Dynamic Steering Torque Service Required: 7 Tips To Fix The Warning
Dynamic Steering Torque (DST) is a safety feature that helps Jeep drivers by providing steering torque in difficult driving conditions like cornering, maneuvering, slippery roads, etc. However, the problems with the Dynamic Steering Torque trigger the “Dynamic Steering Torque Service Required” issue. Jeep Renegade and Jeep Compass drivers suffer more from this issue.
The main reasons are faulty battery, alternator, ABS system, sensor issues, airbag malfunction, outdated software, and water ingress. The error message usually comes with other error messages, including the Service Electronic Power Steering, Service Hill Start Assist system, Service Electronic Parking Brake, Service Electronic Stability Control, Service ABS System, and the 4WD will stop working. When it does, check the ABS system, including sensors, for issues. On the other hand, if your car doesn’t start after displaying these errors, check the battery first.
Table of Contents
What Is Dynamic Steering Torque?
Dynamic Steering Torque is automatically activated when the Electronic Stability Control module detects vehicle instability. It is part of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Electric Power Steering (EPS) modules. When the ESC module detects that the vehicle is becoming unstable, it sends a signal to the EPS module so that the EPS module, in conjunction with the DST, provides torque at the steering wheel to help the driver understand what to do to regain and maintain stability.
Remember that the Dynamic Steering Torque system depends on the driver’s response to the given torque to be useful. It won’t steer the vehicle for the driver. The benefits of Dynamic Steering Torque are improved vehicle stability, increased safety, and better off-road performance.
What Does Dynamic Steering Torque Service Required Mean?
Dynamic Steering Torque Service Required means your Dynamic Steering Torque system has a problem and has stopped working. The DST system provides the torque needed to steer the vehicle. When it is not working properly, the steering gets difficult to maneuver. It’ll be unavailable until the issue preventing the DTS system from working gets resolved. You can drive with the system disabled, but if the problem doesn’t go away, you must look into it because it may get aggravated at any moment rendering your car stalled. In modern vehicles, the systems are so interconnected that a fault in one component can cripple the entire ecosystem.
Symptoms of a faulty Dynamic Steering Torque system include:
- The steering wheel feels abnormal
- The steering wheel vibrates
- The vehicle pulls to one side
- The ABS light comes on
- The ESC light comes on
- The hill assist light comes on
- 4WD stops working
Why Does the Dynamic Steering Torque Service Required Warning Appear?
1. Faulty Battery or Alternator
If you are experiencing issues with Dynamic Steering Torque and the service light is on, check the battery first. If your battery is failing, you may face this issue. Ensure ESS and main battery are okay by load-testing them at an auto shop.
Also, check your alternator. If the battery voltage is lower than 12V when you’re in ignition mode(the engine is off). Then you may have a charging issue.
Replacing the dead battery or faulty alternator will clear the error message after you drive for a few miles. Remember, a new battery will solve a host of common problems with your Jeep.
2. Fault in the Abs System
You may see Service Electronic Parking Brake, Service Dynamic Steering Torque, Service Hill Start Assist system, Service ABS system, and Service ESC system error all at once or some of them. In that case, the ABS module has issues.
The Abs Module Itself Can Be Faulty
The ABS module can malfunction. Its internal components can fail. The DST system adjusts steering effort depending on the road condition. If the ABS module doesn’t work, the DST system receives incorrect data, thinks there’s an error, and produces the Dynamic Steering Torque Service Required error.
Check the wiring and the electronic braking system. Make sure they are working.
The Abs Sensor / Wheel Sensor Is Not Working
The ABS sensor sends data that is utilized by all those systems mentioned above (ABS, DST, ESC, PBS, HAS). All of them need accurate wheel rotation information. When the ABS sensor sends garbage data, the ECU stops all the dependent systems. Usually, it is inside the wheel bearing assembly or close to the wheel hub.
You can be certain by scanning the ECU. If you go to your nearest Autozone, they’ll scan to retrieve the code and tell you which sensor is at fault. An ABS sensor costs around $1500-1700.
3. The Wheel Speed Sensor Is Not Working
Like the ABS sensor, a faulty wheel speed sensor will trigger a Dynamic Steering Torque Service Required error and other ABS system-related errors because these systems rely on the sensor’s inputs to work correctly.
Replace your faulty sensor to clear the errors.
4. Faulty Angle Sensor
Sometimes, the vehicle angle sensor can become faulty and provide incorrect data about the steering angle. Because of that, the DST system can’t calculate and control the Dynamic Steering Torque and assist the driver. The system shows an error message when it detects the abnormal nature of the steering angle readings.
Ensure the angle sensor is working and replace it if it’s not.
5. Bad Airbag Sensor
Another one is a faulty airbag sensor. It can also cause the Dynamic Steering Torque Service Required error to appear by sending the wrong data to the ECU. The ECU needs accurate data to determine how much assistance is needed in dynamic driving conditions. A malfunctioning airbag sensor disrupts the steering torque calculations and produces an error message.
Ensure that the airbag sensor is working and there is no shortage of wiring.
6. Outdated Software or Software Glitch
You may see the Dynamic Steering Torque Service Required error if you missed any Dynamic Steering Torque system update.
Sometimes a glitch in the computer system can also trigger this problem.
If you have this problem, contact your dealership to inquire about any missing updates. Reset the system in your car if it is up to date. To do that, uncouple the terminals of your battery and reattach them after half an hour.
7. Water Ingress
If you go through a puddle or mud or drive in light to heavy rain, the error code can appear, and you may lose power steering assist. Sometimes water ingresses into the front of the vehicle. Also, moisture can affect a sensor as well.
Inspect the battery terminals and straps and the ECU connectors. Clean them and wait for some time. After restarting the vehicle, you should see the warning lights are cleared, and the car is functioning normally.
Difference Between Dynamic Power Steering and Electric Power Steering
Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) and Electric Power Steering (EPS) are different steering systems.
Dynamic Power Steering is a hydraulic steering system. It uses hydraulic fluid and a pump to assist the driver. DPS adjusts hydraulic pressure to the steering system based on the vehicle speed and steering input. At high speed, it doesn’t help much to increase the sense of control that the driver has. At low speeds, it helps to make steering easy.
On the other hand, an electric motor provides power to help steer in an Electric Power Steering. The ECU controls how much assistance should be given to the driver based on vehicle speed, steering angle, and driver input.
Different manufacturers implement the DPS and EPS differently. Based on that, the performance and characteristics can vary.
Read More:
- How to Fix Jeep Wrangler Automatic Transmission Shifting Problems? – 6 Methods Explained
- Troubleshooting Jeep Backup Camera Black Screen: Easy Fixes to Regain Clear Rear Vision
Final Words
Dynamic Steering Torque feature helps drivers by providing torque at the steering wheel during unstable driving conditions. It’s designed to help drivers maintain control of their vehicles and improve vehicle stability. If you are experiencing a Dynamic Steering Torque Service Required warning, use scanning tools to read fault codes from different modules. Diagnose the root cause and implement appropriate repairs or adjustments to restore proper steering behavior, enhance vehicle stability, and ensure optimal safety on the road.