Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Input: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Power steering is one of the most important components of a vehicle. It helps the driver to steer the wheels with ease, even at high speeds.
The power steering system relies on various sensors to monitor different parameters and ensure that the steering functions properly.
One of these sensors is the power steering pressure sensor. In this article, we will discuss the Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Input, including its causes, symptoms, and solutions.
What is P0553 Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Input?
The Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Input is a fault code that appears on the OBD-II scanner when the power steering pressure sensor detects a low voltage input.
The power steering pressure sensor is responsible for monitoring the hydraulic pressure in the power steering system.
When the voltage input from the sensor falls below the threshold, the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) records the fault code and triggers the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) on the dashboard.
Causes of Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Input
There can be several causes of Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Input. Some of the most common causes are:
- Faulty Power Steering Pressure Sensor: A faulty power steering pressure sensor is one of the most common causes of this fault code. The sensor may have a short circuit or an open circuit, which can result in low voltage input.
- Wiring Issues: Another common cause of this fault code is wiring issues. The wiring harness connecting the power steering pressure sensor to the PCM may have a break, a short circuit, or a corrosion issue, which can result in low voltage input.
- Failed Power Steering Pump: A failed power steering pump can also cause this fault code. If the power steering pump is not working properly, it may not be able to generate enough hydraulic pressure, resulting in low voltage input from the power steering pressure sensor.
- Low Power Steering Fluid: Low power steering fluid can also cause this fault code. If the power steering fluid level is too low, the power steering pump may not be able to generate enough pressure, resulting in low voltage input from the power steering pressure sensor.
Symptoms of Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Input
The Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Input can cause several symptoms, including:
- Hard Steering: Hard steering is one of the most common symptoms of this fault code. When the power steering pressure sensor detects a low voltage input, the power steering system may not be able to generate enough hydraulic pressure, resulting in hard steering.
- Steering Wheel Vibration: Another common symptom of this fault code is steering wheel vibration. When the power steering system is not working properly, the steering wheel may vibrate, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
- Whining Noise: A whining noise coming from the power steering pump can also be a symptom of this fault code. When the power steering pump is not working properly, it may produce a whining noise, indicating that the pump is in distress.
- MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) on Dashboard: The MIL on the dashboard is another symptom of this fault code. When the PCM records the fault code, it triggers the MIL on the dashboard, indicating that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Solutions for Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Input
The solutions for Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Input depend on the underlying cause of the fault code. Some of the most common solutions are:
- Replace the Power Steering Pressure Sensor: If the power steering pressure sensor is faulty, it needs to be replaced. The replacement sensor should be OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or equivalent.
- Repair the Wiring Harness: If the wiring harness is damaged, it needs to be repaired. Any breaks, short circuits, or corrosion issues should be fixed.
- Replace the Power Steering Pump: If the power steering pump is faulty, it needs to be replaced. The replacement pump should be OEM or equivalent.
- Refill the Power Steering Fluid: If the power steering fluid level is low, it needs to be refilled. The correct type of power steering fluid should be used.
Conclusion
The Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Input is a fault code that can cause several symptoms, including hard steering, steering wheel vibration, whining noise, and the MIL on the dashboard. The causes of this fault code can be a faulty power steering pressure sensor, wiring issues, a failed power steering pump, or low power steering fluid. The solutions for this fault code depend on the underlying cause and may involve replacing the power steering pressure sensor, repairing the wiring harness, replacing the power steering pump, or refilling the power steering fluid.
FAQs
Q1. What is the power steering pressure sensor?
Ans: The power steering pressure sensor is a sensor that monitors the hydraulic pressure in the power steering system.
Q2. What causes Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Input?
Ans: The common causes of Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Input are faulty power steering pressure sensor, wiring issues, failed power steering pump, and low power steering fluid.
Q3. What are the symptoms of Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Input?
Ans: The symptoms of Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Input are hard steering, steering wheel vibration, whining noise, and the MIL on the dashboard.
Q4. How to repair the Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Input?
Ans: The solutions for Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Input depend on the underlying cause and may involve replacing the power steering pressure sensor, repairing the wiring harness, replacing the power steering pump, or refilling the power steering fluid.
Q5. Is it safe to drive with Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Input?
Ans: It is not safe to drive with Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Input, as it can cause hard steering, making it difficult to control the vehicle. It is recommended to get the problem fixed as soon as possible.
