P0553Power Steering Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit High
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- How the car detects it
- Hydraulic power steering has a pressure switch or sensor on the high-pressure line; when the wheel is turned at standstill, pump pressure and engine load rise sharply, so the engine module raises idle air in advance to stop the engine stalling. That makes it an input to idle control under CARB. Switches (Saab, Mitsubishi) ground a pull-up; analogue 5 V sensors (Toyota) give about 0.45 V at zero pressure. GM's and Ford's tables do not use P0550–P0554. P0553 means the signal is above range – usually an open sensor ground or signal pulled up, a short to 5 V or battery, or a faulty sensor; high pressure alone does not reach the limit (Toyota's sensor gives 4.05 V at 7000 kPa). Toyota's 2007–08 Tundra set it from a series sensor fault.
- What you may notice
- Check engine light on (Toyota)
- Permanently raised idle or no load pre-control
- Possible fluid leak at the sensor
- Likely causes
- LikelySensor faulty (Tundra 2007–08 series part)
- PossibleSensor ground or signal line open
- RareSignal shorted to voltage
- RareEngine module
- Inspection (ITP)
- Matters for the ITP. While the check-engine light is on, the car fails the emissions check.
- Repair
- Easy · Often possible to do yourself.Typical cost: €60 – €300
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.