P0551: Power Steering Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit Range/Performance
What to do
Driveable. If the steering has become heavy or the pump whines when turning, mention it — that suggests the reading is correct and the hydraulics are at fault.
What this code means
The power steering pressure reading is implausible — not rising when the wheel is turned to lock, or reading high with the steering straight ahead. A genuinely low fluid level or a failing pump produces this from a healthy sensor, so checking the fluid and listening for pump whine belongs before any electrical work.
Likely causes
Start here
- Low power steering fluid level · easy
- Faulty power steering pressure sensor · moderate
Less common
- Worn power steering pump · moderate
- Restricted power steering hose · moderate
Symptoms
Components involved
Information, not instruction
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Have anything you intend to act on checked by a trained person against the manufacturer's own procedure for your vehicle. Nothing here replaces that procedure.
Community experience
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