Toyota RAV4 Electric Power Steering Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Fixes

You are not alone if you have issues with your Rav4’s electric power steering (EPS) system. Many people face problems that can affect their whole driving experience. The EPS system has very smooth handling, but if it starts having problems, then it can become unbearable.

Below, we have listed some of its common problems, with causes and solutions. So, let’s get to it.

Electric Power Steering System:

Electric power steering, also short for EPS, is an intelligent system that assists and controls your car. It uses a torque sensor with a steering signal to calculate the exact amount of steering. This system replaces the basic old hydraulic steering system with this unique, advanced system, which is not only smooth but also provides the necessary assistance.

Common Electric Steering Problems:

There are different problems that a power steering wheel faces during or after the drive. We listed some of the common ones below, which include,

Stiffness in Steering Wheel:

Sometimes, the power steering wheel becomes stiff, which is one of the most common problems caused by an EPS (electric power steering) failure. In this condition, the Rav4 power steering wheel becomes really hard to turn, especially when the speed is slow, making driving hard and uncomfortable.

Causes:

The basic cause of the above issue could be a malfunction in the electric motor or a failure in the EPS control module. It could also be a reason for a weak or dead battery, which can affect the components of your car’s power steering system.

Solution:

It can be solved by different things like,

• Check the battery; if it’s low on charge, recharge it, but if it’s dead, replace it as soon as possible.
• Fixing a blown fuse could fix your problem with its electric motor, and you will again have a smooth steering wheel.
• Get an OBD-II scanner to check for any error codes, and then, according to that, fix your car.

Unusual Noises:

When turning the steering wheel, you might hear squealing, grinding, or whining. This is also a very common issue that indicates an EPS malfunction.

Causes:

Different factors cause it,

• Worn bearing or bushings is the common reason for making it stiff and noisy.
• Having low-power steering fluid (if your vehicle has hybrid EPS) is a very common problem in electric EPS systems.
• Another common cause is its loose steering component, which leads to noise and becomes stiff when turning.

Solution:

• To solve these issues, you first need to check the steering column for any signs of wear and tear or damage in the steering column and replace any worn comportments or bushings.
• Examine the steering wheel components in your Rav4 and tighten them accordingly, or replace the lost part that cannot be fixed or fit.

Steering Wheel Vibrates or Pulls to One Side:

Another possible problem with a power steering wheel is that it vibrates or pulls to one side while driving. This is pretty common, so you don’t have to worry too much.

Causes

The EPS system is designed to give consistent and smooth assistance. However, the Rav4 may pull to one side if one side of the system isn’t working correctly.

A car has a torque sensor that measures the force applied to the steering wheel and helps determine the assistance needed for backing. If that sensor is malfunctioning or not working, it can put the steering on one side and cause the steering wheel to vibrate.

Solution:

It has a couple of different solutions, which include,

• Test the torque sensor and recalibrate it if it’s needed or if there are any issues.
• An electric motor or steering rack problem may also be fixed by examining the EPS components and replacing the damaged ones.

EPS Warning Light on Dashboard:

Sometimes, the EPS warning light appears on the dashboard, which can scare the new rave owners. This light appears on the dashboard because EPS has failed or has some malfunction.

Causes:

It has a couple of different causes,

• The EPS system relies on colorful electrical components, like different sensors. If any of them fail, a light will appear on the dashboard.
• Loose or damaged wiring Wiring is one of its common issues, similar to loose or corroded connections, which can cause the warning light to turn on.

Solution:

Check the wiring and connectors around the EPS system, looking for any loose or corroded connections. Form or replace damaged wires if they are damaged.

Steering Response is Sluggish:

A sluggish or delayed steering response can make the vehicle feel unresponsive, particularly when making sharp turns or parking. The steering might feel lagging or slow to catch up with your inputs.

Causes:

• If the electric motor that assists the steering fails, it may struggle to respond snappily to steering inputs.
• The EPS control module regulates the motor’s power and responsiveness. A malfunction in the control module can lead to sluggish steering.
• A weak and low battery or alternator issue can lead to inadequate power being delivered to the EPS system, affecting performance.

Solution:

• Test the vehicle’s battery and alternator to ensure they’re performing properly. Replace the battery if necessary.
• If the motor is set up to be failing, it may need to be replaced to restore proper steering response.

Watch the video below which can help you replace your steering power motor to solve the steering response.

Final Thoughts:

Electric Power Steering( EPS) is critical in modern hybrid cars like the Toyota RAV4. While the system offers several advantages over traditional hydraulic power steering, including better control and more precise steering, it can also have problems as it gets old. By understanding the common issues and their causes, you can address problems with your EPS system before they worsen.