2000 ES MTX throwing codes

g_force58 · Post by **g_force58** » Sun Jun 19, 2011 12:30 pm

Night before last I was on the interstate, at 69 mph the cel came on. When I got home I pulled the codes and had a P0550, powersteering pressure switch. I checked the fluid, PS belt tension and the switch elec terminal for corrosion. The car drove normally and the idle increased when the wheel was turned. Yes terday, exact same driving situation, 69 mph, interstate and I get a cel. Pulled the codes and had a P0551. Will change the PS pressure switch this week and see what happens. Are there any wiring problems I should explore with this?

NickKo · Post by **NickKo** » Sun Jun 19, 2011 3:06 pm

Free bump for you.

I can't say that I have ever heard of the wiring for the P/S switch getting damaged.
(Caveat: Never say never)

If this were my car, I would check the connector to make sure it is clean, and not oil-soaked or corroded for some reason.

Be sure there is no obvious physical damage to the wiring.
It's not in a location where it would typically get damaged, but it's possible that it may have gotten oil-soaked or contaminated somehow.

- Nick

g_force58 · Post by **g_force58** » Sun Jun 19, 2011 5:14 pm

Thanks NickKo, I did check the plug connection and things looked ok, no corrosion to speak of and no oil at all. Guess I will be buying the switch.

Marcel · Post by **Marcel** » Sun Jun 19, 2011 5:43 pm

had the same code, exchanged sensor and all was well

Took the liberty of exchanging steering fluid at the same time while i was at it

g_force58 · Post by **g_force58** » Mon Jun 20, 2011 12:17 am

Thank you Marcel, I intend to exchange the fluid when I do this. It nevers hurts to remind people of things like that. Sometimes they can get tunnel vision and pass up a good chance for maintenance.

g_force58 · Post by **g_force58** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 11:35 pm

After putting up with the cel for a few days I finally got around to changing the power steering pressure switch. The car is more drivable and the rpms don"t hang at 1,200 rpm until the car stops rolling. Easy fix, but you will need a hook tool to pull down the electric connector lock to disconnect the plug. Lost a little fluid when taking out the switch, but not enough to require a top off of fluid. My Haynes manual said to wrap the threads of the switch with teflon tape before the install. The switch already has an O ring and the old one had no teflon tape on it so I skipped that step. My thought is, if I put the tape on it and if it got between the O ring and housing, it would cause a leak. System is tight with no leaks. Easy to do and a recommended DIY repair. Tools needed, 1/2" rachet, 1/2" extension(6" long), 7/8" deep socket. Pressure switch set me back $24.95 at the local Advance Auto.