Nissan Maxima Service and Repair Manual: P0550 PSP sensor

Description

Power steering pressure (PSP) sensor is installed to the power steering high-pressure tube and detects a power steering load.

This sensor is a potentiometer which transforms the power steering load into output voltage, and emits the voltage signal to the ECM. The ECM controls the electric throttle control actuator and adjusts the throttle valve opening angle to increase the engine speed and adjusts the idle speed for the increased load.

DTC Logic

DTC DETECTION LOGIC

NOTE: If DTC P0550 is displayed with DTC P0643, first perform the trouble diagnosis for DTC P0643. Refer to EC-394, "DTC Logic".

DTC CONFIRMATION PROCEDURE

1.PRECONDITIONING

If DTC Confirmation Procedure has been previously conducted, always perform the following before conducting the next test.

1. Turn ignition switch OFF and wait at least 10 seconds.
2. Turn ignition switch ON.
3. Turn ignition switch OFF and wait at least 10 seconds.

2.PERFORM DTC CONFIRMATION PROCEDURE

1. Start engine and let it idle for at least 5 seconds.
2. Check 1st trip DT

Diagnosis Procedure

1.CHECK GROUND CONNECTION

1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
2. Check ground connection E9.

2.CHECK PSP SENSOR POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT

1. Disconnect power steering pressure (PSP) sensor harness connector.
2. Turn ignition switch ON.
3. Check the voltage between PSP sensor harness connector and ground.

3.CHECK PSP SENSOR GROUND CIRCUIT FOR OPEN AND SHORT

1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
2. Disconnect ECM harness connector.
3. Check the continuity between PSP sensor harness connector and ECM harness connector.
4. Also check harness for short to ground and short to power.

4.CHECK PSP SENSOR INPUT SIGNAL CIRCUIT FOR OPEN AND SHORT

1. Check the continuity between PSP sensor harness connector and ECM harness connector.
2. Also check harness for short to ground and short to power.

5.CHECK PSP SENSOR

6.CHECK INTERMITTENT INCIDENT

Component Inspection

1.CHECK POWER STEERING PRESSURE SENSOR

1. Reconnect all harness connectors disconnected.
2. Start engine and let it idle.
3. Check the voltage between ECM terminals under the following conditions.