Nissan Sentra Owners Manual: Power steering

The 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 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 power steering system goes down, the power assist level will return to normal. Avoid repeating such steering wheel operations that could cause the 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 PS illuminates while the engine is running, it may indicate the power steering system is not functioning properly and may need servicing. Have the power steering system checked by a NISSAN dealer.

When the electric power steering warning light illuminates with the engine running, there will be no power assist for the steering but you will still have control of the vehicle. At this time, greater steering effort is required to operate the steering wheel, especially in sharp turns and at low speeds.

For additional information see “Power steering warning light” in the “Instruments and controls” section.