Car Won’t Start Power Steering Light On [Answered]

If your car won’t start power steering light on that means that the steering fluid level is low. It can be due to a leak or it has been a while since you filled up the steering pump. However, if you are using an EPS, then it can also mean that the battery or alternator is not working properly.

To fix this you need to visit the servicing station and let them handle it or you can do it on your own. You can also avoid this damage by just watching out for the symptoms of a bad power steering system. If you want to find it all out then continue reading this article. 

Table of Contents

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 level.

This means that the fluid level is low and you need to fill it up in the required range as soon as possible.  

The low fluid levels also mean that you may leak into your car, and if it is a problem, it needs immediate attention.

low fluid levels
Source: CarParts.com

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. Make sure to tighten the belt properly while you put on the new one. It is 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. 

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. 

How to Identify EPS?

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.

However, problems related to the battery or alternator are also common for the power steering light to turn on. If the battery does not have enough power, it can’t send enough electricity to keep the winding of the alternator running. Without the alternator functioning, the EPS will not work and the light will turn on. 

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. If you are thinking about driving without a power steering, we suggest you don’t. Even though you can drive without a power steering wheel, it is risky. 

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 failure 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 is damaged from low fluid levels, handling problems will be.

Be aware that power steering systems are not easy or inexpensive when repair. If you have a problem with your current power steering system, then you may want to consider replacing it. 

Puddle or Leaks Underneath the Car:

If you find a puddle or leak underneath your car then it means that the power steering fluid is leaking. Normally that happens if the O-rings and seals in the power steering system get worn out or if the supply and pressure hoses in the power steering system develop holes and lead to leaks. 

Be aware of overfilling the power steering fluid reservoir. Because more than enough of the fluid means too much pressure the seal or gasket will blow, leading to steering fluid leaks. Besides, through too much use the power steering rack can get worn out and leak the fluid. 

To fix this, take your car to the servicing station, get it diagnosed and then the damaged part replaced. 

Unusual Groaning Noises:

If you hear groaning, whining, or squealing noises coming whenever you turn the steering wheel, it means that the power steering fluid level is low in the power steering pump. 

Before you fill it up, check for any leaks. If there is no leak then fill up the power steering fluid in the pump according to the required level. If you are not sure about the process then it is always recommended to visit the servicing station for help. 

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 easy and smooth as it uses the 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. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can Power Steering Cause Your Car Not to Start?

Yes, power steering can cause your car to not start. However, this is the case if your car has Electric Power Steering (EPS). Since it requires a battery to get enough power to power up the windings in the alternator so that the alternator can work. If either battery or alternator are damaged then the power steering will not work and your car will not start. 

Can a Bad Battery Cause Power Steering Problems?

Yes, a bad battery can cause power steering problems. Battery plays a key role in delivering the required electrical power for the EPS to work. If a battery is faulty then there will not be enough power delivered and the power steering will not work. 

Why is My Power Steering Light On?

The power Steering Light on indicates that the power steering system has failed and requires troubleshooting. The reason can vary based on the type of power steering system in the car. However, a leak in the system leading to a lower level of fluid flow is the common cause in the hydraulic power steering system. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, your car won’t start with the power steering light on for reasons like low fluid level and requires immediate attention. It is risky to keep driving if the power steering light remains on. So, make sure to fix the problem as soon as possible and if you are not comfortable with it then just get the professionals to fix it for you.

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