“Dynamic Steering Torque Service Required” in Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass is a stylish and dynamic SUV that is famed for its powerful off-road capabilities, advanced intuitive technology, and safety features. Like most vehicles, the Jeep Compass is fitted with an OBD system that detects anomalies in the various vehicle systems and points them out using a fault code or warning message. So, what does it mean if your Jeep Compass is displaying a "Dynamic Steering Torque Service Required" warning message?

Dynamic steering torque, service required message highlights

• Common reasons:software glitch, battery issues, faulty sensors
• How to fix:check the 12V battery, disconnect the battery for some time, check the sensors
• Possible consequences:power steering may work incorrectly
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$200

What is Dynamic Steering Torque in Jeep Compass?

Dynamic Steering Torque is an enhanced safety and control feature in the Jeep Compass designed to provide assistive steering torque while maneuvering or driving on challenging road conditions. It has an electric motor attached to the steering gear which adjusts the resistance of the steering wheel based on factors such as vehicle speed and prevailing road conditions. It, therefore, ensures the driver maintains precise control and safety while navigating tight turns, slippery roads, or uneven road surfaces.

The DST system is comprised of a control unit, an electric motor, and a series of onboard sensors that can collect data up to 2000 times a second. The various DST sensors collect data such as the vehicle speed, road conditions, turning angle, and the torque applied to the steering wheel by the driver. It then relays this data to the control unit which evaluates it and computes the appropriate steering corrections.

Once the control unit has determined the right steering torque for the prevailing driving conditions, it instructs the electric motor to implement it. The electric motor will then increase or decrease the torque supplied to the steering wheel based on the current driving conditions. As a result, the driver will require less physical input to maintain control and vehicle stability.

How Dynamic Steering Torque Is Applied in Different Situations

As earlier mentioned, the Dynamic Steering Torque system enhances the vehicle's steering response based on the prevailing driving conditions. The assistive steering torque supplied by this system will typically vary depending on the current road conditions and driving speed.

1) At High Speeds

When the vehicle is traveling at high speeds, the DST system will increase steering wheel resistance to ensure that the vehicle travels in a stable direction. It achieves this by lowering the steering ratio, thus requiring the driver to use more torque to execute turning maneuvers. As a result, the steering wheel will be set in place, eliminating the risk of shaking and unintentional deviation from the intended direction.

2) At Low Speeds

At low speeds, such as when parking or driving within city limits, the DST system increases the steering ratio by supplying more assistive torque to the steering wheel. This means that the driver will require less steering torque to make sharp turns. The steering action will, therefore, feel lighter and more controlled, enabling the driver to safely navigate the vehicle at such speeds.

3) On Uneven Roads

Navigating an uneven road surface is usually a strenuous task as the vehicle will often hit obstacles and deviate from its part. This, however, is not the case when the DST system is fully functional. If an uneven pavement or pothole causes the vehicle to deviate from its part, the DST system will subtly apply corrective torque to the steering wheel, offsetting this deviation. This means that the driver won't have to physically counteract the steering wheel vibrations caused by uneven surfaces.

Benefits of Dynamic Steering Torque System in Jeep Compass

The Dynamic Steering Torque system in the Jeep Compass offers a variety of advantages to the driver. Some of these benefits are:

• A more comfortable driving experience and reduced driver fatigue
• Enhanced vehicle control and stability in various driving conditions
• Increased safety while driving
• Increased off-road capabilities

Dynamic Steering Torque Service Required in Jeep Compass

A "Dynamic Steering Torque Service Required" message in the Jeep Compass means that the DST system has registered a malfunction, and that dynamic steering isn't available. This means that the system should be checked, and the underlying issue resolved to restore dynamic steering torque.

If the DST system is malfunctioning and needs servicing, it means your vehicle's steering torque won't be optimized for safe and efficient handling on the road. You should, therefore, fix this issue before driving the vehicle again.

