What Does This Indicator Mean?
The Chery Red Electric Power Steering EPS Warning Light illuminates on your instrument cluster when the vehicle’s onboard Electric Power Steering control module detects a critical failure within the steering assist subsystem. Unlike traditional hydraulic power steering systems that rely on an engine-driven pump and fluid, Chery vehicles utilize an advanced Electric Power Steering setup. This system consists of an electronic control unit (ECU), a high-torque electric assist motor mounted directly to the steering column or rack, and multiple integrated torque and rotor position sensors.
When the EPS control module registers an anomalous condition—such as a sudden drop in supply voltage, internal motor driver circuit failure, loss of communication over the Controller Area Network (CAN bus), or sensor signal discrepancies—it immediately disables steering assist to prevent erratic behavior. Because this indicator is colored red, it signifies an urgent system shutdown or a severe hardware malfunction that compromises the physical control of the vehicle.
Can I Still Drive with This Light On?
No, you cannot and should not drive the vehicle with the Red EPS Warning Light illuminated. The red severity rating mandates an immediate cessation of driving. When the EPS system encounters a critical fault, it drops completely into manual steering mode, commonly known as fail-safe or limp-home mode. In a modern Chery vehicle equipped with a heavy chassis, wide tires, and front-wheel-drive dynamics, losing power steering assistance makes the steering wheel exceptionally heavy, stiff, and nearly impossible to turn safely at low speeds, during parking maneuvers, or in emergency evasive situations. Continuing to drive risks a total loss of steering control and potential structural damage to the mechanical steering column components.
Common Causes of the Warning
- Low System Voltage or Alternator Failure: Electric power steering motors draw high electrical current. If the 12-volt battery is degraded, terminal connections are corroded, or the alternator fails to maintain a stable charging voltage above 13.5 volts, the EPS module will shut down to protect itself.
- Internal EPS Motor or ECU Failure: The integrated electronic control unit or the electric assist motor itself can experience thermal overload, burnt windings, or internal semiconductor breakdown, cutting off power assistance entirely.
- Damaged Wiring Harness or CAN Bus Communication Fault: Physical damage, rodent gnawing, or moisture intrusion in the main wiring harness running to the steering rack can disrupt power delivery and digital data signals sent between the engine computer, steering sensors, and the EPS module.
How to Diagnose and Reset It
Diagnosing a red EPS warning light on a Chery vehicle requires a systematic approach, starting with basic electrical checks and moving to advanced electronic scanning. First, turn off the engine and perform a visual inspection of the battery terminals, ground straps, and the accessible wiring harness near the base of the steering column under the dashboard and engine bay. Ensure there is no corrosion, loose connections, or physical damage. Using a digital multimeter, test the battery resting voltage and verify that the alternator charges properly while the engine is running.
If electrical connections and voltage levels are within normal parameters, a standard OBD2 scanner may not suffice, as most generic readers cannot access chassis and steering modules. You will need an advanced automotive diagnostic scan tool capable of communicating with the Chery EPS module to retrieve specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). Note the stored fault codes, perform any necessary hardware repairs—such as replacing a faulty steering torque sensor, fixing a compromised wiring harness, or replacing a degraded battery—and use the diagnostic tool to clear the error codes and reset the EPS module.