P0551

DTC P0551: Power Steering Pressure Switch Circuit Range/Performance














CIRCUIT OPERATION

- A battery positive voltage is applied to the power steering pressure switch output terminal (terminal No. 1) from the ECM (terminal No. 58) via the resistor in the ECM.

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

- The power steering pressure switch converts the existence of a power steering load into a high/low voltage, and inputs it into the ECM.
- When the steering wheel is turned, hydraulic pressure rises. The power steering pressure switch closes, and the applied battery positive voltage will be grounded. With this, the power steering pressure switch output voltage will fluctuate between 0 and 12 volts.
- While driving with the steering wheel held straight, the power steering pressure switch turns "OFF".
- The ECM checks whether the power steering pressure switch turns "OFF" or "ON" during driving.

DESCRIPTIONS OF MONITOR METHODS

Power steering pressure switch stays on during specified go/stop operations.

MONITOR EXECUTION

Continuous

MONITOR EXECUTION CONDITIONS (Other monitor and Sensor)

Other Monitor (There is no temporary DTC stored in memory for the item monitored below)

- Not applicable
Sensor (The sensor below is determined to be normal)

- Engine coolant temperature sensor

DTC SET CONDITIONS

Logic Flow Chart






Check Conditions

- Engine coolant temperature is more than 65°C (149°F).
- Repeat 10 times or more: drive*1, stop*2.
Drive*1:
- Vehicle speed is more than 50 km/h (31 mph) lasting 4 seconds or more.
Stop*2:
- Vehicle speed is less than 1.5 km/h (1 mph).
Judgement Criterion

- Power steering pressure switch continues to be "ON".


FAIL-SAFE AND BACKUP FUNCTION

- None

OBD-II DRIVE CYCLE PATTERN

None.

TROUBLESHOOTING HINTS (The most likely causes for this code to be set are:)

- Power steering pressure switch failed.
- Shorted power steering pressure switch circuit or connector damage.
- ECM failed.


DIAGNOSIS

Required Special Tool:

- MB991958: Scan Tool (M.U.T.-III Sub Assembly)
- MB991824: V.C.I.
- MB991827: USB Cable
- MB991910: Main Harness A

STEP 1. Using scan tool MB991958, check data list item 83: Power Steering Pressure Switch.





CAUTION:
To prevent damage to scan tool MB991958, always turn the ignition switch to the "LOCK" (OFF) position before connecting or disconnecting scan tool MB991958.

(1)Connect scan tool MB991958 to the data link connector.
(2)Start the engine and run at idle.
(3)Set scan tool MB991958 to the data reading mode for item 83, Power Steering Pressure Switch.

- If the steering wheel is not turned while idling, "OFF" should be displayed.
- If the steering wheel is turned while idling, "ON" should be displayed.
(4)Turn the ignition switch to the "LOCK" (OFF) position.

Q. Is the switch operating properly?

YES It can be assumed that this malfunction is intermittent. How to Cope With Intermittent Malfunctions.

NO Go to Step 2.

STEP 2. Check harness connector B-17 at power steering pressure switch for damage.

Q. Is the harness connector in good condition?

YES Go to Step 3.
NO Repair or replace it. Harness Connector Inspection.
Then go to Step 9.
STEP 3. Measure the power supply voltage at power steering pressure switch harness side connector B-17.

(1)Disconnect the connector B-17 and measure at the harness side.

(2)Turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position.





(3)Measure the voltage between terminal No. 1 and ground.

- Voltage should be battery positive voltage.
(4)Turn the ignition switch to the "LOCK" (OFF) position.

Q. Is battery positive voltage (approximately 12 volts) present?

YES Go to Step 7.

NO Go to Step 4.

STEP 4. Check harness connector B-108 at ECM for damage.

Q. Is the harness connector in good condition?

YES Go to Step 5.
NO Repair or replace it. Harness Connector Inspection.
Then go to Step 9.
STEP 5. Check for short circuit to ground between power steering pressure switch connector B-17 (terminal No. 1) and ECM connector B-108 (terminal No. 58).

Q. Is the harness wire in good condition?

YES Go to Step 6.
NO Repair it. Then go to Step 9.
STEP 6. Using scan tool MB991958, check data list item 83: Power Steering Pressure Switch.

(1)Start the engine and run at idle.

(2)Set scan tool MB991958 to the data reading mode for item 83, Power Steering Pressure Switch.

- If the steering wheel is not turned while idling, "OFF" should be displayed.
- If the steering wheel is turned while idling, "ON" should be displayed.


(3)Turn the ignition switch to the "LOCK" (OFF) position.

Q. Is the switch operating properly?

YES It can be assumed that this malfunction is intermittent. How to Cope With Intermittent Malfunctions.
NO Replace the ECM (Refer to, Removal and Installation Removal and Replacement).
Then go to Step 9.
STEP 7. Check harness connector B-108 at ECM for damage.

Q. Is the harness connector in good condition?

YES Go to Step 8.
NO Repair or replace it. Harness Connector Inspection.
Then go to Step 9.
STEP 8. Replace the power steering pressure switch.

(1)Replace the power steering pressure switch.

(2)Check the trouble symptoms.

(3)Check the diagnostic trouble code (DTC).

Q. Is DTC P0551 set?

YES Replace the ECM (Refer to, Removal and Installation Removal and Replacement).
Then go to Step 9.
NO The inspection is complete.
STEP 9. Using scan tool MB991958, check data list item 83: Power Steering Pressure Switch.

(1)Start the engine and run at idle.

(2)Set scan tool MB991958 to the data reading mode for item 83, Power Steering Pressure Switch.

- If the steering wheel is not turned while idling, "OFF" should be displayed.
- If the steering wheel is turned while idling, "ON" should be displayed.


(3)Turn the ignition switch to the "LOCK" (OFF) position.

Q. Is the switch operating properly?

YES The inspection is complete.
NO Retry the troubleshooting.