Car care · Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center · Elgin, IL
Power Steering Light: What It Means and What to Do
If your vehicle has electric power steering (EPS), its warning light means the system has a problem or has reduced its assist. In the owner's manual example used here, the 2026 Ram 1500, the message shown with the light tells you whether to pull over and let the system cool or to have it serviced. Here is how to read it.
Redthe EPS fault light is a red warning light in the manual example
2 messagesservice needed, or over temperature
Still steerswith no assist, but with much more effort
As soon as possiblewhen the manual says to get service
The short answer
In the manual example, the Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fault Warning Light turns on when there is a fault with the EPS system, and the manual warns that continued operation with reduced assist could pose a safety risk, so service should be obtained as soon as possible. If the light comes with a Power Steering System Over Temp message, pull over when it is safe and let the vehicle idle until the icon and message turn off. You can still steer without assist, but it takes much more effort, especially at low speeds and when parking. Your own vehicle's owner's manual explains its version of the light.
What the power steering light means
In the manual example, the Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fault Warning Light is one of the red warning lights. It turns on when there is a fault with the EPS system. The manual warns that continued operation with reduced assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others, and that service should be obtained as soon as possible.
The manual describes electric power steering simply: the system provides increased vehicle response and ease of maneuverability, and adapts to different driving conditions. Other vehicles may use a different power steering system and a different light; your own owner's manual will say which system you have.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (symbol glossary, page 11; Power Steering, page 72; Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fault Warning Light, page 141), read November 3, 2026. Lights vary by vehicle; check your own owner's manual.
Power steering messages and what they mean
In the manual example, the EPS warning icon appears with one of these messages in the instrument cluster display:
Service Power Steering
The vehicle needs to be taken to an authorized dealer for service.
Power Steering Assist Off – Service System
The vehicle needs to be taken to an authorized dealer for service.
Power Steering System Over Temp
An over temperature condition in the power steering system. Once driving conditions are safe, pull over and let the vehicle idle for a few moments until the icon and message turn off. If the condition persists, see an authorized dealer for service.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Power Steering, pages 72 and 73), read November 3, 2026.
What to do when the power steering light comes on
Steps based on the manual example:
- Read the message shown with the light.
- If it says Power Steering System Over Temp, pull over once driving conditions are safe and let the vehicle idle for a few moments until the icon and message turn off.
- If the over temperature condition persists, the manual says to see an authorized dealer for service. If the message says Service Power Steering or Power Steering Assist Off – Service System, the vehicle needs to be taken to an authorized dealer for service, and the manual warns that service should be obtained as soon as possible.
- Until then, we suggest allowing more room and more effort for turning, especially at low speeds and in parking lots.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Power Steering, pages 72 and 73; EPS Fault Warning Light, page 141), read November 3, 2026.
Steering feels heavy?
The manual example explains what happens if assist stops: even if the power steering assistance is no longer operational, it is still possible to steer the vehicle. Under these conditions there will be a substantial increase in steering effort, especially at low speeds and during parking maneuvers.
Heavier steering can also be a setting rather than a fault. In the manual example, alternate electric power steering efforts can be selected through the Uconnect system. If the steering feels different but no warning light or message is shown, we suggest checking your vehicle's settings first.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Power Steering, pages 72 and 73), read November 3, 2026.
Other things that affect steering
In the manual example, Dynamic Steering Torque (DST) is a feature of the Electronic Stability Control and EPS modules that provides torque at the steering wheel for certain driving conditions in which the ESC module is detecting vehicle instability. The only sign it is working is that torque at the wheel, and the manual stresses that it will not steer the vehicle; the driver is still responsible for steering.
The manual also lists electric power steering among the systems the Enhanced Accident Response System may cut battery power to after an impact. After any collision, we suggest having the vehicle checked before you drive it. For other dashboard lights, see our ABS light and check engine light guides.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Enhanced Accident Response System, page 59; Dynamic Steering Torque, page 242), read November 3, 2026.
Power steering help at Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center
Our service department works on new and pre-owned vehicles, including Toyota, GMC, Buick, Honda, Kia and Hyundai models. If your power steering light or a service message stays on, schedule a visit and tell us which message you saw, when it came on, and whether the steering felt heavier.
Our service department at 1200 E. Chicago St. in Elgin is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed Sunday. Schedule service, see our service specials or get directions.
Power steering light FAQ
What does the power steering light mean?
In the 2026 Ram 1500 owner's manual, the Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fault Warning Light turns on when there is a fault with the EPS system. The manual says service should be obtained as soon as possible.
Can I drive with the power steering light on?
The manual warns that continued operation with reduced assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others. It notes you can still steer without assist, but with a substantial increase in effort, especially at low speeds and when parking.
What does Power Steering System Over Temp mean?
An over temperature condition in the power steering system. Once it is safe, pull over and let the vehicle idle for a few moments until the icon and message turn off. If it persists, see an authorized dealer for service.
Why is my steering suddenly hard to turn?
If power steering assist is no longer working, the manual says the vehicle can still be steered but with much more effort. In the manual example, steering effort can also be changed through Uconnect settings, so we suggest checking those if no warning is shown.
What should I tell the service advisor?
We suggest telling us which message you saw with the light, when it came on, and whether the steering felt heavier. In the manual example, the Service Power Steering and Power Steering Assist Off messages mean the vehicle needs service.
What are your service hours?
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are closed Sunday.
Power steering light on?
Schedule service at 1200 E. Chicago St. in Elgin and tell us which message you saw.
Sources
The light's meaning, the messages and the steps to take are from the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual, used here as one manufacturer's example; read November 3, 2026. Other vehicles describe their power steering warnings in their own owner's manuals, so check yours. Service hours are from our website, checked the same day.
- 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (symbol glossary; Power Steering; EPS Fault Warning Light; Enhanced Accident Response System; Dynamic Steering Torque), Ram / Mopar, read November 3, 2026
- Service department, Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center
- Home page: address and service hours, Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center