P0552: Power Steering Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit Low

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. P0552 means the signal of an analogue sensor is below range – an open 5 V supply, a signal shorted to ground or a faulty sensor, not low pressure. Toyota's 2007–08 Tundra set P0552/P0553 from a series sensor fault and replaced it with a revised part, with the warning lamp on.

Symptoms

• Check engine light on (Toyota)
• Idle drops when steering at standstill
• Possible fluid leak at the sensor

Most likely causes

• Sensor faulty (Tundra 2007–08 series part)
• 5 V supply open or signal shorted to ground
• Connector corroded or oily (leaking sensor)
• Engine module 5 V reference

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

1. Check the fluid level if the steering is hydraulic
2. With the connector unplugged, check whether the signal wire is making contact with ground.
3. Check the connector and wiring
4. Read the steering control module's codes with a multi-system scanner
5. Leave the repair to a professional if the steering feel changes

Good to know

• Repair difficulty: easy
• It affects emissions.

What each character of P0552 means

• P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
• 0: Generic code: same on every make
• 5: Speed and idle
• 52: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P0552?

If the steering feels stiff or uneven, drive slowly and go to a repair shop or call for roadside assistance. It is a safety system.

What causes code P0552?

The most common causes are: sensor faulty (Tundra 2007–08 series part); 5 V supply open or signal shorted to ground; connector corroded or oily (leaking sensor).

Related codes

• P0553Power Steering Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit High
• P0550Power Steering Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit
• P0551Power Steering Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit Range/Performance
• P0554Power Steering Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit Intermittent
• P0506Idle Control System RPM - Lower Than Expected

Sources

• vehicleservicepros.com: toyota under pressure 2016 07 05
• law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2

Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.