P0551

[Miss B]

Ok, check engine light came on yesterday on the way back to Indian Trail on I485. Googled and found it's the Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance.

No other lights on, everything seems to be working fine, is it okay to drive it back to Bristol?

Any ideas greatly appreciated.

Becky

[Stoke]

I found everything from "just make sure the PS fluid is full" to "replace the sensor".... no definitive answer on whether it was ok to drive with it on...

[electricbluegt]

I had the same code. It simply means that your power steering pressure switch is faulty. It is ok to drive the car like it is. The pressure switch is there to tell the PCM to bump the throttle up a bit when the power steering is under heavy load, such as during parking etc. I replaced my switch and no more code.

[Miss B]

I checked the PS fluid and it was barely registering on the stick. Picked up some ATF-4 at Autozone, filed it and headed back to Bristol. Car did fine, still have check engine light.

Is the "pressure switch" the same thing as the "power steering pressure sensor"? I'm going to the dealer tomorrow to have whatever it is fixed and I don't want them giving me a rash of ...

Thanks guys! ;D

[electricbluegt]

Yes, pressure switch and pressure sensor are the same part.

[Miss B]

Took PT to dealership today and it was the sensor. Got it replaced and she's good as new. Thanks guys!

Becky

[catinpt]

Keep an eye on the fluid it should not be low, if it goes down have the rack & pinion checked for leaks I had a plug in mine go to leaking a slow drip. Chrysler says they are none rebuidable & you have to replace the whole thing but I got some stuff from Napa that took care of the leak 5 months ago and have never added any more fluid. This was on my 2004 PT.

[pypt07]

Got the P0551 code on Cruz, it is an 01. It was easy to replace is located on the rack & pinion. Part # is 526925, cost around $ 35.00. Disconnected battery to reset. Seems fine now