Usually, the "Dynamic Steering Torque Service Required" message will be accompanied by some errors. These errors will include some or all of the following:

• Service ESC System
• Service Electronic Power Steering
• Service Hill Start System
• Service ABS System
• Service Electronic Parking Brake

Besides the "Dynamic Steering Torque Service Required" message on the dash, your Jeep Compass will display several signs to indicate a malfunction in the DST system. These signs typically include:

• The steering wheel is vibrating or slipping in your hand
• You feel a jerking motion while turning the wheel
• Unexplained increase or decrease in steering sensitivity
• The steering wheel is set to drive in a straight line

Driving a vehicle with a malfunctioning DST system can be a potential safety hazard to both the driver and other road users. It is, therefore, important to take your vehicle to be checked if you encounter this warning message.

Causes of Dynamic Steering Torque Service Required Message in Jeep Compass

As earlier mentioned, the DST service required message is a generic code that could point to many issues. Some of the issues that could trigger this message include a bad battery, a bad control unit, malfunctioning sensors, and problems with the electric motor.

In most cases, the warning message is usually set off by a bad battery or alternator. Therefore, if your vehicle has been sitting idle for some time, it is highly likely that the issue is caused by a battery voltage drop.

In other cases, however, the issue is caused by a malfunction in one or more components of the Dynamic Torque Steering system. If that is the case, you will need to use an OBD-II scanner to determine which component has a defect and work on fixing it.

How To Clear Dynamic Steering Torque Service Required Message in Jeep Compass

The DST system is a crucial component in the safe handling of the Jeep Compass, and any issues with this system should be addressed as soon as possible. However, since the DST service required message is a generic error, clearing it isn't always straightforward. That said, here are a few steps that can be taken to clear this message:

1) Replacing a Bad Battery

Using a voltmeter, check the battery and alternator voltage. If the battery voltage is less than 12V, then the battery may have a charging issue, or the battery is damaged. Try charging the battery or replacing it if is old and damaged. Afterward, drive around for a couple of miles and the error message should clear by itself.

2) Resetting the Steering Torque Sensor Unit

If the warning message does not clear after sorting out battery issues, you can try resetting the steering torque sensor unit as this could be the key.  To do this, you will first need to locate the reset button marked R on your vehicle's dashboard. Next, you need to press and hold down this button for about 10 seconds until you hear and beep.

If resetting the steering torque sensor unit resolves the issue, then expect the error message to clear on its own after driving for a while.

3) Calibrating the Steering Angle Sensor

Sometimes the DST service required message can be cleared by recalibrating the steering angle sensor which may have become erratic with use. To do this, you need to have an OBD-II scanner designed for this purpose. Next, you will then need to connect the scanner to the OBD-II port on your steering column and carry out various diagnostic tests.

If you discover that the steering angle sensor is off, you can proceed to recalibrate it. If the DTS service required message was caused by bad steering angle sensor settings, then recalibrating it should sufficiently solve the issue and clear the message.

4) Repairing ABS/EPS Graphical Errors

If the ABS or the EPS system can develop graphical errors due to incorrect wiring configurations or defective sensors, it will trigger the DST service required message. You should, therefore, diagnose both systems for faults and fix those issues to clear the message and restore dynamic steering torque.

To do this, you will need to use an OBD scanner tool to generate fault codes. These fault codes will then help you determine which component is faulty, and the extent of the damage. You can then proceed to fix the underlying issue, and if successful, the DST service required message will be cleared.

5) Installing a Software Update

Lastly, the DST service required message may be caused by a software malfunction in the DST system. If this is the case, installing new software should be sufficient to clear the DST-service required message. Installing or updating DST software should typically be done at a reputable dealer shop.

Final Thoughts

The Dynamic Steering Torque Service Required message in the Jeep Compass indicates a problem with the vehicle's DST system. And as this system is crucial for maintaining precise control, safety, and stability while driving, it is essential to resolve any of these issues as they arise. However, the message doesn't normally point to a specific issue and you will need to run a diagnostics to identify the issue that triggered it.