Correct, the dash light is ON (friend's car). For the money to hassle with the EPS you can buy a new manual rack and never mind about it in the future.
Switching the EPS OFF is not an option as the steering effort is too high without EPS while parking.

Just makes me think about it why Honda ever installed it. US market? New technology back then to try out? Does it have an advantage for the driver? I've never driven one and am very happy to have it NOT installed.