I am a mechanical dimwit but I think that you can still steer manually if the electric fails. That would be a major safety issue if not. Correct. see this link for more info: Click on EPS from the Left menu http://www.uotdealereducation.com/repository/course/groups/%7B07474A7C-1F09-4F1F-992A-2762C5...

Excellent write up. I wondered how the Electric Power Steering would work during an electrical problem. Now has me really concerned that auto manufactures are working towards drive by wire Electric Power Steering (no mechanical linkage between the dash and front wheels). Fluid Power Steering withou...

So here's how my birthday went out yesterday : I drive to work and as I was pulling my 09' Vibe into the parking lot the steering became stiff as if the EPS failed and then i see the battery light turn on! Turns out the Electric Assisted Power Steering is the first that turns off when the battery vo...