P0552 Code: Power Steering Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit Low

What the P0552 code means

When you turn the steering wheel with the vehicle stopped, the hydraulic power steering pump loads the engine. The pressure sensor (or switch) warns the computer so it raises the idle a little and the engine does not stall.

The sensor gets a 5 V reference and a ground from the computer and returns a signal between about 0.5 and 4.5 V. A low signal, which is what the P0552 code reports, is usually caused by the signal wire shorting to ground or by a missing reference.

Without a good signal, the engine can stumble or stall when you turn the wheel all the way during maneuvers. Power steering fluid leaking out through the sensor itself is a frequent failure.

To confirm it, unplug the component with the key on and watch what happens to the reading or the code. If the value jumps to the opposite extreme, the wiring is fine and the component is the one pulling the signal to ground. If nothing changes, look for the short in the wire, starting where the harness rubs against the engine, the chassis or the exhaust.

P0552 code symptoms

• Check engine light on.
• Idle that drops when you turn the wheel.
• The engine stalls or shakes when you turn the wheel while stopped.

Likely causes of the P0552 code

1. Signal wire shorted to ground. The harness rubs against the engine, the chassis or a bracket.
2. Reference supply shorted. If several sensors fail at once, suspect the shared reference.
3. Damaged sensor with an internal short.
4. Connector with water or corrosion. It creates a path to ground.

How to diagnose the P0552 code step by step

1. Read the sensor value on the scan tool and compare it with what you expect.
2. Inspect the connector for corrosion, water or loose pins.
3. Check the supply and ground with the key on: the reference should be correct, with less than 0.1 V of voltage drop on the ground.
4. Measure the signal with the connector plugged in and watch whether it changes with the condition.
5. Do a wiggle test on the harness with the scan tool in graph mode.
6. Check the continuity of each wire to the computer (under 1 ohm).

How to fix the P0552 code

• Repair the connector or the wiring.
• Replace the sensor if the tests confirm it is bad.
• Correct the real condition if there is one.
• Clear the codes and verify with a road test.

Technical reference data

• It can be a switch (2 wires) or a 5 V pressure sensor (3 wires).
• These values are a general guide: check the manufacturer data for your vehicle.

Brand-specific notes

This code is most common on vehicles with hydraulic power steering. Look for fluid leaking onto the sensor connector before you condemn the sensor.

P0552 on Nissan

Common on Nissan vehicles with hydraulic power steering.

P0552 on Honda

Common on Honda vehicles with hydraulic power steering.

P0552 on GM

Common on GM vehicles with hydraulic power steering.

Frequently asked questions about P0552