What does it mean when the steering wheel exclamation mark light comes on?
1 Answers
The appearance of an exclamation mark on the steering wheel indicates the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) indicator light, which should disappear immediately after the engine starts. The Electric Power Steering (EPS) system is a power steering system that directly relies on an electric motor to provide auxiliary torque. Compared to the traditional Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS) system, the EPS system offers many advantages. The EPS system mainly consists of components such as a torque sensor, vehicle speed sensor, electric motor, reduction mechanism, and Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The Electric Power Steering system evolved from the traditional mechanical steering system. It utilizes the power generated by an electric motor to assist the driver in steering operations. The system is primarily composed of three major parts: signal sensing devices (including torque sensor, steering angle sensor, and vehicle speed sensor), steering assist mechanism (motor, clutch, reduction transmission mechanism), and electronic control device. The electric motor operates only when assistance is needed. When the driver operates the steering wheel, the torque and angle sensors generate corresponding voltage signals based on the input torque and steering angle. The vehicle speed sensor detects the speed signal, and the control unit issues commands to control the motor's operation based on the voltage and speed signals, thereby generating the required steering assistance.