What Is the P0551 Code?
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Seriousness
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The definition of code P0551 is “Power Steering Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit Range/Performance,” although some code definitions remove the word “switch” from the description. This code indicates that your powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) has identified a concern with your power steering pressure sensor, usually having to do with issues detecting the electrical charge from the sensor. This generic powertrain code can show up on any OBD-II-equipped vehicle.
More About the P0551 Code
When you turn your steering wheel, you may not realize that you’re actually having to exert massive amounts of pressure. This is because, in modern vehicles, the steering wheel is aided by power steering, which allows you to exert minimal force and steer your vehicle easily. However, in order to do this successfully, there’s a complex system that includes a power steering fluid, a power steering pressure switch, and more. This diagnostic trouble code indicates that the sensor identifying steering system pressure has in some way malfunctioned.
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What Are the Symptoms of a P0551 Code?
With code P0551, you’ll likely see a number of different symptoms. This typically includes the check engine light turning on. Other symptoms you see might include general engine idle issues, including erratic idling, engine stalling, and whining noises during idle. You could also see issues with poor steering performance, such as choppy or difficult turning due to the additional load. A decrease in fuel economy is also very common. However, symptoms can vary, and you may see normal steering for a period of time before drivability issues occur.
What Are Some Causes of a P0551 Code?
There is a significant variety of causes that might result in the P0551 code. Here are a few of the causes that you might see related to the P0551 code:
- Bad power steering pressure sensor
- Power steering fluid leak
- Broken or damaged wiring harness
- Defective fuse or relay
- Issues with a pin or connector in the steering pressure sensor circuit
- PCM or ECM issue
Because many possible issues can cause this problem, from fluid pressure to a concern with the belt-driven power steering pump, you’ll need to be careful to identify the true cause before you start trying to fix it.
How Serious Is the P0551 Code?
Any problems related to steering are serious safety issues. Without power steering, it can be incredibly difficult to turn the steering shaft, which can mean that you’re unable to consistently steer while driving. That can be extremely dangerous, especially when it comes to higher-speed steering demands. The P0551 fault code is a very serious one, and you should absolutely pay close attention when you see it in your engine.
Can I Still Drive with a P0551 Code?
It’s important that you avoid driving when this engine code comes into play. While most check engine codes are serious enough for you to avoid driving if possible, this specific code can be incredibly dangerous. No matter what vehicle speed you’re traveling at, you need to be able to steer your vehicle reliably. It’s best to take this code to a reputable repair facility and ensure you’ve gotten all the mechanical and electrical repairs necessary to return your vehicle to normal function.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0551 Code?
The diagnosis process can be quite difficult to go through when it comes to this problem. It can be easy to just assume that the problem is a defective power steering pressure sensor and replace the sensor, but these problems can easily arise in a variety of locations. Because there are so many possible causes of this code, you’re probably going to need to use a diagnostic flowchart and other advanced diagnostic tools. When you contact an expert, you can get a fix for the underlying issue without needing a follow-up repair.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0551 Code?
Inspection, as with diagnosis, can be a difficult process to go through for this code. For example, the switch is located on the steering rack itself on the back side of the driver’s side, which isn’t often something DIYers have a lot of experience with. This problem can also require looking through other diagnostic trouble codes, as well as close inspection of harness wires, reference wires, and sensor signal wires, all of which can be unfamiliar, especially for a DIYer. This inspection process is likely best left to an expert.
Need Additional Help with Your P0551 Code?
If you need extra help with the P0551 code, you’re definitely not alone. This code can be complicated to deal with, and an auto repair experience can be a much better option, regardless of whether you’re dealing with corroded wires, damage between power steering pressure switch connector and ECM connector, or something else entirely.
Your first step may need to be to find an auto repair shop in your area. If you need to drive at slow speeds due to steering issues, this can help you find an easily accessible repair shop. Even if you’re not seeing significant drivability issues, you definitely shouldn’t drive far with this code active, so it’s best to find a shop locally.
It’s also definitely quite common to see additional codes on your code scanner outside of just this fault code. In this case, you can use the OBD-II database to learn more about these other CEL codes. That way, you’ll get a better understanding of the actual issue and know what repairs you may need to consider.
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