Electric power steering (EPS) systems are vital in today’s cars, allowing for easier and quicker steering. If the electric power steering light comes on and off, you can expect that a number of possible reasons behind it are begging for your attention.
So, let’s take a look at some common reasons why the Electric power steering light can flicker and what you should do to fix it in this blog.
Topic Summary
- What is Electric Power Steering (EPS)?
- How Electric Power Steering Works
- Why does Electric power Steering Light Comes on and off
- Common Reasons for Electric power Steering Light Comes on and off
- How to Diagnose and Repair Electric power Steering Light Comes on and off
- When to Seek Professional Help
- Is It Safe to Drive with The Power Steering Light On?
- FAQs On Electric Power Steering Light Comes On And Off
- What does it mean when the electric power steering light comes on and off?
- Is it safe to drive with the electric power steering (EPS) light comes on and off?
- What are some common reasons for the EPS light blinking?
- How do I fix an EPS light that goes on and off?
- When should I seek professional help for an EPS light issue?
- Conclusion
What is Electric Power Steering (EPS)?
In many cars nowadays, the traditional hydraulic power steering systems are no longer responsible for this; they are electric power steering (EPS). EPS helps in power steering by using electric assist instead of hydraulic pressure.
As a whole, this system is superior to hydraulic in that its efficiency is higher, it weighs less, and it needs fewer service operations. Regardless of that, it is not a problem-free car, as should be the case here, and one of these issues manifests itself as an electric power steering warning light flashing.
How Electric Power Steering Works
Electric Power Steering (EPS) is a technological advancement in the automotive sector that allows for easier and more precise steering control. Where traditional hydraulic systems require power from the Kindallians, EPS employs an electric motor to help enhance the force applied by a driver during steering efforts. Here’s a brief overview of how it works:
Steering Input: Sensors determine both the direction and amount in which a driver is turning the steering wheel.
Central Module Processing: The EPS control module processes the data from the sensors and calculates how much power steering assistance is needed according to the vehicle’s speed, the angle at which it’s being steered, and road conditions.
Electric Motor Assistance: Only the control module signals an electric motor mounted either on the steering column or rack to provide torque assistance. This motor results to help directly or by a gear reduction.
Feedback Loop: Real-time feedback ensures the system adapts to changing situations and can always provide optimal help.
EPS systems improve fuel efficiency, reduce weight, and allow for the tuning of steering feel, which benefits overall drive characteristics and safety.
Why does Electric power Steering Light Comes on and off
The EPS Light Coming On & Off: 9 Possible Reasons The result of an electronic power steering (EPS) light blinking on and off is a driver’s need for quick wheel movement, then weakness when the ignition key turns to ON.
Low-power steering fluid is a frequent source, which, although not typically found on fully electric systems, can come into play with hybrid designs. A bad steering angle sensor can also cause the light to come on since its function is critical in identifying where the steering wheel sits.
Electrical disruptions, usually within EPS wiring and connectors, can also affect the system, triggering the light to flicker. This problem can also arise due to software glitches or the need for updates in the EPS control module.
In addition, issues with the vehicle’s battery or charging system can disrupt power to the EPS, causing warning light flickering. It is important to correct these issues quickly so that the EPS system functions properly and does not become a safety concern for vehicle operation.
Common Reasons for Electric power Steering Light Comes on and off
Low Power Steering Fluid
As already mentioned, EPS systems are mostly electric motor-driven—only a small amount of hydraulic fluid might be used in certain designs. Inspect the fluid levels and top them off if needed.
Faulty Steering Angle Sensor
The steering angle sensor helps the EPS system determine the position of the steering wheel. A faulty sensor might activate that warning light.
Electrical Issues
There are multiple electrical components in an EPS system. Wiring connectors or problems with the electric motor can be a cause.
Software Glitches
As with all of today’s electronically controlled automotive systems, EPS is software-driven. Warning lights sometimes remain due to software or firmware updates being needed.
Battery and Charging System Issues
The EPS system needs a well-maintained power. Car battery or alternator problems can affect the performance of the EPS system, which in turn makes this warning light come alive.
How to Diagnose and Repair Electric power Steering Light Comes on and off
Check The Power Steering Fluid
Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the location of the power steering fluid reservoir. 2. Locate the Power Steering Reservoir. Check the fluid level and top up if necessary.
Check the Steering Angle Sensor
Instead, if you think the steering angle sensor is bad, have a technician diagnose it and potentially fix it.
Check All Electrical Connection
Look for partially broken wiring or connectors in the EPS system. Ensure all connections are tight and replace any damaged components.
Update Software
Take your vehicle to the dealership or a trusty mechanic and see if there are any software updates for your vehicle’s EPS system.
Check the Battery and Charging System
Use a multimeter to test the battery voltage of your car and check that it is within normal values. Similarly, verify the output of the alternator to ensure that it is not just putting any current into your battery.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you can identify what is causing it, some EPS issues are basic fixes that users can finish for themselves, whereas other errors will need to be addressed by a professional.
If the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) light keeps coming on / off after you check your vehicle and turn the ignition to full lock, or if you feel any difference in car control, please ask a certified mechanic for further troubleshooting.
It can be very unsafe to drive with a power steering system that is not functioning correctly.
Is It Safe to Drive with The Power Steering Light On?
You should not drive a vehicle with the power steering light on; this means that there is an issue with your car’s power steering system. The light usually comes on if there is some issue with the fluid levels, a bad pump, or a belt fault.
This light comes on when the power steering assist may not be functioning properly, making it harder to steer, especially at low speeds or while parking. If you drive with this light on, further damage to the steering components and unsafe vehicle conditions could occur.
The problem should be handled immediately by evaluating the power steering fluid level and examining for any signs of a leak or damaged component in your system.
If necessary, seek professional assistance to diagnose and repair the problem to ensure safe operation of the vehicle
FAQs On Electric Power Steering Light Comes On And Off
What does it mean when the electric power steering light comes on and off?
A common symptom of a failing EPS system is the illumination of the electric power steering (EPS) light, which often comes and goes as various problems within it arise. It can be minor electrical bugs or bigger underlying issues.
Is it safe to drive with the electric power steering (EPS) light comes on and off?
You should not keep driving if the EPS light comes and goes. The variation could indicate a loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash as a consequence.
What are some common reasons for the EPS light blinking?
Causes typically involve bad electrical wiring, a malfunctioning sensor, or the EPS control module itself. The intermittent faults are also sensitive to changes or vibrations in temperature.
How do I fix an EPS light that goes on and off?
The first step is to verify the level of power-steering fluid and look for corrosion or damage on all electrical connections. Here is a Professional Diagnostic Tool that can read specific error codes, helping the professional focus on what needs fixing.
When should I seek professional help for an EPS light issue?
But, if the EPS light is still on-off, it means that the safe and as early consulted technicians. Frequent EPS light warnings can result in more serious steering issues and will compromise the safety of your vehicle.
Conclusion
The EPS warning light turning off and on could mean anything from a simple fix to many of the common problems above.
So, with that in mind and for the better -here- we will have listed all of their probable causes and a recommended procedure to diagnose as well as repair them so you can keep your vehicle’s power steering system active.
Remember to keep safe and get in touch with a professional if you have any doubts about what to do so your vehicle can continue its performance bump; this way, it will always be reliable.