# Power steering light on? What it means and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Colour:** Amber - **Urgency:** This week - **Most common cause:** Low battery or charging voltage - **Can I reset it?:** Yes, once fixed ## Quick answer The power steering light means the car has detected a fault in the steering assist system, and steering may feel much heavier, especially at low speed and when parking. On most newer cars with electric power steering, a low battery or charging voltage is a common cause. On older cars with hydraulic steering, low fluid or a slipping belt is more likely. You can still steer without assist, but it takes much more effort. ## What does the power steering warning light mean? The power steering light watches the system that makes the steering wheel easy to turn. Most newer cars use electric power steering: a torque sensor in the column measures how hard you turn the wheel, and a control module drives an electric motor on the column or steering rack to add help, with more assist at parking speeds and less on the highway. Older cars use a belt-driven hydraulic pump that pushes fluid to the steering gear. On electric systems, the module checks the motor, the torque and angle sensors, its own temperature and the supply voltage. When it finds a fault or voltage drops too low, it lowers or cuts assist and turns on the light. After long stretches of parking-lot maneuvering, some systems also reduce assist briefly to cool down. Many hydraulic systems have no warning light at all, so heavy steering and a whining pump are the warnings there. ## What does the power steering warning light look like? A steering wheel with an exclamation mark next to it, or the letters EPS. It is amber on most cars and red on some, where red usually means assist has been lost. | If the light is... | It means | | --- | --- | | Steady | Steering assist is reduced or switched off because of a fault. Steering may feel heavy, especially at low speed. | ## Why is the power steering warning light on? 1. **Low battery or charging voltage** (common). Electric power steering draws a lot of current, especially when you turn the wheel while parked. When the battery is weak, a cable is corroded or the alternator is failing, voltage dips and the system cuts assist to protect itself, often with the battery light on too. Cold mornings and cars that have sat for days make it more likely. 2. **Electric power steering motor or module fault** (common). The assist motor, its control module and the wiring between them can fail from heat, water getting into a connector or simple age. Steering may turn heavy suddenly or feel notchy. On many cars the motor is built into the steering column or rack, so repair often means replacing that assembly, about 800 to 2,000 dollars or more. 3. **Low power steering fluid (hydraulic systems)** (common). On cars with a hydraulic pump, leaks at hoses, the pump or the rack seals drop the fluid level, and the pump starts whining and losing assist, especially when turning at low speed. Look for red, amber or clear oily fluid under the front of the car. Running the pump dry damages it, so top up and find the leak. 4. **Steering torque or angle sensor fault** (less common). The torque sensor measures how hard you turn the wheel, and the angle sensor reports where the wheel points. Either can fail, lose calibration after an alignment, steering repair or battery disconnect, or send readings that do not match. Steering may pull to one side or feel uneven left to right. Recalibration with a scan tool sometimes fixes it. 5. **Broken or slipping drive belt (hydraulic systems)** (less common). A broken or slipping belt stops the hydraulic power steering pump, and on many cars the same belt drives the alternator and water pump. Steering suddenly turns heavy, and the battery and temperature lights may follow, which means pull over soon. Squealing at startup or when turning is an early warning. A new belt is usually an inexpensive repair. ## What to do right now 1. Test the steering gently at low speed. If it is heavy or jerky, pull over somewhere safe. 2. Turn the car off, wait a minute, and restart. A brief voltage dip can trigger the light, and it may clear on restart. 3. Check whether the battery light is on too, and have the battery and charging system tested if so. 4. On a hydraulic system, check the power steering fluid level and look for leaks or a broken belt with the engine off. 5. Have a shop scan the steering module codes if the light stays on. ## How do you reset the power steering warning light? The light usually turns off after a restart if the fault was a temporary voltage dip. Otherwise it stays on until the fault is repaired, and some cars need a steering angle sensor calibration with a scan tool. ## Is it safe to drive with the power steering warning light on? > **Drive to a shop this week.