Motor driven power steering (MDPS)
MDPS uses an electric motor to assist you in steering the vehicle.
If the vehicle is off or if the power steering system becomes inoperative, the vehicle may still be steered, but it will require increased steering effort.
MDPS is controlled by the power steering control unit which senses the steering wheel torque and vehicle speed to command the motor.
The steering effort becomes heavier as the vehicle's speed increases and becomes lighter as the vehicle's speed decreases for better control of the steering wheel.
Should you notice any change in the effort required to steer during normal vehicle operation, have the power steering checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
The following symptoms may occur during normal vehicle operation:
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The MDPS warning light does not appear.
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The steering gets heavy immediately after turning the EV button to on position. This happens as the system performs the MDPS system diagnostics. When the diagnostics are completed, the steering wheel will return to its normal condition.
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A click noise may be heard from the MDPS relay after turning the EV button in on or off position.
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A motor noise may be heard when the vehicle is at a stop or at a low driving speed.
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When the charging system warning light comes on due to the low voltage (when the LDC or battery does not operate normally or malfunctions), the steering wheel may require increased steering effort.
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If the vehicle needs to be jump started due to battery discharge, the steering wheel may not function normally. This is a temporary situation caused by low battery voltage. It will be resolved once the battery is charged. Check for normal steering function by turning the steering wheel slowly before driving the vehicle.
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The steering effort can suddenly increase if the operation of the MDPS system is stopped to prevent serious accidents when MDPS control unit detects a malfunction of the MDPS system by self-diagnosis.
If the MDPS does not operate normally, the warning light will appear on the instrument cluster. The steering wheel may become difficult to control or operate abnormally. In this case, have the system inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
When you operate the steering wheel in low temperatures, the steering effort may be high an abnormal noise could occur. If temperature rises, the noise will disappear. This is a normal condition.
When the vehicle is stationary, and the steering wheel is turned all the way to the left or right continuously, the steering wheel becomes harder to turn. The power assist is limited to protect the motor from overheating.
As time passes, the steering wheel will return to its normal condition.