Kia Niro: Steering wheel / Electronic power steering

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.

Electronic 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 effort 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 EPS system performs the diagnostics. When the diagnostics is completed, the steering effort will return to its normal condition.
• A click noise may be heard from the EPS relay after the ignition switch is turned to the ON or LOCK position.
• Motor noise may be heard when the vehicle is at a stop or at a low driving speed.
• The steering effort can suddenly increase, if the operation of the EPS system is stopped to prevent serious accidents when EPS control unit detects malfunction of the EPS system by self-diagnosis.
• 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 the Electronic Power Steering System does not operate normally, the warning light will illuminate on the instrument cluster. The steering wheel may become difficult to control or operate abnormally. We recommend that you contact an authorized Kia dealer.
• When you operate the steering wheel in low temperature, the steering effort may be high and abnormal noise could occur. If temperature rises, the noise will disappear. This is a normal condition.
• If the vehicle needs to be jump started due to battery discharge, the steering wheel may not function normally. This is a temporary situation caused by low battery voltage. It will be solved once the battery is charged. Check for normal steering function by turning the steering wheel slowly before driving the vehicle.