** If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. If steering becomes heavy, jerky or locks up, or the light is red, pull over and stop driving; have the car towed, because sudden loss of assist at speed or in a tight turn can cause a crash. ## What to tell your mechanic Tell the shop whether steering felt heavy, jerky or notchy, whether it happened at low speed or after a battery problem, and whether the battery light came on too. Mention recent alignment, battery or suspension work. They will scan the steering module, test battery and charging voltage, and, on hydraulic systems, check fluid, belt and pump before condemning the rack or column. ## How to keep the power steering warning light off - Keep the battery and alternator healthy, since electric steering cuts assist when voltage drops. - On hydraulic systems, check the power steering fluid level and use only the fluid type the manual specifies. - Avoid holding the steering wheel against full lock for long, which strains the pump or motor. - Replace a cracked or squealing serpentine belt before it slips or breaks. - Ask for a steering angle sensor calibration after alignments or steering repairs if your car requires one. ## Power steering warning light by model Owner complaints to NHTSA that mention this light, by model. Each page shows complaints by model year and related recalls. - [Ram 1500](/warning-lights/power-steering/ram-1500): 1061 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-colorado): 810 complaints - [Ford Explorer](/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-explorer): 498 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-silverado): 389 complaints - [Honda Civic](/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-civic): 387 complaints - [Honda CR-V](/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-cr-v): 362 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](/warning-lights/power-steering/chrysler-pacifica): 252 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-wrangler): 248 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-grand-cherokee): 231 complaints - [Honda Accord](/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-accord): 220 complaints - [GMC Sierra](/warning-lights/power-steering/gmc-sierra): 212 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](/warning-lights/power-steering/hyundai-sonata): 182 complaints - [Ford Escape](/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-escape): 178 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-cherokee): 145 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-malibu): 134 complaints - [Ford Edge](/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-edge): 130 complaints - [Toyota RAV4](/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-rav4): 129 complaints - [Honda Pilot](/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-pilot): 108 complaints - [Tesla Model 3](/warning-lights/power-steering/tesla-model-3): 98 complaints - [Chevrolet Traverse](/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-traverse): 86 complaints - [Chevrolet Tahoe](/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-tahoe): 82 complaints - [Kia Sorento](/warning-lights/power-steering/kia-sorento): 81 complaints - [Toyota Camry](/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-camry): 68 complaints - [Hyundai Elantra](/warning-lights/power-steering/hyundai-elantra): 67 complaints - [Jeep Compass](/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-compass): 53 complaints - [Kia K5](/warning-lights/power-steering/kia-k5): 52 complaints - [Chevrolet Equinox](/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-equinox): 48 complaints - [Honda Odyssey](/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-odyssey): 44 complaints - [Chevrolet Trax](/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-trax): 43 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](/warning-lights/power-steering/hyundai-santa-fe): 35 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](/warning-lights/power-steering/hyundai-tucson): 35 complaints - [Toyota Highlander](/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-highlander): 35 complaints - [Nissan Altima](/warning-lights/power-steering/nissan-altima): 34 complaints - [Subaru Outback](/warning-lights/power-steering/subaru-outback): 33 complaints - [Toyota Corolla](/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-corolla): 33 complaints - [Kia Soul](/warning-lights/power-steering/kia-soul): 31 complaints - [Kia Telluride](/warning-lights/power-steering/kia-telluride): 31 complaints - [Dodge Charger](/warning-lights/power-steering/dodge-charger): 29 complaints - [Nissan Rogue](/warning-lights/power-steering/nissan-rogue): 29 complaints - [Toyota Tundra](/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-tundra): 28 complaints - [Ford Mustang](/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-mustang): 27 complaints - [Subaru Forester](/warning-lights/power-steering/subaru-forester): 26 complaints - [Volkswagen Tiguan](/warning-lights/power-steering/volkswagen-tiguan): 25 complaints - [Dodge Durango](/warning-lights/power-steering/dodge-durango): 24 complaints - [Honda HR-V](/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-hr-v): 23 complaints - [Subaru Crosstrek](/warning-lights/power-steering/subaru-crosstrek): 20 complaints - [Kia Sportage](/warning-lights/power-steering/kia-sportage): 19 complaints - [Toyota Tacoma](/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-tacoma): 16 complaints - [Ford Expedition](/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-expedition): 14 complaints - [Volkswagen Jetta](/warning-lights/power-steering/volkswagen-jetta): 13 complaints - [Ford Bronco Sport](/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-bronco-sport): 12 complaints - [Nissan Pathfinder](/warning-lights/power-steering/nissan-pathfinder): 