- If the engine is not running or is turned off while driving, the power assist for the steering will not work.

You will still have control of the vehicle but the steering will be harder to operate.

The electric power steering system is designed to provide power assist while driving to operate the steering wheel with light force.

When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly or continuously while parking or driving at a very low speed, the power assist for the steering wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent overheating of the electric power steering system and protect it from getting damaged.

While the power assist is reduced, steering wheel operation will become heavy. When the temperature of the electric power steering system goes down, the power assist level will return to normal. Avoid repeating such steering wheel operations that could cause the electric power steering system to overheat.

You may hear a sound when the steering wheel is operated quickly. However, this is not a malfunction.

If the electric power steering warning light illuminates while the engine is running, it may indicate the electric power steering system is not functioning properly and may need servicing.

Have the electric power steering system checked by a NISSAN dealer. (See “Electric power steering warning light” in the “2. Instruments and controls” section.) When the electric power steering warning light illuminates with the engine running, the power assist for the steering will cease operation. You will still have control of the vehicle. However, greater steering effort is needed, especially in sharp turns and at low speeds.