Repeated extreme steering force, such as turning the steering wheel continuously back-and-forth with the vehicle stopped, causes an increase of power consumption in the EPS motor. The increase of electric current causes the EPS motor to heat up. Because this heat adversely affects the system, the control unit monitors the electric current of the EPS motor.

When the control unit detects heat build-up in the EPS motor, it reduces the electric current to the EPS motor gradually to protect the system, and it restricts the power assist operation. The EPS indicator does not come on during this function.

When steering torque is not applied to the steering wheel, or when the ignition is turned off and the EPS motor cools, the control unit will restore the power assist gradually until it's fully restored (after about 8 minutes).