Every day you have the opportunity to experience driving with the help of a speed sensing steering system.
But do you understand “What is speed sensing steering“? If you are stuck with tons of questions related to it, scroll down to find the answers!
What Is Speed Sensing Steering?
Speed sensing steering system is a feature that assists the steering wheel when the vehicle is decelerating or moving on roads requiring slow speed.
With this feature, the driver can easily control the speed and direction of the vehicle without any engine problems, such as sudden engine stalls.
While it performs quite well when traveling at slow speeds, many passengers report that it can sometimes be annoying on the highway.
Providing too much power on distances requiring high speed will make the steering wheel heavier, requiring greater concentration from the driver.
Regardless of how it feels, speed-sensitive steering is still a useful safety feature in supporting your journey.
So far, the system has been so welcome that you can find it integrated into any modern car on the road.
But once you notice a light on the dashboard or the steering wheel on the highway speeds suddenly becomes light; this motor system is definitely at fault.
In this case, taking your vehicle to a trusted local repair center would certainly be the smartest choice.
How Does Speed Sensing Steering Work?
The performance of these manual steering systems depends entirely on the speed at which the vehicle travels.
The slower the speed, the more assistance this feature contributes to trouble-free engine control.
Regarding the operating mechanism, the speed sensing steering system supports the vehicle in two ways, which are electric and hydraulic.
If your vehicle uses a hydraulic system, it will receive support from the pump that rotates according to the crankshaft of the internal engine.
As the speed decreases, the power steering request increases, sending signals to the electrical system.
Depending on the situation, the vehicle’s electronics will automatically adjust the electric motor pressure to match the need for steering assistance.
Integrating speed-sensitive steering doesn’t require many moving parts and tends to fail less often.
However, each driver should still pay special attention to the maintenance and periodic inspection of the relevant components of this system inside the car.
If you’re wondering if you’ll be able to drive to the auto shop with a faulty speed sensor steering system, the answer is yes.
No matter how serious the problem is, this system will ensure your vehicle does not fall into a state of a total loss of control.
How Can I Get Speed Sensing Steering?
You may not know that speed sensing and full power steering systems are intertwined in an extremely deep relationship.
Even if your vehicle already has speed-sensitive steering, it can still offer electric or hydraulic power steering.
In other words, speed-sensitive steering is a safety feature added to your vehicle that aims to enhance basic power steering technology.
That way, whenever the vehicle’s speed sensor fails, it can switch to work as a power steering system.
Today, this feature is available on virtually all models around the world. Some manufacturers also integrate this feature as an “Option”, allowing you to choose different modes such as Sport, Comfort, and Dynamic.
The “Sport” driving mode is more suitable for sports vehicles due to its ability to reduce power steering.
Meanwhile, the “Comfort” mode supports high-speed steering, helping the driver reach their desired destination quickly.
For models with this “Optional” function, you will need to take your car to your local auto dealer.
Ask the experienced mechanics to reprogram the ECM or install the additional components needed to enable the feature.
What Will Happen If There’s A Malfunction On Electric Power Steering Systems?
Although malfunctions related to the speed sensing steering system are rare, it is best to take precautions to keep yourself safe.
But do not worry too much, because manufacturers already know this and have installed a very smart solution.
When the electric power steering system detects any problems (such as a damaged regulator computer module or electrical or sensor malfunction).
It will notify you through the lights on the signal board. At the same time, the system will immediately return to full power steering.
Many passengers think that this automatic switch is not so necessary for the next journey. But the truth is, your vehicle will get full electric support no matter how fast it’s traveling.
Switching between these two features is more beneficial than not having any options for power steering.
At the very least, full power steering will give you enough electric power to drive to the nearest repair shop.
FAQs
1. Can Speed Sensor Affect Electric Power Assisted Steering?
The answer is definitely “Absolutely”!
As reflected by many 2004-05 Sorento drivers worldwide, electronic power steering (aka EPS) tends to change erratically during driving or parking processes.
When these problems occur, all EPS control modules display the problem code C1012.
Although the above cases that speed sensor steering affects electric power assist steering, not everyone knows what causes this condition.
Because the signal emitted from the vehicle speed sensor system is sometimes discontinuous, EPS will not receive the signal and not work.
The remedies given by the automaker include installing an upgraded sensor and a new extension harness. For best results, you should take your vehicle to your local auto shop to seek help.
2. How To Reset My Electric Power Assist Speed Sensing Steering?
Resetting the assisted power steering is never an easy test because it requires time, power, and expertise. If you still don’t know where to start, the guide below is for you.
- Straightening the vehicle and short-circuiting the SCS. Then, turn the wheel to the left 45°.
- Turn on the vehicle’s ignition switch, and the EPS indicator will light up for 4 seconds. After this time, please adjust the steering wheel so that the car returns in a straight direction. The EPS light will turn on 4 seconds after the steering wheel.
- Wait for the lights to go out and turn the steering wheel to the left 45°. The EPS indicator will light up again for about 4 seconds. Continue turning the wheel straight.
- The indicator light will flash twice for 4 seconds after you put it on, for five plays, then continue to flash three times, then turn off. This feature certifies the system has done the job of remembering the center position of the torque.
- Turn off the ignition switch and quickly disconnect the SCS.
3. Is Steering Speed Sensor Expensive To Fix?
There is no exact cost for steering speed sensor repair, as it depends on many factors, such as vehicle make, severity, or labor.
According to experts’ estimates, the cost you need to pay for the replacement of the steering angle sensor will range from $150 to $500.
The labor cost will be from $80 to $250, and the steering angle sensor price tends to be between $120 and $250.
Some special models offer steering angle sensors integrated into the steering column control unit.
Repairing these models would require a mechanic to program the vehicle, leading to a much higher price tag than manual repairs.
Final Verdict
Understanding your car’s protective features, such as speed sensing steering, is key to having the safest driving experience.
Thanks to great capabilities such as power assist and automatic adjustment when the system has problems, speed sensing steering is a smart feature that deserves praise from car lovers worldwide.
So, what is the speed sensing steering system on your vehicle?
Through this article, we hope you have gained the most useful information on all issues related to this feature. Wish you a good day. See you in the next articles.