What Does the Steering Wheel Light Mean on A VW? How Can I Reset It?
Technically speaking, a 'steering wheel light' on the dashboard is the result of a fault in your Volkswagen's power steering system. It is the steering system that allows the driver to safely and precisely turn the vehicle in the desired direction. A vehicle that has an issue with a vital part like this- is obviously unsafe to drive.
Therefore, if your Volkswagenâs âsteering wheel lightâ is on, itâs important to determine the cause before it becomes a big-time problem. Our goal in this post is to explain everything you need to know about this warning indicator. Let's start by talking about a few lesser-known steering system facts.
Facts About The Steering System We Bet You Didnât Know!
Virtually all modern vehicles come equipped with power steering systems. But, have you ever wondered how the power steering system came to be? For those who don't know, Francis W. Davis is credited for the design and development of the power steering system (in 1926). Â
The power steering system, at the most basic level, is of three different types- Hydraulic power steering system, electric power steering system and the third one is the electro-hydraulic power steering system.
The hydraulic power steering system uses a hydraulic pump to regulate pressure within the system to make steering effortless and easy. And, in the case of an electronic power steering system, it's the electric motor that does all the hard work.
The engine control module regulates the function of the power steering system with the help of the steering torque and angle sensors. An alert light will be activated if a power steering problem is detected to warn the driver. In Volkswagen's case, that alert is the 'steering wheel light'.
VW Steering Wheel Light on- Hereâs What It Could Mean
A warning light like this one can appear on the dash of a Volkswagen for several different reasons; some of which can be easily fixed, while others can be more difficult. Some of the most obvious ones are listed below.
Hydraulic fluid level is low (Hydraulic power steering)
It goes without saying that a declining hydraulic fluid level can trigger a 'steering wheel light' in a car. Because it's the hydraulic fluid that links the steering system with the front wheels. To put it simply, this fluid makes turning the vehicle easier. If for any reason its level drops, the efficiency of the steering system will be greatly reduced and the 'steering wheel light' will come on as a result. Find out the pinhole responsible for the drainage of steering wheel fluid and seal it- then top up the fluid, and the light will go away.
Faulty pump (Hydraulic power steering)
Another possible reason for the steering wheel light illumination on the dash of a Volkswagen is a faulty hydraulic pump. The pump harnesses engine power to regulate pressure within the hydraulic power steering system so that the driver can turn the vehicle with minimal effort. Flaws with an important part like this can render the power steering system useless and trigger the 'steering wheel light'.
Defective electric motor (Electric power steering system)
Issues with the electric motor can make the electric power steering system of a vehicle useless- which may activate the 'steering wheel light'. The electric motor, as most of you probably know by now, assists the driver in turning the steering wheel. It relies on the battery to do its job. If the wires connecting the motor to the battery get damaged, the motor will not operate properly. This reason is more than enough for the onboard computer to display the 'steering wheel light'.
Faulty control unit or sensor
The Engine Control Module, as we've already mentioned, controls various aspects of the power steering system. And, to do so, it relies on a network of sensors such as steering torque and angle sensors. If one of these sensors stop working or the control module has an issue, the 'steering wheel light' may come on along with a number of other warning indicators.
VW Steering Wheel Light On- Hereâs how you can Reset It
It is not safe to drive a vehicle that has a faulty power steering system. Thatâs why if your steering wheel is not functioning properly and its 'steering wheel light' is on, seek a technicianâs help right away.
Flashing 'steering wheel light' is a sign that there is something wrong with your Volkswagenâs power steering system. The light may come on due to any number of reasons such as low hydraulic fluid, faulty water pump, damaged electric motor, faulty control unit, and bad sensors. In any case, find out the exact cause of the problem before things go south.