Why is the steering wheel light on?
3 Answers
The steering wheel light being on indicates an abnormality or malfunction in the power steering system. The car's steering system is a power-assisted steering system, which means it uses external force to allow the driver to complete steering with less effort. Initially, this system was used in large vehicles, but now it is widely applied to various car models. Thanks to power steering, driving becomes much easier, and to some extent, it enhances driving safety. Reasons for the power steering warning light to come on: 1. There is a large amount of air in the power steering system, causing abnormal steering; 2. Foreign objects in the steering hydraulic pipeline cause the steering pump flow control valve to stick; 3. Loose connections in the power steering system lead to steering fluid leakage; 4. Excessive wear of the steering gear piston cylinder, poor sealing of the oil seal, or sticking/damage of the control valve.
A few days ago, my steering wheel warning light suddenly came on. At first, I thought it was just a minor issue with the dashboard and didn't pay much attention. After driving a few kilometers, I noticed the steering felt heavy, like pushing a block of iron. I immediately pulled over to check and found out this was a signal of electric power steering system failure. Common causes include sensor failure, malfunctioning electronic control unit, or low battery voltage, especially in older vehicles. It could also happen if water gets into the steering module or there's a short circuit in the wiring - my car had this issue after the last rain. It's advised not to continue driving as steering failure can be dangerous. First, try restarting the engine to see if it clears the fault code. If that doesn't work, promptly visit a professional repair shop for inspection. Regular maintenance of the steering system can help prevent such issues.
As an average car owner, I also encountered the steering wheel warning light coming on after buying my car last year, which was quite alarming since I wasn't familiar with automotive terminology. After checking the manual and online posts, I learned that this light typically indicates an issue with the power steering system, such as a faulty electronic power assist, lost sensor signal, or blown fuse. Simply put, the steering becomes stiff, making it hard to turn the wheel. You can start by checking if the corresponding fuse in the fuse box is blackened—if so, try replacing it with a new one. Also, pay attention to any unusual noises when starting the car, as this could indicate mechanical component damage. Don't delay addressing such issues, as steering failure can compromise safe driving. It's advisable to stop immediately and call a repair shop. Regular checks of steering fluid and electronic components can help reduce risks.
