“Service Power Steering” Chevy Cruze. Can You Still Drive?

Power steering is a simple technology that hardly gets the credit it deserves. Most drivers only appreciate their power steering when it fails to function as expected. If you own a Chevy Cruze, you should not be on the list of drivers who do not pay their power steering system attention because yours needs more TLC than most.

Chevy had to recall several 2011 Cruze models due to power steering failure. While the severe defect did not affect other years, drivers still complained about their service power steering warning lights haunting them.

Service power steering message highlights

• Common reasons:battery problems, software glitches, bad power steering
• How to fix:check the battery, update the software, use the scanner to read codes
• Possible consequences:loss of power steering
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$900

Is It Safe to Drive While the Service Power Steering Error is Displayed?

Drivers interested in ensuring maximum safety should not drive while the service power steering error message is displayed. Ideally, the greatest danger posed by a malfunctioning power steering is a lack of proper control. An additional challenge is that your power steering module is likely to draw excessive power from the battery, thus affecting the performance of other electrical components.

Driving with a power steering system that needs servicing poses a danger that should not be lightly ignored. If your power steering cannot be relied on, you must be prepared to manually turn your wheels. Manual turning takes excellent effort and drastically increases your response time. On the road, especially the highway, seconds can be all it takes to avert an impending accident.

Do not risk driving your Chevy Cruze further than you have to when the service power steering error pops up. You must comply with the warning and have your car serviced immediately.

How the Power Steering System in Your Chevy Cruze Operates

Before we get into the problems likely affecting your electric power steering system, it is essential to have some elementary details on how it operates. The power steering system ensures that your vehicle responds immediately, even to your most minor adjustments. It makes complex driving tasks like parking maneuvers easier.

Your power steering employs intermediate electric devices to reduce the effort needed to steer your front wheels synchronously from side to side. It multiplies the force you apply to the steering wheel to allow a quick and smooth directional change. Your power steering system depends on two main gear systems to allow easier maneuverability of the car. These gear systems are:

• Rack and pinion
• Recirculating ball steering gear

An electric motor draws energy from our vehicles' electric systems. Sensors detect the effort/torque you are applying at the steering wheel and relay this information to the electronic control unit. The unit then determines how much effort should be added to suit your driving conditions.

Signs of Power Steering Failure in Your Chevy Cruze

While the service power steering warning light clearly indicates potential problems, your car will give you other warnings that there is trouble afoot. You should watch for most of these symptoms because they may manifest before the power steering failure warning displays. Here are the most common indicators of power steering failure:

• Your electrical components, e.g., lights and radio, become dim or go off
• Your power steering cuts off and comes back on erratically
• Your steering wheel shakes, feels stiff, or locks.
• You experience trouble turning, especially after driving in a straight line for a long distance.

Common Causes of the Service Power Steering Error in the Chevy Cruze

Unlike the old hydraulic power steering system, hybrid and electric ones are less likely to malfunction.

1. Your Chevy Cruze's Battery Has Poor Health

If your battery is nearing the end of its lifespan, your car will experience many issues connected to its poor health. Your electric power steering system is the second most demanding electrical component after your starter. Since the power steering requires drawing a large amount of current from the battery, you may notice a service warning light if the battery cannot hold charge as expected.

Solution:

If you suspect a weak battery causes your service power steering problem, you should take your Chevy Cruze to a licensed mechanic for a battery check. Some auto repair shops even offer free battery checkups. While battery checks are easy to perform at home once you purchase a power probe or a multimeter, it is only recommended for drivers with extensive DIY experience.

When checking your battery's health, you should switch off your ignition, pop the hood, inspect, and attach the negative and positive voltmeter leads to the respective battery terminals. A healthy battery should give a reading between 12.4 V and 12.7 V.

If your reading is below 12.4V, you should charge your battery slowly, i.e., trickle charge it and check whether the problem persists. Where your reading is above 12.9V, you can turn on your high beams to eliminate the extra voltage. Usually, overcharging is caused by a faulty alternator.

It is also advisable to check your voltage battery drop by having someone crank the engine as you take a reading on your voltmeter or power probe. If the reading is below 9.6V, your battery is as good as dead. It has become sulfated and cannot accept and hold charge as expected. You will need to purchase a compatible alternative, ideally at your dealership.

2. Your Battery Terminals Are Corroded

Corrosion on the battery terminals is another common cause of the service power steering error in your Chevy Cruze. Upon inspection of your battery posts, you should be concerned if you discover a green/white or black substance that looks like mold. The corrosion is likely interfering with your power distribution and depriving your power steering system of its current to operate optimally.

Solution:

If your Chevy Cruze battery has corroded terminals, you must disconnect the battery and clean the terminals to ensure proper contact. When cleaning the terminals, wear gloves and use baking soda and a moist gentle abrasive cloth to remove the residue. Once your terminals are clean, dry them thoroughly and reinstall your battery.

3. Your Battery Cables Are Loose, Damaged, or Worn Out

Finally, your battery cables may be loose, worn out, or damaged. You will need to inspect all the cables and ensure they are securely fastened. A loose, damaged, or worn-out wire may cause a short circuit that deprives your power steering system of the power it needs, thus triggering the service-required error.

Solution:

After identifying the cable causing the short circuit, you need to repair or replace it. Where the wires are loose, clamp them firmly in place before attempting to restart your Chevy Cruze, and look out for the service power steering warning light.

4. Low Power Steering Fluid

If your system's fluid is low due to leakage or lack of servicing, your warning light will likely display. For the power steering system to function correctly, the fluid must apply pressure on a piston in the rack and pinion. When the fluid level is low, it fails to apply sufficient force on the piston and thus affects the efficiency of your power steering system. You must compensate by using more energy on the steering to turn the car.

Solution:

Drivers suffering from low-power steering fluid should top up their levels. Before topping up, you should ensure your system is not leaking. Look out for red puddles of power steering fluid under your parking spot.

5. Defective Power Steering Belt

Your power steering system depends on its belt to function optimally. Should the power steering belt snap, crack or loosen, your car will become more stubborn at turns. Should the power steering belt break, you may be unable to turn the steering wheel. Fortunately, most power steering belts are very hardy and, with the proper care, serve faithfully for as long as the car runs.

Solution:

You should take your Chevy Cruze to the dealership to guarantee that your belt is replaced with a high-quality, durable, and compatible OEM part.

6. Malfunctioning Steering Rack

The steering rack is a primary component of your power steering system. If your rack has worn out or become damaged over time, your Chevy Cruze will gradually get harder to steer. Drivers suffering from this problem will likely notice that their car is only hard to steer before it warms up. After driving for a while, steering will become easier because the rack heats up and gets well-lubricated.

Solution:

Your Chevy Cruze will require a replacement of the worn steering rack and attached components. It is advisable to book an appointment with your dealership to get high-quality OEM parts.