What does the yellow steering wheel with exclamation mark mean?
2 Answers
The yellow steering wheel with an exclamation mark on the dashboard is the power steering indicator light, which is related to the steering assist system. It usually lights up briefly when the car starts and turns off afterward. If it remains lit, it indicates a fault in the steering system, and you should drive to a 4S shop or repair shop for inspection as soon as possible. Below are some precautions for steering wheel usage: 1. Develop a good habit of not moving the steering wheel unless the car deviates from its path. When correcting the direction, do it promptly and with moderate force. Generally, you should return the steering wheel slightly earlier and with smaller movements, then hold it steady with a little force. 2. Combine with field training to practice the timing and speed of steering, such as in figure-eight, S-shaped, and right-angle turns. When driving on the right side, to prevent the car from veering to the right, turn the steering wheel to the left until there is no free play, making it disappear to the left so that your left hand can feel the vehicle's current position.
When I first started driving, I also saw this steering wheel warning light with a yellow exclamation mark, which gave me a scare. It's a signal that there's an issue with the power steering system—simply put, your car's power assist might fail, making the steering wheel unusually heavy when turning. There could be several reasons: low power steering fluid, a fluid leak, a fault in the electronic control system like a broken sensor or loose wiring, or even an aging power steering pump itself. Once this light comes on, don't push through, especially on highways, as difficulty in handling can lead to accidents. I remember one time driving on a mountain road when the light came on—the steering wheel was as heavy as lifting bricks, so I had to pull over slowly and wait for help. During regular maintenance, ask the mechanic to check the power steering fluid and hoses more often. Prevention is better than regret—safety first. If the problem persists, head to a professional auto repair shop right away.
