You may be dumbfounded when you see your car report of the steering assist is reduced error. In this article, I will be looking into the cause of the error message and how to fix the steering assist reduced the error message.
In the meantime, the steering assist reduced error message is triggered by the car Engine Control Module (ECM) when there is a fault in the coolant temperature reading. The Engine Control Module is charged with a reading of the coolant temperature and regulates it accordingly.
If the coolant temperature should run low, it will result in the grease of the steering module hardening and the steering will be stiff to steer. At this juncture, the steering assist is reduced error message will be triggered.
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What Is Steering Assist?
It is the duty of the power steering control module (PSCM) to calibrate the power steering system. So, when the coolant gets too cool without being normally regulated, it will force the grease of the steering to harden and the steering will become stiffer.
During this steering error message, the PSCM will force the activation of the power steering assist to recompense the steering stiffness by propelling additional power to the power steering. This will happen without your knowledge if your car sensors are sending accurate readings.
What Does the Message Assist Reduced Mean?
According to the Chevy Guide, The reduced error message occurs if the coolant temperature falls below the required percentage making it difficult for the sensors to detect it, this will cause the steering assist not to be engaged which will trigger the ‘steering assist is reduced’ error message.
As your first step to resolving this issue, you will need to run a system diagnosis and troubleshooting on your car which will restore any abnormality it could.
Why the Steering Assist Is Reduced Message Comes On
There are many reasons why the “steering assist is reduced” error message will be triggered.
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1. The Inability of the Module to Detect Coolant Temperature
If your car coolant temperature decreases without being regulated, it will affect the functions of the PSCM. At this point, the module sensors will not be able to read the coolant temperature. This indicates that the steering assist is not enabled and will cause the steering assist is reduced the error message.
2. Frequent Use of Steering Assist
Steering assist is reduced error message will trigger if you have consistently used the steering assist for too long while driving. The error message you will see is typical as this, “Steering Assist is reduced, Drive with Care”.
3. Steering Fluid Leaks
The steering fluid runs on the steering will which permit smooth and easy turns. If there is any fault causing the fluid to leak at a certain leakage level, it will affect the steering of the car thereby making steering the car to be difficult.
4. Rigidity in EPS (Electric Power Steering)
The car system works in line with the power system and ensures the power system receives the maximum current and flow it requires to function properly. Whereby the Electric Power Steering defaults and the car system detects it, this will weaken the steering assist.
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5. Change in the Electric Supply System of Vehicles
Changes in the Electric Supply System can also affect the steering assist. This can occur when you disconnect an important cable in your car and didn’t fix it back properly, it will cause the steering assist to reduce and trigger the message.
The electric motor supplies the energy required to reduce the steering stiffness of the wheel and this electric motor operates together with the steering assist system. So, if your car’s electric wirings are not properly replaced after any fixes, be sure to get this error message.
Steering Assist Is Reduced (How to Fix)
The first step to take is to observe the fluid level stored in the steering fluid reservoir. On the reservoir, by its side, there is a mark indicating where your steering wheel fluid should reach. So, if the steering fluid goes below the mark, you should refill it, or it causes the steering assist to reduce.
Also, note that the reduction of this fluid might not be the car’s usage, you should observe if there is any leakage somewhere around the reservoir and repair it.
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Secondly, check the cable connections in charge of sending electric flow to the steering assist if it is intact or they have loosened, and try to put them back to order.
Lastly, when the message “Steering Assist is Reduced, Drive with Care” appears, pull over to a safer place and turn your car engine OFF and turn it ON up to 2 to 3 times and this error should clear. If all the steps above fail to resolve the error, you will have to employ the service of an experienced mechanic to fix your car.