Power Steering Warning Light (Steering Wheel with Exclamation Point): What It Means

A steering wheel with an exclamation point next to it is your power steering warning light. It means the car has found a problem with the system that makes the wheel easy to turn. Sometimes that's as simple as low fluid. Sometimes it's an electrical fault that takes away your steering assist.

Here's how to tell what you're dealing with, what to do right now, and what the fix usually costs.

What the power steering light means

The light comes on when your power steering fluid is low or when there's a fault in the system. The symbol looks a little different from one make to the next, and it's often yellow.

What it means for your car depends on which kind of power steering you have:

Hydraulic power steering uses a pump and fluid under pressure to help you turn the wheel. On cars that monitor it, a loss of pressure from low fluid or a failing pump can turn the light on.
Electric power steering (EPS) uses an electric motor and sensors instead of a pump. A lot of newer cars use it. Warning lights are more common on electric systems than hydraulic ones.

Not sure which you have? Your owner's manual will say. If there's no power steering fluid reservoir under the hood, it's probably electric.

What to do when the power steering light comes on

If your car has hydraulic power steering:

Pull over somewhere safe and shut the engine off.
Find the power steering reservoir. The cap usually has a steering wheel icon on it.
Check the level and top it up with the fluid your owner's manual calls for.
If the light stays on after you fill it, or comes back on down the road, have the system checked. Fluid that keeps dropping means there's a leak somewhere.

If your car has electric power steering:

Pull over somewhere safe, turn the car off, then restart it.
If the light goes out and steering feels normal, get it checked soon anyway.
If the light stays on or you lose steering assist, don't drive it. Have it towed to a shop.

Is it safe to drive with the power steering light on?

You can still steer a car that has lost power steering, but it takes a lot more effort, especially at low speed and when parking. The bigger risk is needing to turn quickly, like dodging something in the road, and not being able to.

If the light came on and the wheel feels normal, drive gently and get it checked. If the wheel is heavy, jerky, or noisy, stop driving it.

Signs of a power steering problem (even before the light comes on)

The wheel is hard to turn. On a hydraulic system that often means low fluid. On an electric system it can be a sensor problem, like a failing steering angle sensor.
Whining or squealing when you turn. Usually low fluid letting air into the system, or a loose power steering belt.
A jerky or vibrating wheel when you turn.
Clear or amber fluid under the front of the car. Leaks can come from the pump, the hoses, or the steering rack.

We cover these in more detail in 4 common indicators of power steering problems.

What causes it

Low power steering fluid, usually from a leak
A worn or failing power steering pump
A loose or worn belt
A leaking hose or steering rack
On electric systems, a sensor or motor fault

Around Libertyville, potholes and freeze-thaw winters are hard on steering and suspension parts like tie rods and ball joints too, so we look at the whole front end, not just the fluid.

How much does power steering repair cost?

It depends on what failed. Here are national averages from RepairPal (before tax and fees):

Power steering pump replacement: $841 to $940
Rack and pinion replacement: $2,307 to $2,572

A top-off or a hose repair costs far less than either. The point of a proper diagnosis is to find out which one you actually need.

At Auto Lab, a basic visual check of your steering for damage and leaks is free, and you get a written estimate before we start any work. For bigger repairs, ask about our 0% financing for 6 months on repairs over $199.