Kia Carens: Steering wheel / Electronic power steering (EPS)

Power steering uses the motor to assist you in steering the vehicle. If the engine is off or if the power steering system becomes inoperative, the vehicle may still be steered, but it will require increased steering effort.

The motor driven power steering is controlled by the power steering control unit which senses the steering wheel torque and vehicle speed to command the motor.

The steering wheel becomes heavier as the vehicle’s speed increases and becomes lighter as the vehicle’s speed decreases for better control of the steering wheel.

Should you notice any change in the effort required to steer during normal vehicle operation, we recommend that the system be checked by an authorized Kia dealer.

✽ NOTICE

The following symptoms may occur during normal vehicle operation:

• The EPS warning light does not illuminate.
• The steering effort is high immediately after turning the ignition switch on. This happens as the system performs the EPS system diagnostics. When the diagnostics is completed, the steering wheel will return to its normal condition.
• Aclick noise may be heard from the EPS relay after the ignition switch is turned to the ON or LOCK/OFF position.
• Motor noise may be heard when the vehicle is at a stop or at a low driving speed.
• The steering effort increases if the steering wheel is rotated continuously when the vehicle is not in motion. However, after a few minutes, it will return to its normal conditions.
• If an error is detected in the electric power steering system, EPS will stop assisting driver in steering the vehicle to prevent accidents and the warning light on the cluster will illuminate or blink. We recommend that the system be checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
• When you operate the steering wheel in low temperature, abnormal noise could occur. If temperature rises, the noise will disappear. This is a normal condition.
• When the vehicle is stationary, if you turn the steering wheel all the way to the left or right continuously, the steering wheel becomes heavier from the end. This is not a system malfunction but for your safety. As time passes, the steering wheel returns to its normal condition.
• When the charging system warning light comes on or the voltage is low (When the alternator (or battery) does not operate normally or it malfunctions), the steering wheel may get heavy and become difficult to control operate abnormally.