What does it mean when my Chevy says steering assist reduced?

If your Chevy vehicle displays a "Steering Assist Reduced" message, it indicates that the power steering system is not functioning at full capacity. This can happen for a variety of reasons, and it's important to understand the potential causes and implications.

Causes of Steering Assist Reduction

There are several common reasons why a Chevy vehicle may display the "Steering Assist Reduced" message:

• Low Power Steering Fluid Level: The power steering system relies on a sufficient amount of fluid to operate effectively. If the fluid level is low, the system may not be able to provide full steering assistance.


• Power Steering Pump Failure: The power steering pump is responsible for circulating the fluid and generating the necessary pressure for the steering assist. If the pump is malfunctioning, the steering assist will be reduced.


• Electrical System Issues: The power steering system is electronically controlled, and any problems with the wiring, sensors, or control module can lead to a reduction in steering assist.li>
  
• Steering Rack or Gear Wear: Over time, the steering components can wear down, causing a decrease in the effectiveness of the power steering system.

It's important to have your Chevy vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic if you encounter the "Steering Assist Reduced" message, as the underlying cause may require repair or replacement of specific components.

Implications of Reduced Steering Assist

When the steering assist is reduced, the driver may notice that the steering wheel requires more effort to turn, especially at lower speeds or when parking. This can make the vehicle more difficult to maneuver and increase the risk of accidents, particularly in tight spaces or during emergency maneuvers.

It's crucial to address the issue promptly to ensure the safety and handling of your Chevy vehicle. Ignoring the "Steering Assist Reduced" message can lead to further damage to the power steering system and potentially compromise the overall driving experience.

How to reset steering assist is reduced drive with care Chevy?

To reset the "Steering Assist is Reduced" warning on a Chevy, you can first try a simple steering angle sensor recalibration by turning the wheel lock-to-lock while the car is on, then restarting the engine. If that doesn't work, try disconnecting the car battery for about 15 minutes to perform a hard reset. If the issue persists, the underlying cause could be a failing component, and you will need to have the vehicle scanned for error codes to determine the specific problem, as suggested in this YouTube video. 
Method 1: Steering angle sensor recalibration

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface. 
2. Turn the ignition on, but do not start the engine. 
3. Turn the steering wheel slowly to the full right lock position and hold it for 5 seconds. 
4. Turn the steering wheel to the full left lock position and hold it for 5 seconds. 
5. Slowly return the steering wheel to the center position. 
6. Turn the ignition off, wait a few seconds, and then start the engine. 
7. Check if the warning message has cleared and if the steering feels normal. 

This video demonstrates how to reset the steering assist by recalibrating the steering angle sensor: 59sMike Biker CanadaYouTube · Sep 2, 2025
Method 2: Battery reset

1. Park the vehicle in a safe location and turn it off.
2. Disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery.
3. Wait for at least 15 minutes to allow the vehicle's computer to completely power down.
4. Reconnect the negative terminal.
5. Start the engine and check if the warning is gone. 

You can watch this video to see how to perform a battery reset, which can also help with steering assist issues: 1mTim - Marketing MeisterYouTube · Aug 7, 2024
Method 3: Scan for error codes 

• If the above methods fail, the message is likely due to an underlying fault. 
• Use an OBD2 scan tool to read the error codes stored in the vehicle's computer. 
• Some auto parts stores offer free code scanning. 
• The codes will help diagnose the specific issue, which could be related to the steering angle sensor, a failing battery, a loose or corroded connection, or other issues like a faulty thermostat, as discussed in this YouTube video. 

This video explains how to find the causes and fixes of the steering assist reduced warning by scanning for error codes: 59sHVAC Mechanic YouTube · Apr 24, 2023
Important considerations

• Professional diagnosis: If the warning persists or the steering remains difficult, do not continue to drive the vehicle for extended periods. The system may have a more serious electrical or mechanical issue that requires professional attention. 
• Safety: This warning indicates a potential reduction in power steering. If the warning is active, the steering will be heavier, so drive with extra care, as mentioned in this YouTube video and this YouTube video. 

How do I reset my power steering assist?

To reset your power steering assist, perform a lock-to-lock steering procedure or disconnect the car battery. For the lock-to-lock method, with the engine on and wheels straight, turn the steering wheel fully to the right for five seconds, then fully to the left for five seconds, and finally to the center. Alternatively, disconnect the negative battery terminal for a few minutes and then reconnect it to clear any electronic glitches. 
This video demonstrates how to reset the power steering system using the lock-to-lock method: 59sMike Biker CanadaYouTube · Sep 2, 2025
Lock-to-lock steering reset
This procedure recalibrates the steering angle sensor. 

• Start the engine. Make sure the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead position. 
• Turn to full right lock. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right and hold for about 5 seconds. 
• Turn to full left lock. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and hold for about 5 seconds. 
• Return to center. Bring the steering wheel back to the center position. 
• Turn off the engine. Turn the ignition off and wait for all the lights on the dashboard to go out. 
• Restart the car. Turn the ignition back on and test the power steering. 

Battery disconnect reset 
This method is a more comprehensive way to reset all electronic systems. 

• Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Use a wrench to loosen and disconnect the negative (-) terminal from the battery. It's recommended to wait for at least 2-3 minutes to ensure the system completely powers down, say these experts from YouTube. 
• Reconnect the terminal. Reattach the negative terminal and tighten it securely. 
• Start the engine. Turn the car back on. This reset can clear minor software glitches in the power steering system. 

You can watch this video to learn how to disconnect the battery for a system reset: 59sTim - Marketing MeisterYouTube · Aug 7, 2024
If the problem persists
If these resets don't fix the issue, there may be a more serious underlying problem. You should check for related issues like a blown fuse, a bad steering angle sensor, a problem with the electric power steering (EPS) motor, or low steering fluid (for hydraulic systems). If the warning light remains on, it's best to have the vehicle inspected by a professional to avoid further damage.

Is it safe to drive with steering assist reduced?

While the steering can still be turned without any problems, it's unlikely to lead to further issues. The concern is that it may eventually stop providing assistance altogether.

What causes steering assist reduced?

Reduced steering assist is often caused by a bad battery, faulty engine temperature sensor or thermostat, or problems within the electric power steering (EPS) system itself. Other issues can include a bad steering angle sensor, problems with the vehicle's charging system, a binding steering column, or other related system malfunctions. 
Common causes

• Battery and charging system: A weak battery, loose terminal, or a faulty alternator can cause voltage drops that trigger the warning light. This is a frequent cause, especially if the issue occurs intermittently. 
• Engine temperature sensor or thermostat: A faulty engine coolant temperature sensor or a thermostat stuck open can cause the engine to run too cool. The EPS system uses coolant temperature to determine its operational parameters, so incorrect readings can disable the assist. 
• Electric Power Steering (EPS) system: The warning light can point to an issue within the EPS system itself, such as a failing motor, a faulty torque sensor, or problems with the EPS control module. 
• Steering angle sensor: This sensor tells the system the position of the steering wheel. A malfunctioning sensor or loose wiring to it can cause the assist to be reduced. 
• Physical binding: The steering column may be rubbing against the column cover, or there may be other physical obstructions in the steering system. 

Diagnosis and next steps

1. Check the battery: Have your battery and charging system tested, as this is a simple and common fix. 
2. Check engine temperature: Look at your temperature gauge. If it reads unusually low, the thermostat or coolant temperature sensor may be the problem. 
3. Scan for codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), as they can help pinpoint the specific issue. 
4. Inspect the EPS system: Check fuses and wiring for the EPS system and inspect the steering angle sensor and its connections for damage.