Chassis, generic

C0250 Power Steering Pump Pressure

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

C0250 is publicly unverifiable: neither the reachable J2012 lists, nor NHTSA's bulletin index, nor GM's PIP5094 keywords, nor the Saab manuals contain it. What can be described is the part named in the title. On hydraulic power steering a pressure switch or sensor at the pump outlet tells the engine control when steering adds load. Chrysler's patent US6152106 uses a voltage-output sensor so the idle air control can open earlier and avoid idle dips while parking. Mazda's patent US6012541 shows a plausibility test: a switch that stays closed for 60 s at over 60 km/h with warm fluid is judged stuck, because nobody steers that long at speed. For the electrical faults of such a sensor, the powertrain codes P0550 to P0554 exist.

Likely causes

Faulty or stuck power steering pressure sensor or switch
Damaged wiring or connector at the pressure sensor
Low fluid level or worn pump giving abnormal pressure

Symptoms

  • Idle speed dips or stalls when steering at standstill
  • Warning lamp or stored code without noticeable steering change

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumDIY possible
Parts and labour€30–400
Time0.3–2 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

power steering pumppower steering pressure sensor

Related codes

P0550P0551P0552

References: patents.google.com, patents.google.com.