A steering wheel with an exclamation mark just lit up your dash. Here's what it means, what to do in the next ten minutes, and what the fix usually involves.
What the light means
Your power steering assist has a fault or has shut down to protect itself. Steering still works — it just gets heavy, sometimes very heavy at parking speeds. Modern cars use electric assist; older ones use hydraulic fluid, and the causes differ.
What to do right now
- Red light or sudden heaviness: slow down, avoid highways, and get to a shop the same day.
- Yellow light, steering feels normal: schedule this week — the system logged a fault worth reading.
- After a battery change or jump-start: the system may just need a steering-angle relearn — a quick shop visit.
Common causes we see
Low hydraulic fluid from a leaking hose (older cars), a failing electric steering motor or module, a weak battery or alternator starving the system of voltage, or a damaged wheel-speed sensor confusing the assist logic. Diagnosis starts at $95 — credited to the repair.
Can I still drive?
Short distances at low speed, yes, if you can comfortably muscle the wheel. Highway driving with heavy steering is genuinely dangerous — call us and we'll advise honestly, or send the shuttle.
