P0553: The power steering pressure sensor signal is higher than the computer expects.

Power steering pressure sensor circuit high

Severity: Inspect soon

The code sits in the power steering system, which is safety-critical. Assistance can be affected if the pump or steering hardware is behind the code, so have it inspected soon rather than ignored.

Safety-critical system: explanation only, no DIY steps. Source: how we rate severity

P0553 in short

P0553 means the power steering pressure sensor or switch circuit is reading a high input to the engine computer. A wiring short to positive voltage, the sensor or switch itself, or the computer are the listed causes. Have the sensor circuit tested soon, and watch for heavy steering at low speed.

The engine computer watches a pressure sensor or switch on the power steering pump. P0553 is the generic title "Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit High 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.

Cause 1: Wiring short to positive voltage 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.
Cause 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.
Cause 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.

Step 1: Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data, and note whether other power steering or engine codes are stored with P0553.
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
- IfP0553 is the only code
  It meansCheck the sensor circuit next.
  Go to step 2
Step 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.
- IfWiring or connector is damaged, loose or corroded
  It meansRepair it and retest the circuit.
  Points to: Wiring short to positive voltage in the sensor circuit
- IfWiring is good and the sensor signal does not follow steering load
  It meansThe sensor or switch is the likely fault.
  Points to: Power steering pressure sensor or switch
- IfWiring and sensor are both good
  It meansLook at the computer last.
  Points to: Engine control module

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

Lexus

2008 · LX
Supported by vehicle data
NHTSA bulletin summary for this model: covers a MIL with P0553, a power steering pressure sensor malfunction. Whether it is still current is not verified.

LSB-0037-08Status unverified
MIL on with P0553: power steering pressure sensor malfunction (Lexus)
2008lx · issued July 15, 2008 · NHTSA 10026167
MIL on with a power steering pressure sensor malfunction code, P0553 (the summary also shows a garbled P055S). Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Toyota

2008 · Land Cruiser
Supported by vehicle data
NHTSA bulletin summary for this model: covers a MIL with P0552 or P0553, a power steering pressure sensor malfunction. Whether it is still current is not verified.
2008 · Sequoia
Supported by vehicle data
NHTSA bulletin summary for this model: covers a MIL with P0552 or P0553, a power steering pressure sensor malfunction. Whether it is still current is not verified.
2007–2008 · Tundra
Supported by vehicle data
NHTSA bulletin summary for this model: covers a MIL with P0552 or P0553, a power steering pressure sensor malfunction. Whether it is still current is not verified.

TSB-0133-08Status unverified
MIL on with P0552 or P0553: power steering pressure sensor malfunction (Toyota)
2007–2008land-cruiser, sequoia, tundra · issued July 14, 2008 · NHTSA 10026063
MIL on with P0552 or P0553, a power steering pressure sensor malfunction. Only the NHTSA flat-file 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 P0553 yet.

All Power steering and steering sensors codes

P0553 questions

Is it safe to drive with P0553?

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

P0553 trouble code definition — TroubleCodes.net
On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
P0553: NHTSA bulletin 10026167 (MIL on with P0553: power steering pressure sensor malfunction (Lexus)) — Manufacturer communication via NHTSA flat file
P0553: NHTSA bulletin 10026063 (MIL on with P0552 or P0553: power steering pressure sensor malfunction (Toyota)) — Manufacturer communication via NHTSA flat file

Last reviewed: October 16, 2026
Written by: Saurabh K.
Editorial review: Pending
Technician review: Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

Severity: Inspect soon

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Wiring short to positive voltage in the sensor circuit

Cause 2: Power steering pressure sensor or switch

Cause 3: Engine control module

What to test first

Step 1: Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data, and note whether other power steering or engine codes are stored with P0553.

Step 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.