What is the EPS fault?
3 Answers
EPS is the electronic power steering warning light, indicating a fault in the electric power steering system. Its function is to use the power generated by the motor to assist the driver in power steering. The main components of the EPS system include the steering sensor, speed sensor, power assist mechanism, steering assist motor, and microcomputer control unit. The working principle of the electric power steering system is that the torque sensor is connected to the steering shaft. When the steering shaft rotates, the torque sensor starts working, and the relative angular displacement between the input shaft and output shaft caused by the torsion bar is converted into an electrical signal and sent to the ECU. The ECU determines the rotation direction of the motor and the magnitude of the assist current based on signals from the speed sensor and torque sensor, completing real-time control of the power steering.
When the EPS fails, the steering wheel becomes extremely heavy, making it feel like moving a rock to turn it, and there's a warning light on the dashboard reminding me to be careful. I remember once while driving, it suddenly happened, which gave me a scare, so I quickly pulled over. The cause of the failure could be poor contact in the steering sensor, issues with the power assist motor, or water getting into the mechanical parts affecting performance. The mechanic checked my car and found it was due to a lost sensor signal; replacing the part fixed the issue. Losing EPS assistance is really dangerous, especially during turns or at high speeds, making vehicle control difficult and increasing the risk of accidents. So, my advice is if this happens, don’t hesitate—go to a professional repair shop immediately. Safety first. During regular maintenance, pay extra attention to reduce the risk of water ingress and clean the engine compartment periodically.
EPS malfunctions are commonly caused by electrical circuit issues. The system consists of an electric power assist motor, sensors, and a control module. If the sensors fail to detect the torque applied to the steering wheel, the motor won't receive the correct signal to provide assistance. I recall fixing similar problems where poor wiring connections or damaged insulation leading to short circuits were common failure points. The symptoms are obvious: difficulty turning the steering wheel, and sometimes a warning light appears on the dashboard. For diagnosis, a fault code reader can be used to identify specific errors, but it's best for non-professionals to take the car to a specialized repair shop rather than attempting DIY fixes to avoid damaging more components. For prevention, regularly check the battery voltage stability, as an aging battery can affect EPS performance. Also, avoid holding the steering wheel at full lock for too long to prevent system overheating.
