Can you keep driving?
Can you keep driving?
Stop driving if any of these apply
- !The system loses function completely or starts making noise or leaks that suggest a real mechanical problem.
- !The warning light is accompanied by a severe drivability or safety issue.
What to check first
Step-by-step checks
- 1
Free - no tools
Check the fluid level and look for leaks before replacing parts
- 2
Free - no tools
Inspect the pressure sensor connector and harness for contamination or damage
- 3
Basic tool needed
Notice whether the fault appears mainly while steering at low speed or while turning the wheel fully
- 4
Basic tool needed
If live data is available, compare the pressure reading with steering effort and engine RPM
- 5
Basic tool needed
If the pump or belt is noisy, keep the hydraulic side in the diagnosis
If the code returns
- -If the hydraulic side is good and the signal remains high, the sensor or wiring is more likely.
- -If the code returns after a repair, verify the reading at idle and under steering load.
- -If steering assist is clearly wrong, fix the underlying hydraulic problem before chasing the sensor alone.
Background
What this code means
P0553 is a generic OBD-II pressure-sensor or pressure-switch code.
These codes often point to a sensor, wiring, fluid-level, or pressure-supply issue rather than the expensive component itself.
The steering may feel odd, or the ECU may think the hydraulic load is higher than it really is.
Diagnosis
Common causes
Biased pressure sensor
The sensor can report a higher load than is really present.
Connector or wiring issue
A bad connection can distort the signal.
Hydraulic pressure issue
A pump or belt fault can create a real pressure mismatch.
Fluid contamination
Dirty fluid can contribute to poor system behavior.
Avoid these mistakes
What not to do
- xDo not replace a pump or compressor first if the sensor, wiring, or fluid level is obviously the issue.
- xDo not keep driving if the system is making noise, leaking fluid, or losing function quickly.
Parts
Parts that may need replacing
See also
Related OBD codes
P0550
P0550 usually means the power steering pressure sensor or switch circuit is not behaving correctly.
P0551
P0551 usually means the power steering pressure signal is out of normal range or performance.
P0552
P0552 usually means the power steering pressure signal is reading too low.
P0554
P0554 usually means the power steering pressure signal is intermittent.
Source notes
Generic OBD-II (SAE J1979 / ISO 15031-5). P0553 was expanded around common high power-steering pressure signal faults, including sensor bias, wiring issues, and hydraulic problems.
This guide is written as a generic multi-make reference, so bulletin history, sensor locations, and repair order can still change by manufacturer and engine family.
This is generic OBD-II guidance and should not override vehicle-specific service information. Exact diagnosis and repair steps vary by make, engine family, and model year.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-10
Reference: Open reference