P0551: Power Steering Pressure Sensor Range/Performance
The PS pressure sensor signal stays in electrical range but is implausible for the operating state, e.g. high pressure reported with the wheels straight.
What P0551 means
P0551 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the speed, idle & cruise group. In plain English: the signal is within electrical limits but doesn’t make sense compared with other readings, so the part or system isn’t performing as expected.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- No
- Limp mode possible
- Not typical
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
Get it fixed
Post this code once and get quotes from local mechanics. Free to post.
Makes the repair and parts links below specific to your car. Kept in this browser only.
Common causes
- 01Sensor drift or contaminationMost likely
- 02Sensor element aged beyond calibration windowLess likely
- 03Sensor mounting loose - signal dampingLess likely
Can I drive with P0551?
Drive carefully and get it checked soon.
Steering assist may drop out, making the wheel heavy at low speed. Avoid driving if steering becomes very heavy or erratic.
Why we rate it urgent
- Steering assist may be reduced or lost
- Turns on the check engine light
Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.
How to diagnose P0551
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P0551. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Check for related codes first
Look for P0550, C0715. Related codes often share a cause; a circuit or sensor code usually needs fixing before a performance code like this one.
- 3
Check live data
Watch the related sensor and actuator readings in live data (Power steering pressure sensor) and compare them with expected values in the service information for your vehicle.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Sensor drift or contamination; sensor element aged beyond calibration window; sensor mounting loose - signal damping. Test before replacing parts.
- 5
Check for recalls and service bulletins
Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.
- 6
Clear the code and verify the repair
After the repair, clear the code and drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.
P0551 repair cost estimate
Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.
- DIY difficulty
- Moderate
- Good DIY job?
- Yes, with a scan tool
Needs a scan tool and some experience with testing.
Parts and systems involved
- Power steering pressure sensor
P0551 FAQ
What does P0551 mean?
P0551 means “Power Steering Pressure Sensor Range/Performance”. The PS pressure sensor signal stays in electrical range but is implausible for the operating state, e.g. high pressure reported with the wheels straight.
Is P0551 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P0551 as urgent severity. Drive carefully and get it checked soon. Steering assist may drop out, making the wheel heavy at low speed. Avoid driving if steering becomes very heavy or erratic.
What causes P0551?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Sensor drift or contamination; Sensor element aged beyond calibration window; Sensor mounting loose - signal damping. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P0551?
Typical labor is about $40–$250 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.
Can I fix P0551 myself?
DIY difficulty is moderate. Many owners can handle it with a scan tool, a multimeter and basic hand tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P0551 clear itself?
If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.