ok, I just disconnected the battery an hour ago, let it 'rest' for 20 mins, and then tried again. And hooray, all is back to normal I did get an active steering error message when I started the car again, but after driving for 50m, this sign went out.

I guess my battery was on the weak side, causing these anomalies (It showed a black indicator on the battery). The car has been sitting in the garage for 2 weeks now, with the only driving being done getting in and out of the garage.

anyhow, problem is solved