P0550

  • Powertrain
  • Generic (SAE)
  • Safety
SeveritySeverity level 5 of 5: Stop driving.

Stop driving

Continuing to drive risks injury or major mechanical damage. Shut the engine off when it is safe to do so.

Standard definition

Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit

This code is in our catalogue but has not yet been through editorial review, so the guidance below is limited to what our structured data supports. We publish deeper diagnostic content only after a code has been reviewed — here is why.

In plain English

General electrical fault on the power steering pressure sensor. The ECU uses this signal to compensate idle speed when the steering load increases; without it idle stability can suffer during parking maneuvers.

A trouble code records what a control module measured. It does not identify which part failed. Test before replacing anything.

Can I keep driving?
Safe to drive
Continuing to drive risks injury or major mechanical damage. Shut the engine off when it is safe to do so.
Urgency
Stop driving
Will it pass emissions
Not affected
Check engine light
Solid
Likely causes
#CauseHow oftenComponent
1Pressure sensor failedVery common
2Wiring or connector faultCommon

Ordering reflects how often each cause is responsible in general, not a probability for your vehicle. Confirm by testing.

Components involved
  • Power Steering Pressure Sensor
  • Ps Sensor Wiring
Sources
Definition
Generic code set (SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6) via the OBDexopen database, dedicated to the public domain under CC0-1.0.
Diagnostic guidance
Written and reviewed in-house. See our editorial policy.
Review status
Awaiting review

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