What to Do When Your Power Steering Fluid Light Comes On

AvatarByCarl Frisch

The power steering fluid light is a warning indicator in a car’s dashboard that warns the driver when the power steering fluid is at a low level. Power steering fluid helps to provide power assistance to the vehicle’s steering system, making it easier for the driver to steer the car. When this warning light is illuminated, it means that the power steering fluid level needs to be checked and topped up immediately. Low levels of power steering fluid can cause serious damage to the vehicle’s power steering system, resulting in an expensive repair bill. It is therefore important for drivers to check their vehicle’s power steering fluid levels regularly and top up as necessary.

Automobile: Power Steering Fluid Light

The power steering fluid light is an important indicator to check the proper functioning of your vehicle. This light can alert you when there is a problem with the power steering system and needs to be addressed immediately. Understanding what types of power steering fluids are available, what the power steering fluid light indicates and how to check the fluid level can help you stay safe on the road and ensure that your car runs smoothly.

Different Types of Power Steering Fluids

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle’s power steering system, it is important to use the right type of fluid. There are three main types of fluids available for this purpose: synthetic-based fluids, mineral oil-based fluids, and Dexron ATF fluids. Synthetic-based fluids provide superior protection against oxidation and wear due to their high viscosity index. Mineral oil-based fluids are typically used in older vehicles which require regular maintenance and may not be as effective in preventing wear as synthetic-based fluids. Dexron ATF (automatic transmission fluid) is also recommended for use in certain automatic transmissions, but should not be used as a general purpose fluid for all vehicles.

What Does the Power Steering Fluid Light Indicate?

The power steering fluid light typically comes on when there is a problem with the power steering system such as low fluid level, leaking fluid or a faulty pressure sensor or pump. Low fluid level can cause damage to internal components of the system if left unchecked for too long. Leaking fluid can result in reduced performance and increased wear on other parts of the system due to lack of lubrication. A faulty pressure sensor or pump can result in reduced efficiency and even complete failure if not addressed quickly enough. It is therefore important to address any issues with the power steering system immediately when the warning light comes on.

How to Check the Power Steering Fluid Level?

In order to properly check your vehicle’s power steering fluid level, you will need a funnel or syringe, as well as a dipstick or dip tube which should be located near or attached to your vehicle’s engine block or transmission case. Before checking your vehicle’s power steering fluid level, make sure that it is off and allow it time to cool down before unscrewing any caps or covers associated with checking its levels. Once this has been done, simply wipe clean any oil residue from the dipstick before inserting it into its designated hole in order to read its levels accurately.

Checking your vehicle’s power steering fluid levels regularly will help ensure optimal performance and prevent unnecessary damage due to low levels or contaminated fluids which could potentially damage other components of your car’s engine such as bearings, seals, gaskets and other parts which rely heavily on adequate lubrication from clean fluids.. Remember that replacing dirty or contaminated fluids every now and then will also help maintain optimal performance from your car’s engine parts by ensuring adequate lubrication at all times for smooth operation without any hiccups down the line!

Power Steering Fluid Light

Having a power steering fluid light illuminated on your dashboard can be an alarming sight. It’s important to know the cause and be aware of the signs of low power steering fluid, as well as how to tell if a pressure sensor is faulty.

What Is Power Steering Fluid?

Power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid that is used in cars with power steering systems. This fluid helps to create pressure so that the wheels can turn easily and with less effort from the driver, especially during tight turns. The fluid is stored in a reservoir and pumped through hoses and valves to the power-steering system.

How Do I Check the Power Steering Fluid Level?

The first step in troubleshooting a power steering fluid light is to check the level of fluid in the container. To do this, locate the container which will typically be marked with an “S” or “PS” label. Pop open the hood of your car and remove the dipstick from its holder. Insert it into the container and check for any bubbles or foam on it when you remove it. If there are any bubbles or foam, then you have a low level of power steering fluid which could mean you have a leak somewhere in your system.

Signs of Low Power Steering Fluid

When there is not enough power steering fluid, you may start to notice some signs that something isn’t right. One sign is difficulty turning your wheels, especially during tight turns or parking manoeuvres. You may also hear a whining or squealing noise when turning your wheels which indicates there isn’t enough pressure being generated by the system to turn them easily.

Causes of Low or Leaking Power Steering Fluid

There are several possible causes for low levels of power steering fluid, such as worn out seals and O rings around pipes and hoses, damaged pressure hoses, or leaks in other areas such as connections or seals between components like pumps and reservoirs. If you suspect any of these issues are causing your low levels then it’s important to get them repaired immediately before further damage is done to your car’s power-steering system.

How To Tell If Pressure Sensor Is Faulty?

A faulty pressure sensor can also be responsible for low levels of power steering fluid being detected by your car’s onboard computer system. To test if this is indeed the case, start by checking for any loose connections at the sensor itself which could be causing an inaccurate reading from it. Then use an ohmmeter to measure whether there is an appropriate electrical resistance between its output terminals – if not then it will need replacing with a new one before further damage can occur due to lack of pressure being generated by your system.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What types of power steering fluids are available?
A: There are three types of power steering fluids available – Synthetic-Based Fluids, Mineral Oil-Based Fluids, and Dexron ATF Fluids.

Q: What does the power steering fluid light indicate?
A: The power steering fluid light will activate if there is a low fluid level, leaking fluid, or faulty pressure sensor or pump.

Q: What tools do I need to check the power steering fluid level?
A: You will need a funnel or syringe and a dipstick or dip tube in order to check the power steering fluid level.

Q: What are signs of low power steering fluid?
A: Signs of low power steering fluid include difficulty turning wheels and a whining or squealing noise when turning wheels.

Q: What are causes of low or leaking power steering fluids?
A: Common causes of low or leaking power steering fluids include worn out seals and O rings and damaged pressure hoses.

In conclusion, dealing with a power steering fluid light is important, as it can be an indication of a serious issue with the vehicle and should not be ignored. It is best to take the car in for servicing as soon as possible if the light comes on to avoid further damage that could be costly to repair. Regularly checking and changing the power steering fluid can help to prevent these issues from occurring in the first place.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch
Carl Frisch
With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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