First, the brake light and ABS light came on after I had been slipping on mud. Then, the check engine light came on. I turned the ignition key 3 times to get the code, but can't find out what the code means.
P0551 Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
There is a switch that senses the pressure of the hydraulic fluid which
reflects how hard it is working (e.g. like when turning at low speed or
when stopped). It then opens the switch (which is normally grounded)
and a wire to the powertrain controller senses that and increase the
idle speed accordingly so the engine doesn' falter. Here is an exchange
I had earlier with another owner about it.
"The switch is located on the back side of the power steering gear. It
is supposed to raise the idle speed when you are turning the wheels at
low speeds when the system will require more pressure and thus
otherwise drag down the idle. The wire to the switch is dark blue/light
green (signal) and a black ground; and the signal wire goes to pin 45
of the powertrain control module. So you might check the connector at
the switch and the connection to pin 45 of the controller, from pin 2
of the plug...
All I can add is that if you locate the two high pressure lines that
run to the steering gear from the power steering pump you will find the
switch right next to where those two lines connect to the gear. It no
doubt just screws out and then install the new one. The manual says
that you remove the electrical plug, lifting the locking tab carefully.
Then it says to use a crowfoot wrench and extension to remove the old
one. The steering fluid will run out so be prepared to clean catch it,
and be ready to screw in the new one to minimize loss. If you catch the
fluid in a clean pan you car reuse it. The torque spec with a crowfoot
wrench is 12 foot pounds and you have to be careful not to exceed the
limit or you may ruin the fine hydraulic threads on the steering gear
and then you have a potentially expensive problem. So if you can't get
a crowfoot that fits the sensor (when you buy the replacement you can
see what the size it) and don't have an extension and a torque wrench
you may want to let the shop do it. Make sure the electrical plug is in
place with the locking tab engaging the tab on the switch. Refill the
power steering reservoir. Start the engine and then turn the steering
wheel from lock to lock several times to bleed the air from the system.
Use only Chrysler power steering fluid if you loose some of it."
I doubt it has anything to do with the fluid, unless the code started
right after that. If the wire seems OK, then the question is the switch
stuck open (measure that) or is the pressure really too high when you
are driving at normal speed or not even turning the wheel. That would
have to measured with a gauge. Let me know what you learn, please, or
have further questions. Hope this helps I know alot of info but should help you please rate thank you
This is a common problem on the Durangos. Usually the Power Steering Switch leaks and wicks through to the o2 sensor causing a temporary short, hence your engine light code. The code is telling you that the o2 sensor is faulty.
Inspect carefully under the P/S switch and check all connectors beaneath it for oil seepage. Clean it off with brake cleaner. To reset the code in your computer you will have to disconnect and reconnect the battery terminals. Leave them disconnected for 15 minutes. Then reconnect. Not sure wether or not your brake lights went back off, but if they did not check the master cylinder and be sure it is full of brake fluid. Do this before disconnecting the battery so that if those lights did not go off they should after reconnecting. Good luck!
Please remember to rate this fix.
Code P0551 relates to the power steering pressure sensor circuit. The engine computer saw some value from the sensor that is out of range or slow responding
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I had originally bought a 1999 Durango and the same thing happened to it and the dealership told me it was the ABS module. It was shot. I am not sure if that is what is wrong with yours but I figured it wouldnt hurt to post. Hope this helps of course I hope for your sake that this is not the problem. This is like a 1000 dollar fix. Ugh
Engine light on
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