How do I reset my electronic power steering?
There isn’t a universal reset for electronic power steering. In many cars, EPS recalibrates automatically after a power cycle or when you move the steering wheel from lock to lock; if a warning light remains, a dealer procedure or diagnostic tool may be required.
Electronic power steering relies on sensors and a motor to assist steering. A reset is often about recalibrating the steering angle sensor and motor position rather than repairing a faulty component. Because procedures vary by make and model, consult your owner's manual or a dealership for model-specific steps. If you notice heavy steering, noise, or a persistent warning, don’t drive aggressively—have the system checked promptly.
Understanding EPS and When Reset May Help
EPS uses an electric motor to assist steering instead of a hydraulic pump. The system relies on a steering angle sensor, torque sensor, and motor position feedback. When a fault occurs—due to low battery voltage, sensor fault, or a motor issue—EPS may set a warning light or go into limp mode. A reset can help if the issue is a temporary calibration fault, but it will not fix a damaged sensor or failed motor.
Common Home Procedures
These steps cover typical, non-destructive calibration attempts that many vehicles share. Always follow safety precautions: set the parking brake, make sure the vehicle is stationary, and avoid driving with the EPS warning active unless a service professional confirms it's safe.
- Check the vehicle’s battery health and voltage. A battery with low voltage can cause EPS faults. Ensure a healthy resting voltage (about 12.6 volts or higher) and a proper charging voltage (about 13.5–14.8 volts when the engine is running).
- With the ignition on (engine off unless your manual specifies otherwise), rotate the steering wheel gently from full left to full right 3–5 times to help recalibrate the steering angle sensor and motor position.
- Return the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position, then turn the ignition off. Wait 10–30 seconds, then start the engine and take a slow, safe test drive in a straight line to allow the system to complete calibration.
- If the EPS warning light stays off and steering feels normal during the test drive, you may have completed the basic calibration; however, if the light returns or steering feels odd, stop and seek service.
Note: If your manual specifies a different ignition state (for example, engine running during calibration) or a specific number of wheel-turn cycles, follow those instructions. The above steps are general guidelines used on many vehicles.
Battery, Charging System, and Diagnostics
Electrical health is critical for EPS. Before attempting resets, verify the charging and electrical system is sound, because voltage irregularities are a frequent cause of EPS faults.
- Test the battery and charging system. A healthy battery should read around 12.6V at rest; with the engine running, charging voltage should typically be between 13.7V and 14.8V.
- Check for corroded or loose battery and ground cables, and ensure battery terminals are clean and tight.
- A faulty alternator or persistent low voltage can mimic EPS faults; repair or replace as needed before relying on resets.
After ensuring electrical health, consider reattempting a factory- or dealer-supported calibration if the procedure is documented for your vehicle. If not, do not rely on repeated home attempts; persistent fault codes should be diagnosed with a scan tool.
When to Seek Professional Help
EPS is a safety-critical system. If the warning light remains on after a reset attempt or if you notice irregular steering behavior, professional diagnosis is essential.
- The EPS warning light persists after a reset attempt, or you notice heavy or inconsistent steering, a stiff wheel, or a whine/noise from the steering column.
- Diagnostic trouble codes indicate steering angle sensor, torque sensor, motor, or control module faults that require specialized tools.
- Your vehicle has a known service bulletin or recall related to EPS, or you are unsure about the instructions for your exact model.
In these cases, a qualified technician can perform manufacturer-specific calibrations with the correct scan tools and software, and can confirm whether the issue is a sensor fault, wiring problem, or steering motor failure.
Notes for Your Vehicle
Why procedures differ by make and model
Because EPS architectures vary—some use a rack-mounted motor, others a steering column motor, and the location of sensors differs—the exact reset procedure is model-specific. Always reference your vehicle’s owner’s manual or official service information for the correct steps, and if in doubt, contact the dealer or a qualified technician.
Additionally, if your car is under warranty or covered by a manufacturer service bulletin, the dealer may perform a calibration or software update free of charge.
Summary
Resetting EPS is not a universal, one-step process. Most vehicles either auto-calibrate after a power cycle or require a steering-wheel lock-to-lock calibration performed with the ignition in a specific state, plus a safe test drive. Before attempting, ensure the electrical system is healthy and heed safety cautions. If EPS warning lights persist or steering feels abnormal, seek professional diagnosis. Always consult your vehicle’s manual for the exact instructions tailored to your make and model.
