P0551 Power steering pressure sensor: reading or operation not right
P0551 means: Power steering pressure sensor: reading or operation not right. The steering or chassis system (steering angle sensor, electric power steering, suspension, brakes) found a fault. Drive gently and have the car checked soon. The most common repair costs about €80–160 in Estonia, depending on make and model.
What it means
The steering or chassis system (steering angle sensor, electric power steering, suspension, brakes) found a fault. There is a signal, but the reading or operation isn't plausible. The cause may be the part itself or a real mechanical fault.
What you may notice
- Warning light on
- Steering may be heavy
- ESP may be switched off
What could be wrong
- 1Steering angle sensor needs calibration · Sensor replacement €80–160
- 2Low battery voltage · Battery replacement €120–220
- 3Sensor or wiring · Sensor replacement €80–160
- 4Power steering unit or module · Control unit check and software €150–300
Repair difficulty: Moderate
What you can check yourself
If the steering is heavy, drive carefully. After tyre or alignment work the steering angle sensor often needs recalibrating. Best left to a workshop. It needs a diagnostic tool and experience.
How we fix it
- We read the codes and calibrate the sensor
- We check supply and wiring
- We replace the sensor or repair the steering unit
Standard SAE description: Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance