P0550 OBD II Trouble Code Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Malfunction

How to quickly diagnose, repair, and info on symptoms and causes of a P0550 code that indicates a detected malfunction within the power steering pressure sensor circuit.

Symptoms of P0550 OBD II Trouble Code

  • Erratic idle
  • Engine stalling symptoms
  • Intermittent assist when steering (choppy turning)
  • Hard to steer vehicle
  • Whining noises
  • Leaking fluid
  • Poor handling

Common Causes of P0550 OBD II Trouble Code

  • Broken or damaged wiring harness
  • Power steering fluid leak
  • Fuse/relay defective
  • Power steering pressure sensor defective
  • ECM issue
  • Pin/connector problem. (e.g. corrosion, melting, broken lock tab, etc.)

Severity of P0550 OBD II Trouble Code

Given the fact that most likely, your power steering system could completely fail and you could still drive your car, severity here is set to low. Obviously, that's a dumb idea, any issue left long enough will cost you more in the long run.