Powertrain, generic · Vehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs

P0553 Power Steering Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit High

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

Hydraulic power steering has a pressure switch or sensor on the high-pressure line; when the wheel is turned at standstill, pump pressure and engine load rise sharply, so the engine module raises idle air in advance to stop the engine stalling. That makes it an input to idle control under CARB. Switches (Saab, Mitsubishi) ground a pull-up; analogue 5 V sensors (Toyota) give about 0.45 V at zero pressure. GM's and Ford's tables do not use P0550–P0554. P0553 means the signal is above range – usually an open sensor ground or signal pulled up, a short to 5 V or battery, or a faulty sensor; high pressure alone does not reach the limit (Toyota's sensor gives 4.05 V at 7000 kPa). Toyota's 2007–08 Tundra set it from a series sensor fault.

Likely causes

Sensor faulty (Tundra 2007–08 series part)
Sensor ground or signal line open
Signal shorted to voltage
Engine module

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on (Toyota)
  • Permanently raised idle or no load pre-control
  • Possible fluid leak at the sensor

Repair estimate

DifficultyEasyDIY possible
Parts and labour€60–300
Time0.3–1.5 h

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

Parts involved

power steering pressure switchsensor wiringengine control module

Related codes

P0552P0550P0551P0554P0507

References: vehicleservicepros.com, law.cornell.edu.