What does it mean when the EPS light comes on in a car?
3 Answers
When the EPS light comes on in a car, it indicates a fault in the Electric Power Steering system. The function of EPS is to use the power generated by an electric motor to assist the driver with steering, providing direct steering assistance through the electric power motor. This eliminates the need for components such as the power steering oil pump, hoses, hydraulic fluid, drive belt, and pulley mounted on the engine found in hydraulic power steering systems, saving energy and protecting the environment. The working principle of EPS is: when the steering wheel is operated, the torque sensor mounted on the steering column continuously measures torque and steering angle signals. These signals, along with the vehicle speed, are input into the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). After calculation and processing by the ECU, it controls the motor to output a corresponding torque signal in terms of magnitude and direction. The main torque from the motor is then increased through a speed reducer and applied to the steering system to achieve power steering assistance for the vehicle.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered the EPS light coming on several times. That one time was really concerning. EPS stands for Electronic Power Steering system, and when the light comes on, it indicates an issue with the power steering assistance, such as the steering becoming extremely heavy, requiring much more force to turn the wheel. There could be several reasons: a faulty steering sensor, electrical wiring short circuit, or unstable battery power supply, especially during cold starts in winter. I remember that time when I was approaching a traffic light, and suddenly the steering wheel felt as hard as a rock—I could barely turn it. Thankfully, I was driving slowly, so nothing serious happened. Safety first—never push through it. Immediately find a safe spot to pull over and inspect or call for a tow truck. Regular maintenance is key, like cleaning the power steering system's connector plugs to prevent moisture and dust buildup. If the EPS light frequently comes on, it's best to visit a professional auto repair shop to scan for trouble codes with a diagnostic tool. Don’t delay until it becomes a major issue.
I think the EPS light usually indicates a fault in the Electric Power Steering system, commonly caused by sensor signal issues, control module failure, or aging wiring. Having done some minor work on cars, I know that when the light comes on, the steering assistance weakens or even disappears, making handling particularly strenuous, especially when turning in city traffic jams—it feels like a real effort. For example, last time a friend's car had the EPS light on, it was due to water ingress corroding the wiring connectors. I recommend doing some basic troubleshooting first: restart the engine to see if the light goes off, check the corresponding fuse in the fuse box, and ensure the connectors aren’t loose. If that doesn’t work, get it repaired as soon as possible, otherwise the steering column could be damaged or fuel consumption might increase. For long-term prevention, I recommend choosing OEM parts to avoid off-brand replacements and avoiding prolonged driving on muddy roads.
