POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAIL-SAFE CHART

If a problem occurs in the power steering system, the power steering assist will be stopped or the amount of power assist will be decreased to protect the system.

Power Steering System
Malfunction Fail-safe Operation EPS warning light Buzzer

  • Torque sensor (rack and pinion power steering gear assembly) malfunction

  • Power steering motor (rack and pinion power steering gear assembly) malfunction

  • Power steering ECU (rack and pinion power steering gear assembly) malfunction

 Power steering assist stops or assist amount is limited Red or yellow Sounds intermittently or once

  • Vehicle speed signal malfunction

  • Lost communication with skid control ECU assembly

  • Temperature inside power steering ECU (rack and pinion power steering gear assembly)

  • Decrease in auxiliary battery voltage (not malfunction)

 Power steering assist is temporarily limited Yellow Sounds once

Tech Tips


  • If the power steering assist stops, the EPS warning light comes on (red).

  • If the amount of power assist is reduced, the EPS warning light comes on (yellow) and a vibration or sound may occur.

  • The amount of power assist may be decreased to prevent the motor and ECUs from overheating if the steering wheel is continuously turned when the vehicle is either stopped or being driven at a low speed, or if the steering wheel is kept at either full lock position for a long time. In such cases, the amount of power assist returns to normal when the steering wheel is not turned for approximately 10 minutes with the power switch on (READY).

  • If the auxiliary battery is not sufficiently charged or the voltage decreases temporarily, the amount of power assist will be reduced and the EPS warning light will come on. In such cases, the amount of power assist returns to normal when the auxiliary battery voltage recovers.