Power steering is one of the most useful components in modern cars as it allows drivers to perform smooth handling. Though it’s not mandatory for all vehicles, the system has proven to be very useful especially when faced with difficult driving situations.
However, like every system, the power steering can malfunction and when this happens, you’ll notice the service power steering warning light come on. Inexperienced drivers may be confused by this but thankfully, we have got them covered.
In this post, we discuss what the service power steering warning light means, what causes it, and more.
What Does It Mean When It Says Service Power Steering?
The service power steering warning light on your Ford Fusion dashboard is one of the most recognizable warning lights. The light changes color from yellow to red accompanied by an exclamation mark depending on the problem.
When the service power steering warning light comes on, it warns you that there is a serious problem with the power steering system in your Ford Fusion. Car manufacturers included warning lights to assist drivers in detecting problems with the system.
The warning light receives system information from the steering angle sensor. If driving and the power steering warning light comes on, it’s important to find a safe place to stop before inspecting your car.
If you discover that the power steering fluid has run out, we recommend refilling it and then restart your engine. However, if this is a recurring problem, you need to drive immediately to the nearest repair shop and have a professional mechanic inspect your car.
Remember, never underestimate the power steering warning light when it flashes as it can disable the steering wheel. If this happens while you are driving, it will make steering your car hard and dangerous.
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What Causes the Service Power Steering Light to Come On?
There are several reasons why the service power steering warning light comes on.
Worn-Out Steering Pump
Power steering pumps are components designed with moving parts and help to pressurize the hydraulic fluid. However, like any other component with mechanical moving parts, these pumps do wear and tear as a result of age and use.
As a result, the moving parts will become deformed, the seals will wear out and eventually, the steering pump will become ineffective.
Basically, the hydraulic fluid will lose pressure and your steering will now become stiffer. If the steering pump gives out completely, the steering angle sensor will send system information and the warning light will come on.
Once this happens, the on-board computer will shut down the steering making it hard for you to steer your car.
Contaminated Fluid
Your steering pump is a hydraulic system that uses fluid and pressure to work. However, for this system to work optimally, the hydraulic fluid must be clean and contaminant-free. Also, air bubbles should not be present as this may change the mechanical properties of the hydraulic fluid.
What you ought to know is that contamination occurs when the hoses and tubes in your steering system crack and fall apart. Likewise, air bubbles and moisture may find their way into the hydraulic fluid and increase friction between the moving parts.
This leads to the steering pump malfunctioning and makes the power steering extremely stiff.
Low Fluid Levels
As aforementioned, the power steering in your Ford Fusion relies on a hydraulic system to work. This system uses a specific amount of fluid to work correctly. If you check under the hood of your Ford Fusion, you’ll find a small reservoir.
On the sides, you should see the maximum and minimum lines. If your power steering hydraulic system does not have enough fluid, your steering pump will not have proper lubrication. In addition, the temperature will rise and the pump will wear out. When you combine all these, it will result in premature failure of your power steering.
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Worn Out Belt
The steering pump in your Ford Fusion is run by the engine’s crankshaft. The engine has a pulley that turns the power steering belt. This belt is connected to the steering pump and the pulley supplies it with constant and consistent power.
If the belt wears out, frays, or cracks, it will snap eventually. Should the belt snap, your power steering will give out. In addition, the steering wheel will become stiff and hard to operate. This is because the steering pump is no longer being supplied with power by the Ford Fusion engine.
Fluid Leaks
Besides damaged steering pumps, fluid leaks can result in loss of fluid pressure. This is how it happens. The fluid lines may develop a small leak as a result of wear and tear. This is something that takes time to happen.
Due to age, the fluid lines will have cracks and slowly start to wear out until they eventually fail. When cracks develop on the fluid lines, you may notice a small leak.
Eventually, the leaks will be bigger especially if the problem was not addressed earlier on. Once this happens, the steering pump will fail and your power steering will give out.
What to Do When the Service Power Steering Warning Light Comes On?
When the service power steering warning light comes on, the first thing you need to do is pull over and stop your vehicle. Remember we mentioned that once the light comes on, the onboard system will make the steering stiff.
If your car has hydraulic power steering, open the hood to check the fluid level. All you need to do is locate the steering wheel fluid reservoir which is usually marked with a steering wheel on the cap.
Check the fluid level. If it’s low, top it up with the correct fluid as indicated. After doing so, start your engine and the warning light should remain dark.
If your car uses an electronic system, we recommend turning the engine off and then on again. If this does not solve the problem, open the hood and check the connections. Make sure they are undamaged and correct.
In conclusion, remember even after topping up the fluid, drive your car to the nearest repair shop and have a mechanic take a look. The problem could be a leak and if not evaluated as soon as possible, it could result in expensive repairs.