Power Steering Light On? Causes and What to Do
Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 21 October 2026
Quick answer: A power steering warning light means the power-assist system has a fault. On electric power steering (EPS), it's often a sensor, motor or low-voltage issue; on hydraulic systems, often low fluid or a failing pump. The steering will still work, but it can become very heavy, especially at low speed. Drive carefully and get it checked.
TL;DR
- Colour: Red or amber.
- Steering may become heavy; drive carefully to a safe place or shop.
- Fix the cause rather than just clearing the light, and log the repair.
The power steering light is one of the dashboard warnings drivers search for most. This guide covers what it looks like, what it means, how urgent it is and what to do, in plain English. Your owner's manual has the exact symbol and advice for your car.
What does the power steering light look like?
| Symbol | A steering wheel with an exclamation mark |
| Colour | Red or amber |
| How urgent | Steering may become heavy; drive carefully to a safe place or shop. |
Warning lights follow a rough traffic-light code: red means a serious problem or safety issue, so stop when it's safe; amber or yellow means something needs attention soon; green or blue is information only. See the full dashboard warning lights guide for every common symbol.
What the power steering light means
Many newer cars have electric power steering with no fluid at all, so check your manual before adding anything.
Common causes:
- Low power steering fluid (hydraulic systems)
- A failing pump or slipping drive belt
- An electric power steering motor or sensor fault
- Low battery voltage affecting EPS
- Wiring or connector problems
What to do when the power steering light comes on
- Expect heavier steering and allow more effort and space.
- On hydraulic systems, check the fluid reservoir level when cool.
- Restart the car; some EPS faults reset, but get codes read anyway.
- Have the system inspected before driving far.
- Log the fix.
Can you drive with the power steering light on?
Only carefully to a safe place or shop. Sudden heavy steering at speed can be dangerous.
If you're not sure, treat it as the more serious case. A tow costs far less than a ruined engine, gearbox or set of brakes. If several warning lights come on at once, that often points to an electrical or charging problem; see the check engine light guide and the battery light page.
How to reset or clear it
Don't just clear the light. Most warning lights go out on their own once the fault is fixed, sometimes after a few drive cycles. Clearing a code with a scanner without fixing the cause only hides the problem until it returns, and it can make an emissions test fail because the car's readiness monitors reset.
Keep a record of warning lights and repairs
Write down the date, odometer reading, what the light looked like, the fault code if you had it read, and what fixed it. If the same light comes back, that history saves diagnosis time and money. In CarO you can log the repair and its cost in the car repair log, and set a follow-up with the service reminder tool. For a routine check that catches problems before a light comes on, use our car maintenance checklist. Related: wheel alignment guide and car battery life guide.
Download CarO free on the App Store or Google Play. Free with ads; optional in-app purchases.
Sources
- Consumer Reports: What the Dashboard Warning Lights Mean in Your Car: www.consumerreports.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
- The AA: Dashboard warning lights and what they mean: www.theaa.com (accessed 21 October 2026)
Disclaimer: CarO and this website give general car-care information, not professional advice. Maintenance intervals and specifications vary by vehicle, so always follow your owner's manual and a qualified mechanic. Mileage and cost figures are estimates; check local tax rules before using any log for deductions.
FAQ
What does the power steering light mean?
A power steering warning light means the power-assist system has a fault.
Is it safe to drive with the power steering light on?
Only carefully to a safe place or shop. Sudden heavy steering at speed can be dangerous.
What colour is the power steering light?
Red or amber. Red warnings mean stop when safe, amber means get it checked soon, and green or blue lights are information only.
How do I turn off the power steering light?
Fix the underlying cause; the light usually goes out by itself, sometimes after a few drive cycles. Clearing the code without a repair only hides the problem.
How much does it cost to fix the power steering light?
It depends entirely on the cause, from nothing for a loose cap or released parking brake to a major repair. Get the fault diagnosed and ask for an itemized estimate before approving work.
Track this in CarO
CarO is a free car maintenance tracker app for iPhone and Android that keeps a full service history, reminds you about oil changes and inspections by mileage or date, and logs fuel fill-ups with MPG, odometer readings and car expenses for every vehicle you own. Logs are stored in the cloud and can be exported as CSV.
