine, while in electro-hydraulic systems, it is powered by an electric motor.
I've been driving for decades and have seen the exclamation mark light next to the steering wheel come on many times. Usually, this indicates a fault in the power steering system, and the steering wheel may become extremely heavy, making it very difficult to turn. The cause could be a broken steering sensor, a problem with the motor, poor contact in the control circuit, or sometimes even insufficient battery power triggering it. I remember one time when the light came on in my car, and as I was driving, the steering wheel suddenly locked up, nearly causing me to hit the roadside. Fortunately, I slowed down immediately and pulled over, then found a repair shop to inspect and fix it. I strongly advise you not to ignore it, as it poses a significant safety hazard, especially when changing lanes at high speeds, which could lead to loss of control. It's best to drive slowly to a professional repair shop immediately or have the car towed. Regular maintenance checks on steering components can help prevent this issue.