Toyota Yaris: Electric power steering system

The electric power steering system, using an electric motor, assists the turning of the steering wheel.

In the following cases, you may feel the steering becomes heavy. But it is not a malfunction.

- When maneuvering or turning frequently over a long time

The power steering effect will be reduced to prevent the system from overheating.

Avoid turning the steering wheel, or stop the vehicle and turn the ignition key to “ACC” or “LOCK”. The system will become cool in about 10 minutes.

NOTICE.

Frequent maneuvering and turning over a long time may cause damage to the system in which the mechanism prevents overheating of the electric power steering system.

- When the battery is discharged

Check the battery’s condition. If necessary, recharge or replace the battery. For details, see “Checking battery condition”.

In the following case, you may feel the steering becoming heavy. Then, after 5 minutes or more, the electric power steering system warning light comes on. But it is not a malfunction.

- When racing the engine for 30 seconds or more with the vehicle stopped

The normal power steering effect will be obtained and the warning light will go off when you start driving.

INFORMATION.

When the steering wheel is turned, a motor operating sound (whining sound) may be heard. This occurs when the power steering motor works and is not defective.

Electric power steering system warning light

The light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the “ON” position. If the electric power steering system warning light works properly, the light turns off after a few seconds. If the system has malfunctions, the light comes on again.

If the following conditions occur, this indicates a malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the warning light system. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible to service the vehicle.

- The light does not come on when the ignition key is turned to the “ON” position or remains on.

- The light stays on while you are driving.

The warning light turning on while racing the engine for a long time may not indicate malfunction. To turn off the light, restart the engine and start driving.

CAUTION.

If the electric power steering system warning light comes on, take your vehicle to Toyota dealer as soon as possible. In this case, more effort is required for the steering wheel to turn than usual. Grip the steering wheel firmly when driving.