I have a 2004 Ram and I'm getting this code. I've cleared the code, it came back. I cleaned the power steering pressure sensor and its wires and then the light came on again after about 30 miles of driving. It comes on during freeway driving, not in slow speed or stopped. I also noticed there was a slight amount of pressure when I undid the cap off of the power steering resevouir. (level is correct) Steering seems just fine all the time, there are no leaks.
Any suggestions?

JIMMY

 

Welcome to the forum

Perhaps the switch is bad.

 

I got that exact same thing on my Dodge. I took it to the dealer that sold me the truck, with my check engine light on again. They found three codes, and cleaned out the terminals, and checked the wiring on it. I'd say probably a sensor is bad, because my engine light is on again after them doing what they did.

 

Do you think there is an issue since there is a slight amount of pressure in the power steering resevouir?
The sensor is about $35 from auto zone and pretty easy to switch out so I might just try switching it out.

 

OK,
I replaced the switch with one from Dodge (on reccomendation from an experirnced mechanic who believed that minute differances in electronics are not worth the $5 savings. I paid about $37.
Erased the code and have a few drives on it so far with no light, even some freeway (over 40MPH) where the light was triggered before.

Will advise if I have any more problems.

 

Jimmy, my 2004 Ram Hemi has been doing the same for 2 months now. I clear the code and it returns. I even ignor it and the light turns itself off. Hasn't come on in a couple weeks though.
Funny thing though. The switch monitors P/S pressure and adjusts idle when not moving but steering. When the light comes on there is still idle speed control. Seems to me to be a programing glitch?

Patrick

 

Does the light come on at freeway speeds?
Mine had no problem in controling the idle speed when turning when not moving...

 

Ok. 9th time typing up a reply. Before posting - less rant (if you can believe that after reading all this). Yes, Im replying to a thread for 2008. I made an account just to do it. 0551 code today on 04 hemi <64k miles. This thread was the first google that explained 0551.

Ive owned two new Rams off the lot. 97 and 04. Both - not daily drivers. I live in the rust belt. Both, required exactly the same repairs. Power steering went out, paint failed, rear end failed.

I got the 0551 today. Found out what it meant just now. No. My power steering has failed twice in this 04. Replaced with Dodge parts the first time. Aftermarket the 2nd time. Neither covered under warranty. Due to age of the truck, not mileage. My 04 had a dealer advisory. The clamps used failed under cold weather. Not a recall. Just hey - our stuff leaks when it gets cold.

Im glad its just a power steering issue. Fk it. Ill be that guy that checks their gas and fills their power steering fluid. If it fails, it fails. I need an upper arm workout. I worry less about that than I do my drivers air bag that can kill me with shrapnel. I sure enjoyed all those letters telling me I had an actual recall on that. Really appreciate the fact that it also said - sorry but, we have no inventory. So, drive your truck, know it needs airbags replaced. You can die but, we cant fix it. Good luck! Well. Ive tried to get it replaced. At least my passenger side is good.

By the way, its kind of good where the power steering leaks and the rear end. Maybe? Those are the only places on my truck where it doesnt have rust.