P0552 The power steering pressure sensor signal is lower than the computer expects.

Power steering pressure sensor circuit low

P0552 in short

P0552 means the power steering pressure sensor or switch circuit is reading a low input to the engine computer. A wiring short to ground, the sensor or switch itself, or the computer are the listed causes. Have the sensor circuit tested soon, and check the steering for heaviness at low speed.

The engine computer watches a pressure sensor or switch on the power steering pump. P0552 is the generic title "Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Input".

The computer uses this signal to raise idle speed when the steering is loaded, so the engine does not stall at parking speeds. Delaware's generic code list and TroubleCodes.net give the same meaning for this code.

Causes come from TroubleCodes.net's probable-cause line. Specific fixes and test values vary by vehicle, so use the service information for your car.

Most likely causes

These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.

  1. Wiring short to ground in the sensor circuit

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists wiring and connections as a probable cause for this circuit code, and wiring is cheapest to check first.
    What would change this
    Rises if the connector is loose, corroded or the harness is chafed near the pump. Falls if reference voltage, ground and signal test normal.

  2. Power steering pressure sensor or switch

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    The sensor or switch itself is listed as a probable cause by TroubleCodes.net.
    What would change this
    Rises if wiring tests good and the sensor reading does not change with steering load. Falls if the reading follows the steering normally.

  3. Engine control module

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists the computer last; it is rare compared with the wiring and sensor, so it ranks last until those are cleared.
    What would change this
    Rises only after wiring and sensor are both proven good. Falls if repairing the wiring or sensor clears the code.
    How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data, and note whether other power steering or engine codes are stored with P0552.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

    • IfOther power steering or engine codes are stored too

      It meansDiagnose those together; the circuit or computer may be the shared cause.

      Go to step 2

    • IfP0552 is the only code

      It meansCheck the sensor circuit next.

      Go to step 2

  2. Look over the power steering fluid level and condition, and inspect the sensor connector and wiring at the pump for damage, corrosion or leaks.

    Best left to a shopTool: flashlight, multimeter

    Warning:The steering pump sits near belts and hot or moving parts, and hydraulic fluid can be hot and slippery. Let a shop do the inspection and any electrical testing.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • No other change in how the car drives (the page does not list specific symptoms)

How to fix

This is a safety-critical system, so we explain the code but don't give repair steps. Have it inspected by a qualified technician.

Parts and cost context

  • Engine control module (ECM / PCM):A control module is the last item to suspect. Labour varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Toyota

  • 2008 · Land Cruiser

    Supported by vehicle data

    Toyota bulletin TSB-0133-08 covers the check engine light on with DTCs P0552 and P0553, power steering pressure sensor malfunction. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 2008 · Sequoia

    Supported by vehicle data

    Toyota bulletin TSB-0133-08 covers the check engine light on with DTCs P0552 and P0553, power steering pressure sensor malfunction. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 2007–2008 · Tundra

    Supported by vehicle data

    Toyota bulletin TSB-0133-08 covers the check engine light on with DTCs P0552 and P0553, power steering pressure sensor malfunction. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • TSB-0133-08Status unverified

    MIL on, DTC P0552/P0553 power steering pressure sensor malfunction

    2007–2008land-cruiser, sequoia, tundra · issued · NHTSA 10026063

    Bulletin on the check engine light on with DTCs P0552 and P0553, power steering pressure sensor malfunction. Only the NHTSA summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

No curated relationships for P0552 yet.

All Power steering and steering sensors codes

P0552 questions

Is it safe to drive with P0552?

Steering is a safety system. If the steering feels normal, drive carefully and book an inspection soon. If it gets hard to turn or the engine stalls when you turn, stop and get it towed.

Sources and review

  1. P0552 trouble code definition — TroubleCodes.net
  2. On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
  3. TSB-0133-08: MIL on, DTC P0552/P0553 power steering pressure sensor malfunction — Toyota
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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