There are a number of dashboard warning lights that can pop on at any minute. Today, we’ll be discussing what the steering wheel with exclamation mark means on the dashboard of your vehicle. Let’s get started.
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What Does The Steering Wheel With Exclamation Mark Means?
This light, a steering wheel, and exclamation point indicate that your vehicle’s power steering fluid levels are low or that there is a fault in the system. Only a fraction of car owners goes through their manufacturer’s manual to know the meaning of various warning lights that flash on the dashboard.
Therefore, most of them get confused when the power steering warning light illuminates. The problem is that one cannot tell what has caused the light to flash. The light can only go away after diagnosing and fixing the problem. If left unsolved, it may lead to safety risks.
Where Can I Find The Power Steering System Warning Light?
The power steering warning light on your car’s dashboard is easily recognizable as it may be a yellow, orange or red steering wheel often accompanied by an exclamation mark. In electric power steering systems, an illuminated EPS communicates the same message.
What Does The Power Steering Warning Light Look Like?
The steering wheel with exclamation mark i.e. power steering warning light is often amber or red with the image of the steering wheel and an exclamation mark. If you have an electric power steering, the light might illuminate behind an EPS sign, which stands for electric power steering.
What Causes The Power Steering Warning Light To Turn On?
The problem causing the power steering warning light to appear on your car’s dash varies, depending on the steering system. If your car has a hydraulic steering system, the most likely culprit is decreasing power steering fluid levels. The likely cause for that is a transmission leak within one of the hoses. When you notice the warning light flashing while you’re driving, pull over and check the fluid level.
The problem with driving a car with a flashing power steering warning light is that it damages the power assist. You’ll be able to drive the car, but turning the steering wheel will be a challenge, requiring extra caution when driving.
A temporary solution to the problem is to refill the system with the correct fluid, and the light will immediately disappear. You need to take the vehicle to a certified technician to repair any damages or fissures within the system that cause the fluid leak to fix the problem permanently.
What To Do If The Power Steering Warning Light Comes On?
1. If you drive a car with a hydraulic power steering system, you should check the fluid level by locating the steering wheel fluid reservoir within the engine. It may be marked with a steering wheel on the cap and should have a marked fluid level.
2. If the level is low, you should top it up with the correct fluid as indicated in your car’s manual. Upon starting the engine again, the light should remain dark.
3. Remember that a low fluid level is often a result of a leak in the system and should be evaluated by a specialist as soon as possible.
4. If your car operates with an electronic system, it may be worthwhile to turn your car on and off again.
5. If this does not solve the problem, you should check that all the connections to your car’s battery are correct and undamaged.
Therefore, the steering wheel with exclamation mark light i.e. power steering warning light indicates a problem that should be investigated promptly.
Is It Safe To Drive With The Power Steering Light On?
It’s not going to be easy, as the steering will be heavier and turning will be more difficult. It will also be almost impossible to react to events at higher speeds, so accidents will be far more likely.
However, if you’re far from home. It is recommended that you stop as soon as possible and inspect your car in a safe place.
Either way, the steering wheel warning light is a clear sign that something is wrong with your power steering system. And you should have your car inspected by a qualified technician as soon as possible.
Conclusion:-
We hope the above-mentioned information about the steering wheel with exclamation mark light will be helpful to all the readers. If anybody’s doubts persist feel free to comment in the comment section below. We’ll try to solve your doubts as soon as possible.