2002 Dodge Neon engine code

GST1965

MEMBER
2002 DODGE NEON
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
56,000 MILES

The check engine light will come on every couple of days. It will pop a code of P0551 (incorrect power steering switch input detected) what is the most likely cause. No problems while driving.

the car is an SXT model which I can only get info on in the 2003 make but all paperwork says it's a 2002, if this makes a difference.

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Hi gst1965,

Thank you for the donation.

You are correct about the info for only 03 models. Paperwork might be 2002 but this could be an o3 model specs.

Here is a description of the problem with possible causes and diagnostic procedures.

DTC P0551 : POWER STEERING SWITCH PERFORMANCE

Monitored & Set
Power steering switch is monitored with engine running. Vehicle speed at 50 MPH or greater.
Coolant temperature above 68 °F (20 °C). DTC will set if the power steering pressure switch remains open for 40 seconds or greater while both the vehicle speed is at 50 MPH and the engine coolant temperature above 68 °F (20 °C). This is a two trip fault.
Conditions Possible Causes
"� Good Trip Counter Zero
"� Power Steering Pressure Switch
"� (Z1) Ground Circuit Open
"� (K10) Power Steering Pressure Switch Signal Circuit Shorted To Ground
"� (K10) Power Steering Pressure Switch Signal Circuit Open
"� Power Steering Pressure Switch
"� PCM

Testing
1. Ignition on, engine not running. With the DRBIII(R) scan tool, read DTCs and record the related freeze frame data. Is the Good Trip Counter displayed and equal to zero? If yes, go to next step. If no, see INTERMITTENT CONDITION under SELF -DIAGNOSTICS SYSTEM.

2. Turn the ignition off. Disconnect the power steering pressure switch harness connector.
Measure the resistance between ground and the PSP switch (Z1) ground circuit at the power
steering pressure switch connector. Is the resistance below 5.0 ohms? If yes, go to next step. If no, repair the open in the PSP switch (Z1) ground circuit.

3. Turn the ignition off. Disconnect the power steering pressure switch harness connector.
Disconnect the PCM harness connectors. Measure the resistance between ground and the (K10) PSP switch signal circuit at the switch connector. Is the resistance below 100 ohms? If yes, repair the short to ground in the (K10) PSP switch signal circuit. If no, go to next step.

CAUTION: Do not probe the PCM harness connectors. Probing the PCM harness connectors will damage the PCM terminals resulting in poor terminal to pin connection. Install Miller Special Tool (8815) to perform diagnosis.

4. Turn the ignition off. Disconnect the power steering pressure switch harness connector.
Disconnect the PCM harness connectors. Measure resistance of (K10) PSP switch signal circuit from the power steering pressure switch harness connector to the appropriate terminal of Miller Special Tool (8815). Is the resistance below 5.0 ohms? If yes, go to next
step. If no, repair the open in the (K10) PSP switch signal circuit.

5. Turn the ignition off. Disconnect the power steering pressure switch harness connector.
Ignition on, engine not running. Connect a jumper wire to the (K10) PSP switch signal circuit at harness connector. Using the DRBIII(R) scan tool, while monitoring the power steering pressure switch. Touch the jumper wire to the ground circuit at the power steering pressure switch harness connector several times. Did the power steering pressure switch
status change from HI to LOW? If yes, replace the power steering pressure switch. If no, go to next step.

6. Before continuing, check the PCM harness connector terminals for corrosion, damage, or
terminal push out. Repair as necessary. If there are no possible causes remaining, replace and program the PCM.