What Does This Indicator Mean?
The Jetour Red Electric Power Steering EPS Warning Light is an acute diagnostic alert indicating a critical failure within your vehicle’s Electric Power Assist Steering system. Unlike traditional hydraulic setups that rely on engine-driven pumps, Jetour vehicles utilize a sophisticated rack-mounted or column-mounted electric motor managed by a dedicated Power Steering Control Module (PSCM). The PSCM constantly monitors steering wheel angle, vehicle speed, motor temperature, and internal electrical resistance. When the red EPS indicator illuminates, it means the PSCM has detected an unrecoverable fault, such as a complete loss of motor communication, internal torque sensor failure, or critical over-current draws. This completely disables the power assist function, leaving you with manual steering.
Can I Still Drive with This Light On?
No, you cannot and should not drive the vehicle with a red EPS warning light illuminated. Because the severity color is red, it indicates a catastrophic or safety-critical failure that mandates immediate cessation of driving. Without electrical assist, steering input requires immense physical effort, particularly at low speeds, during parking maneuvers, or in emergency evasive actions. Furthermore, continuing to operate the vehicle with a compromised steering rack or failing electronic module can result in total steering lockup, posing an extreme risk of a serious traffic accident.
Common Causes of the Warning
- Electrical Voltage Drop or Alternator Failure: The electric steering motor draws significant amperage. If the battery state-of-charge drops below operational thresholds or the charging system fails, the PSCM shuts down to protect itself.
- Internal Torque Sensor Malfunction: The precision sensors measuring how hard you are turning the steering wheel can fail due to electrical short circuits, moisture intrusion, or mechanical wear within the steering column assembly.
- CAN-Bus Communication Fault: The EPS system relies on a constant stream of data from the Electronic Control Unit, ABS module, and wheel speed sensors via the Controller Area Network bus. Any break or interference in this wiring harness will trigger the red fault light.
How to Diagnose and Reset It
Diagnosing a red EPS fault on a Jetour requires specialized equipment beyond a basic OBD2 engine code reader. First, perform a visual check under the hood and around the steering shaft for any loose battery terminals, corroded ground straps, or physical damage to the electronic steering rack wiring harness. Next, connect an advanced bi-directional OBD2 scanner capable of accessing the chassis (C-code) and body control modules to retrieve specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes stored in the PSCM. If a temporary voltage drop caused the light, clearing the codes through the diagnostic tool might extinguish the light. However, if a hardware failure—such as a burnt-out motor winding or a failed control module—is present, the warning light will immediately return, indicating that the affected component must be professionally replaced.