Symptoms
- Steering wheel icon or EPS warning light on the dashboard
- Steering suddenly feels much heavier
- Warning appeared after a battery disconnect or jump start
Likely causes
- CommonLow vehicle battery voltage or a recent battery disconnectEPS systems are sensitive to voltage and can throw a fault during cranking or after battery work.
- PossibleSteering angle sensor faultThis sensor tells the system the wheel's position; a fault can trigger reduced assist.
- PossibleFailing EPS motor or control moduleA more serious internal fault can cause the same warning.
What to do
- Check that the battery terminals are clean and tight, and the battery is holding a good charge.
- Turn the car off completely, wait a minute, and restart to see if the light clears on its own, especially after a recent battery event.
- Note if steering effort actually increased or if it's just a warning with normal steering feel.
- Avoid ignoring a light paired with genuinely heavy steering, since assist may be reduced.
- Have the system scanned for stored fault codes at a shop if the light persists after a restart.
Tools and parts
Steering angle sensor (if diagnosed as the cause)Search: “steering angle sensor for [your car model]”
When to call a pro
An EPS fault needs a code scan to diagnose properly; a shop with the right diagnostic tool can identify whether it's a sensor, voltage issue, or module fault.
Safety
Use caution
If steering suddenly becomes noticeably harder to turn along with the warning light, drive extra carefully to a safe stop and have it checked before continuing.