What is the P0550 fault number? What is the definition of Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PSP)? How can I fix P0550 fault code What are the causes and symptoms of the P0550 fault?
What is the P0550 Fault code? What does it signify?
A P0550 code indicates that the powertrain controller module has detected an error in the power steering pressure sensor circuit. This code will only be applied to vehicles equipped with power steering systems. The pressure sensor will not be used in systems that use an electrical motor to assist with steering.
Many drivers underestimate the value of power steering. The hydraulically-assist system typically includes a power steering pump with a belt drive, steering rack/box and various lines/hoses and sensors. The PCM monitors the pressure in the system and adjusts the steering accordingly. It informs the PCM when the vehicle is being driven at low speeds that the idle speed must not exceed a certain point. It allows for more efficient handling by sending to the PCM a voltage signal that indicates how much force is required to turn the steering column at a specific angle. This signal is in sync to the signals sent by the steering angle sensor. (SAS).
If the PCM senses that the signal coming from the power-steering pressure sensor is not consistent with the signal coming from the steering angle sensor or does not receive any signal, the PCM cannot control the power-steering pump properly and will set a code P0550.
P0550 fault codes can be found on many vehicles, including, but not limited, to Infiniti and Nissan models.
What is the P0550 Fault Code?
These are the most common reasons that P0550 fault codes are triggered:
- – Damaged or melted wires, snapped, corroded, shorted or open wires, and/or loose, corrosion-prone connectors to power steering pressure sensor
- – A blown fuse, or faulty relay
- – Use low or no power steering fluid
- – Do not use power steering fluid that is not specified
- Fluid leaks in power steering system
- – Defective pressure sensor/switch for power steering
- – Defective power steering pumps
- – Worn or defective rack or pinion gears
- – Faulty control modules or PCM (rarely).
What are the symptoms for P0550 Fault Code?
You may experience the following symptoms if your vehicle has the code P0550:
- – Illumination at the check engine lights
- – Power steering fluid leaks
- Low engine speeds may cause engine to stall.
- Hydraulic assistance can be lost at low speeds, and it may become difficult to turn the wheel.
- – Increased fuel consumption
- – Uneven idle speed
- – The power steering makes a whistling, moaning and knocking sound.
How to Fix the P0550 Fault Code
It is common to mistakenly believe that the engine is stalling at low speeds while you drive and turn. The problem is in either the power steering pressure sensor circuit of the power steering systems.
Here are some of the possible repairs that can resolve the P0550 fault codes:
- – Topping up and checking the power steering fluid
- – Replacing incorrect or dirty power steering oil
- Repair damaged, snapped or corroded cables or connectors to PSP sensors
- – Test and, if needed, replace the power steering pump
- Repairing power steering fluid leaks
- – Replacing an outgoing fuse or faulty relay
- – Rechecking the rack gears and replacing them if needed
- Repairing a damaged power steering pressure sensor
- – Test the PCM and replace it if necessary
How serious is the P0550 Fault code?
A vehicle with a P0550 fault codes can experience the most serious problems, such as loss of hydraulic support or the vehicle becoming manual. The manual steering is often difficult for novice drivers. This code can cause vehicles to stall at low speeds. It is important to address the problem as soon as possible and get it fixed as quickly as possible.