12 complaints - [Mazda CX-5](/warning-lights/power-steering/mazda-cx-5): 11 complaints - [Nissan Sentra](/warning-lights/power-steering/nissan-sentra): 10 complaints - [Kia Forte](/warning-lights/power-steering/kia-forte): 9 complaints - [Tesla Model Y](/warning-lights/power-steering/tesla-model-y): 6 complaints - [Toyota Sienna](/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-sienna): 5 complaints - [Ford F-150](/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-f-150): 4 complaints - [Toyota 4Runner](/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-4runner): 4 complaints ## Trouble codes behind this light - [P0562](/codes/p0562): System Voltage Low ## Frequently asked questions ### Is it safe to drive with the power steering light on? It can be for a short distance if steering still feels normal. If steering gets heavy, jerky or locks up, stop driving, because you may not be able to turn quickly enough in an emergency. A red power steering light usually means assist is lost. Have it checked before regular driving. ### Can a bad battery cause the power steering light to come on? Yes, on cars with electric power steering this is a common cause. The system needs steady voltage and cuts assist when it drops, especially at startup or when turning while stopped. Have the battery and alternator tested first, since that is cheaper than steering parts and often solves it. ### Can I still steer without power steering? Yes, the steering is still connected mechanically, but it takes much more effort, especially at low speed and when parking. Drive slowly, use both hands, avoid tight maneuvers and leave extra room to turn. A heavy wheel can surprise you in an emergency, so have it repaired soon. ### How much does it cost to fix a power steering light? It ranges from a battery or belt, often a few hundred dollars or less, to about 800 to 2,000 dollars or more for an electric power steering motor, column or rack at an independent shop in 2026. Have the voltage and codes checked first so you do not replace costly parts unnecessarily. ### Why does my power steering light come on and off? Usually because battery or charging voltage is dipping, often at startup or when turning while stopped, so the system cuts assist briefly. A loose connector or a sensor near the edge of failure can also do it. Have the battery and alternator tested, and note exactly when the light appears. ### Why is my steering wheel hard to turn with the power steering light on? Because the system has reduced or cut assist, so you are steering with muscle alone. Pull over somewhere safe, restart the car once, and see if assist returns. If it does not, drive only slowly to a nearby shop, or have the car towed if steering feels jerky or binds. ### Can a wheel alignment cause the power steering light to come on? It can on some cars. An alignment or steering repair can leave the steering angle sensor out of calibration, so the steering or stability system reports a fault. Many shops recalibrate it as part of the job. If the light came on right after an alignment, ask the shop to recheck it. ### What fluid goes in a power steering system? Use only the fluid named in your owner's manual or on the reservoir cap. Some systems take a dedicated power steering fluid, and others take a specific automatic transmission fluid. The wrong type can damage seals. Cars with electric power steering have no steering fluid to check at all. ### Can I fix a power steering light myself? Sometimes. You can restart the car, check the battery terminals, get the battery and alternator tested, and on hydraulic systems top up the correct fluid and inspect the belt. Motor, module, rack and sensor repairs need a scan tool and often calibration, so those belong at a shop. ### Will a power steering light fail a state inspection? It can. Many state safety inspections check steering, and a steering warning light may count as a defect where dash lights are checked. Heavy or binding steering is more likely to fail than the light alone. Rules vary, so check your state's requirements and repair it before your appointment. ## Sources - [Car Care Council: Car care guide](https://www.carcare.org/car-care-guide/) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs) - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag) - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery) - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake) - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine) - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature) - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure) - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure) - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control) ## Symptoms - [Why does my car pull to one side?](https://diagxcar.com/symptoms/car-pulls-to-one-side) - [Why does my steering wheel shake at high speeds?](https://diagxcar.com/symptoms/steering-wheel-shakes-at-high-speed) ## Repair costs - [Car battery replacement cost](https://diagxcar.com/cost/car-battery-replacement): $150-$450 - [Alternator replacement cost](https://diagxcar.com/cost/alternator-replacement): $450-$1,100 - [Serpentine belt replacement cost](https://diagxcar.com/cost/serpentine-belt-replacement): $100-$250 --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering Updated: 2026-11-03 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.