P0552
Power Steering Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit Low
Vehicle speed & idle control
Generic OBD-II
Medium
What it means
P0552 means the engine computer sees an abnormally low voltage from the power steering pressure sensor circuit. That sensor tells the ECM when steering effort loads the engine so it can raise idle — so the usual sign is an idle dip or stall during slow, tight turns, not a loss of steering assist. It's typically a wiring, connector, or sensor fault.
Medium
Can I keep driving? Usually drivable — steering assist is mechanical, but the engine may dip or stall during slow, tight turns until it's fixed.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Idle dips or stalls during slow, full-lock turns (parking)
- Slightly rough or unstable idle when steering under load
- No idle compensation when the A/C or steering is loaded
Common causes
Most likely first
- Faulty power steering pressure (PSP) sensor/switchLikely
- Short to ground or open in the sensor signal wireCommon
- Corroded or loose connector at the sensorCommon
- Wiring chafed against the steering or engine componentsLess often
- PCM/module fault (rare)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame and inspect the PSP sensor connector for corrosion or a loose pin.
- Back-probe the signal circuit and compare voltage to spec; a reading stuck low points to a short-to-ground or failed sensor.
- Check continuity of the signal and reference wires back to the module for shorts/opens.
- Replace the PSP sensor if the wiring checks out. Clear and re-test with slow full-lock turns.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0552?+
Generally yes. Power steering assist is driven by the pump, not this sensor, so steering still works — but the engine may stumble or stall during slow tight turns until it's repaired.
Can I just clear P0552?+
It will clear, but the code returns once the ECM next reads the sensor circuit as out of range. Fix the wiring or sensor first.
Related codes
Often seen with P0552
Read & clear P0552 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX