Car Won’t Start Power Steering Light On; Why?
If you see a power steering light on, that means you fault your vehicle’s power steering. It could be anything from low fluid levels to a fault in other electronic parts.
But the power steering is not the cause if your vehicle is not starting. There might be another fault in the car, including the battery, ignition system, electric wires, fuel pump, etc.
In above all cases, it becomes necessary to get your vehicle checked by the mechanic.
If you are trying to turn your key and nothing happens the moment you insert it into the ignition and turn it, you might have an issue with the power steering system. Don’t turn your key any further if you haven’t heard the engine turn over yet.
Your ignition switch is connected to a small magnet inside the lock cylinder. If you don’t hear your car’s engine turn over in a few moments, then there may be a problem with the ignition switch or other electrical components in your vehicle, not with the power steering system.
Table of Contents
- Power Steering Warning Light Meaning & How To Fix It?
- What If I See An EPS Light?
- Symptoms Of A Bad Power Steering System
- Is It Safe To Drive With The Power Steering Light On?
Power Steering Warning Light Meaning & How To Fix It?
A power steering warning light may mean that your vehicle has a problem with the power steering. If you have a hydraulic power steering system in the car, then the problem can be the fluid levels.
The low fluid levels also turn power steering lights on, and thus you should fill the fluid appropriately.
The low fluid levels also mean that you may leak into your car, and if it is a problem, it needs immediate attention.
If you’re experiencing noise from the front of your vehicle, check to see if it’s coming from the steering wheel’s pulley, bearing, or shaft assembly. If so, replace those components as soon as possible to stop any damage caused by them.
You may also experience a power steering warning light if your vehicle has a loose or broken belt.
Replace the belt as soon as possible if this is the case; it’s best to deal with the issue right away so that it doesn’t cause any damage to other parts of your vehicle’s power steering system.
And if you have the electric power steering, the problem can be the electronic computer or its component.
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What If I See An EPS Light?
Electric power steering lights are typically located in the dashboard of a car and lit when your car has an issue with the electrical power steering system, such as overheating or a possible short in the wiring.
Finding the cause of the light can be a little challenging and requires the help of professionals. Because sometimes, you may see cuts in the electric wires and other components, but most of the time, issues like battery and alternator are not visible.
To fix the lights, you can try to restart the car; this may turn off the EPS lights, and if it does not help, go to the mechanic to get your vehicle fixed.
Symptoms Of A Bad Power Steering System
A bad power steering system will not be as responsive as a good one, and it could cause the car to jerk erratically when turning sharply.
Finally, you should experience some vibration in the steering wheel when accelerating; if it feels rough and jerky, this could indicate a problem with your power steering fluid.
The best way to identify any issues is by knowing what they are:
- Stiff Steering Wheel
If your steering wheel feels stiff or tight when turning, then the chances are that your power steering fluid levels are low. The fluid absorbs and then releases pressure fluid back into the system as you turn the steering wheel.
When your fluid levels get low, this causes the steering wheel to absorb more than it should. This can cause a lot of wear on your power steering system’s belts, pulleys, and other parts.
- Slow Steering Response
A slow steering response happens when you turn your steering wheel fast with little or no resistance. For example, if you’re turning a corner in neutral and you feel no resistance, there could be an issue with either your power steering pump or belt.
When they are low on fluid or wear out, they can cause a slow response from your steering wheel. Any wear or damage to these parts can be a safety hazard, so check and replace them as necessary.
- Issues In Handling The Steering
In general, issues related to handling are mostly associated with the failing of a power steering pump or belt. The pump is responsible for pumping fluid through the hoses and into your power steering system.
The belt connects the pump to the pulley, which helps move the steering wheel. If either of these parts fails or are damaged from low fluid levels, handling problems will be.
Be aware that power steering systems are not easy or inexpensive when repaired. If you have a problem with your current power steering system, then you may want to consider replacing it.
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Is It Safe To Drive With The Power Steering Light On?
No, it is not safe to drive even a single mile with power steering lights on because the light means that you have lost your car’s power steering.
Steering is when you push or turn the wheel to make turns and move forward or backward. Most vehicles have an electric motor connected to the wheels and turn their sides.
The power steering does all the work for you, so you don’t have to use all your strength to turn it. The power steering system helps make driving and navigating a vehicle so easy and smooth as they use hydraulic pressure of liquid or gas and hydraulic motors that help steer cars.
The power steering light flashing or on is a warning that the system has lost some pressure which means you’re in danger of losing complete power steering.
If you allow your power steering to go out completely, driving will become dangerous, and you may not be able to control the vehicle in a usual manner.
So what does the light mean? The light itself will usually flash when the system is low on fluid. If it’s flashing on and off, it isn’t an emergency, but it should be checked immediately so that you don’t have any further damage done to your vehicle.
But if it lasts longer than one minute, you may require a tow. If the light comes back then, it’s essential to get your car looked at right away.
