When you see some error messages in your new Cadillac XT5, you may feel depressed. But GM cars love throwing a code or two to make your life brighter, so if you own the XT5, which is undoubtedly a wonderful car, you shouldn’t get frustrated when you see some message like Steering Assist is Reduced, for example.
In short, if your Cadillac XT5 shows the “Steering Assist Is Reduced, Drive with Care” message, it may say about the problems with the thermostat, alternator, battery, steering assist system, or ECU. It’s not always that easy to locate the problem and Cadillac owners very often buy and install the parts that they don’t need. So, you better read this article.
Below, I will tell you what causes this weird error message about the steering assist and how it is connected to the engine temperature. Also, I will talk about some exotic reasons why this message can pop up and spoil your mood.
What are the reasons for “Steering Assist Is Reduced” in the XT5?
Surprisingly, this message hardly ever means that there is a problem with the steering assist itself. The XT5 has an electric power steering, so it doesn’t have any changeable fluids or lubricants in it. It means that the system relies completely on the electrical system of the vehicle and there is no steering assist pump in this car.
The steering assist in the XT5 is almost never broken. It can go over 250,000 miles and not cause any problems. If it needs service, the XT5 may say “Service Power Steering” and you will most likely feel that the steering function is changed.
When it comes to the “Steering Assist Is Reduced, Drive with Care” message, here are the most common reasons:
1. Thermostat failure or bad thermostat sensor
Yes, it may sound too weird but the thermostat can trigger this problem. As I understand, there is a function in the ECU that makes sure the engine has a certain temperature to heat up the steering rack. The steering gear has some grease or lubricant inside and it may go too thick when cold.
So, the ECU gets information about the temperature of the coolant from the thermostat sensor. And this is the number one culprit for the strange message telling you to Drive with Care.
The ECU thinks that the engine is too cold and it can’t warm up the grease in the steering rack. This triggers the message that can get on your nerves for quite a long time. In most cases, you will need a new thermostat. But the first thing to do is to check the temp sensor.
Also, you should know that the thermostat for the XT5 comes with a pipe or tube and isn’t sold separately. Unfortunately, the OEM thermostat is quite expensive, but you can find some aftermarket versions and spend less money on them.
2. Problems with the alternator
When your engine is started, the alternator takes over all the work in the electrical system. It produces power and sends it to the system to let other units work properly. But when something goes wrong and the alternator is underperforming, the ECU may limit the power consumption of some units. The power steering system is one of those units in the Cadillac XT5, so the ECU may limit its functioning.
In this case, you will feel that the steering changed a little. The steering wheel became heavier, and harder to turn. But still, you can drive and when you rev up the engine, the alternator may produce more power and the error message may go off the dash.
This may happen when the alternator is worn out or when there is a problem with the serpentine belt. Once this belt slips, the alternator produces zero volts and the battery kicks in. But the battery can’t power the high-consuming steering assist in the XT5, so this error message will obviously pop up.
3. Blocked or damaged steering rack
If the steering system is broken completely, it will most likely throw other error codes and messages. Also, you will not be able to turn the steering wheel. But if it’s a little damaged and can’t move as easily as needed, it can throw the “Steering Assist Is Reduced, Drive with Care” message telling you to be careful and watch the steering wheel’s behavior.
Several sensors control the work of the steering assist system. And if this system starts spending too much energy on helping you steer the car, this error message may pop up. Very often, it will still allow you to drive the vehicle and you may not even feel that the steering wheel became tough.
4. Low battery problems
I know that Cadillac XT5 may throw almost any code when the 12V battery is low. Sometimes, it may tell you about the problems with airbags, sometimes it will think that the charging system is faulty. But one of the possible error messages is the “Steering Assist Is Reduced, Drive with Care” message.
This may happen when you only start the car and the system still relies on the battery. Also, it may happen when the alternator and the battery are both not in great condition. But remember that the low battery may throw almost any code in your GM vehicle.
What should you do when you see this error message?
Well, the first thing you should do is to stop panicking. You can drive further with this error message, just check the steering assist from time to time and make sure the steering wheel isn’t getting too hard to turn. If it’s OK, you can drive further and plan the visit to the dealership or to the trusted repair shop.
But if you notice that the steering wheel behavior becomes different, you may want to stop the vehicle in a safe place before it dies and leaves you with the uncontrollable car in the middle of the road.
When you stop, you may try doing the following:
- Reset the ECU by disconnecting the battery. Take the plus cable off the battery terminal and leave it like this for 5-10 minutes. Then reconnect it and see if the problem is solved.
- If you have the OBD2 scanner, check the codes. If you have the U0401 code in the steering assist section and then also the P0128 code in the powertrain section, you have to replace the thermostat. In other cases, look at what other codes may mean.
- Check if the vehicle is overheating. The stuck thermostat may make the engine overheat when you drive. This is another clear sign that the thermostat is broken.
- Wait till your car cools down and try driving. If the engine is cold, the system will not register the problem with the thermostat till it heats up to the working temperature.
The XT5 has many sensors and control units that check how important modules work. And after these cars get to 50,000 miles or so, they start throwing all those unpleasant messages beeping every other time you start the vehicle. This may be annoying, but it saves you from ignoring the problem and eventually having to pay hundreds or thousands for serious repairs.
How can you protect the XT5 steering assist from failing?
You shouldn’t care much about the electric steering assist in your Cadillac XT5. If your SUV throws the “Service Steering Assist” message, then you should have the vehicle inspected and repaired in the dealership or in the good shop. But the “Steering Assist Is Reduced, Drive with Care” doesn’t mean that the steering assist is going to be broken and will need a lot of money for repair.
Just find the actual problem and see if you can repair it. Of course, I recommend professional inspection and repair. Even replacing the thermostat may be too complicated for a person with no proper experience.
How long will the steering assist go in the XT5?
I’ve already said before that the steering assist in your XT5 is pretty durable and it can go more than 200,000 miles. I’ve seen the older XT5 with over 300,000 miles and the owner said he had absolutely no problems with the car and the steering rack was still OEM with no repairs.
So, the steering system is pretty good in the Cadillac XT5 and almost never requires any attention from you. Also, you may buy a used steering rack with the built-in assist if your car requires the replacement of this part. Used steering racks in the XT5 will also be durable and reliable.
Final thoughts
I know that seeing the “Steering Assist Is Reduced, Drive with Care” message on the dash of your Cadillac XT5 may be discouraging. But you shouldn’t think this message leads to expensive repairs. The worst (and the most common) thing that may happen is a problem with the thermostat that you can replace quickly and not really at a high price.
If you see this message and feel that the steering actually became much harder to turn, you may need a proper inspection of the vehicle before you keep driving it. Even if the message disappears, you should go to the dealership and have the XT5 properly inspected to make sure it doesn’t need any repairs or adjustments.