Worried you might overpay for your power steering pressure switch replacement? Use Jerry’s GarageGuard to get fair cost estimate for your power steering pressure switch replacement.

Get Fair Repair Cost Estimate

No spam

Compare shops near you

Always know how much you should pay

Updated on Apr 4, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace a power steering pressure switch?
Where can I get my power steering pressure switch replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my power steering pressure switch?
What happens if I don’t replace my power steering pressure switch?
What is a power steering pressure switch?
Can I replace my power steering pressure switch myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

Load full table of contents

How much does it cost to replace a power steering pressure switch?

The average cost for a power steering pressure switch replacement is $117. We can break that price down into $60 for replacement parts and $57 for the mechanic’s labor costs. But remember, those are average estimates, and the actual price you’ll pay will be based on your car and location.

How long does it take to replace a power steering pressure switch? While replacement times can vary between different makes and models, a trained mechanic should take between 30 minutes and one hour to perform the service.

Here’s a breakdown of power steering pressure switch replacement costs for different vehicles:

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 26, 2024	Duane, 21 Fort Myers, FL	Saab 45172	$75	$19	$55	0.5 Hours
April 24, 2024	Frederick, 24 Alpine, NJ	Jeep Commander	$77	$19	$58	0.5 Hours
April 22, 2024	Nina, 28 Carmel, IN	Volkswagen Golf	$81	$19	$61	0.5 Hours
April 19, 2024	Maggie, 32 Birmingham, AL	Suzuki Kizashi	$79	$19	$60	0.5 Hours
April 13, 2024	Ivan, 43 Reading, PA	Pontiac Torrent	$44	$19	$25	0.5 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

Get a free fair cost estimate for my car

See fair price estimates for popular cars

What parts do I need for my power steering pressure switch replacement, and how much do those parts cost?

You should always consult your

owner’s manual

and a vehicle repair guide to learn model-specific repair information. But here is a general overview of the parts you may need:

Power steering pressure switch: The primary part you’ll replace is the switch. Prices can vary, but you should expect a new one to cost between $20 and $100.

Power steering fluid: Depending on your car, you may need to top off your power steering fluid level as part of the replacement. Containers of power steering fluid can cost $10 to $20.

You can purchase power steering pressure switch parts for your car from auto parts stores like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts, as well as online retailers such as Amazon and RockAuto. Three recommended brands for power steering pressure switches are Standard Motor Products, ACDelco, and BWD. When it comes to power steering fluid, we recommend brakes like Prestone, Valvoline, and Lucas Oil. However, keep in mind that the best parts and brands for your power steering pressure switch replacement will vary based on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

For most automotive repair jobs, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are the ideal choice, especially for newer cars.

Auto manufacturers design OEM parts to be the perfect fit for specific makes and models. The parts come with a solid warranty and tend to be built using high-quality and reliable materials. But OEM parts can be expensive and, depending on your car’s age, hard to find.

Aftermarket parts are built by third-party companies to fit a broader range of vehicles. They’re available in budget, premium, and performance options, but most tend to be cheaper than their OEM counterparts. Aftermarket parts are a good option for older cars or drivers looking to cut down on repair costs.

Where can I buy the parts for my power steering pressure switch replacement?

You can purchase OEM parts from your dealership or an authorized parts supplier. You can find aftermarket parts at most auto parts stores—like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts—and online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my power steering pressure switch replaced?

Finding a trustworthy auto repair shop can be difficult. Fortunately, you can use Jerry's

GarageGuard™

to compare repair estimates and hourly rates from more than 2,500 shops around the country.

Jerry's GarageGuard uses real hourly rates from your local shops to provide accurate, fair price estimates. Use it to learn about diagnostic fees, plan for future maintenance, and find the shops in your neighborhood with the best customer reviews.

Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to search for quality repair services near you.

175 Reviews

Seversin's Service Center

3401 Milwaukee St, Madison, WI

Power Steering Pressure Switch Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$185

(Parts - $76, Labor - $109)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$100

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (608) 241-0303

174 Reviews

Yoo's Auto Service & Collision

189 W Duncannon Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Power Steering Pressure Switch Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$161

(Parts - $76, Labor - $85)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$100

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (215) 457-7777

177 Reviews

54th Street Auto Center

415 W 54th St, New York, NY

Power Steering Pressure Switch Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$237

(Parts - $76, Labor - $161)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$191

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (212) 265-3120

155 Reviews

1 Stop Auto Services

469 Crescent Blvd, Camden, NJ

Power Steering Pressure Switch Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$156

(Parts - $76, Labor - $80)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$40

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (856) 475-5084

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my power steering pressure switch?

The replacement process can vary from car to car. But here are the general steps a mechanic will follow to replace your power steering pressure switch:

Lift the car off the ground

Locate the power steering pressure switch—on most vehicles, it’s mounted on the steering gear, power steering pump, or on a high-pressure hose

Remove the switch’s electrical connector

Remove the power steering pressure switch—if the switch is connected to a pressure line, you’ll need to use two wrenches to remove it

Install the new power steering pressure switch

Reconnect the electrical connection

Lower the car

Top off the power steering fluid

Start the engine and observe the bottom of the vehicle for leaks

Take the car on a test drive to test the power steering system

What happens if I don’t replace my power steering pressure switch?

If you ignore a faulty power steering pressure switch, you’ll likely experience the following problems:

Power steering system damage: A bad switch can put stress on other power steering system components. Over time, this can lead to premature wear and damage, likely resulting in a loss of power steering assistance and expensive repairs.

Engine performance issues: If the power steering pressure switch sends incorrect information to the engine control module (ECM), the engine performance may suffer. You may experience reduced fuel economy, engine stalling, increased emissions, and a rough idle.

Check engine light: The check engine light is likely to appear when the power steering pressure switch goes bad. If you ignore this light, you may not notice other problems until it’s too late.

What is a power steering pressure switch?

A power steering pressure switch—sometimes called a power steering pressure sensor—is an electrical component found in some power steering systems. It is typically mounted near the power steering pump or rack and pinion and monitors the system pressure. The switch sends information about the power steering system pressure to the engine control module (ECU).

As you turn the steering wheel, the power steering pump puts stress on the engine. At low speeds, this can cause the engine to stall. The ECU uses the switch’s information to make adjustments to the engine power output, preventing the engine from stalling while you turn the wheel at low speeds.

When should I replace the power steering pressure switch on my car?

There is no fixed replacement interval for the power steering pressure switch. Because of that, you’ll only need to replace yours if it fails. The top signs of power steering pressure switch failure are:

Engine performance problems: The primary sign of a bad power steering pressure switch is poor engine performance. You may notice the engine slows down, stalls, or speeds up and slows down erratically.

Check engine light: The check engine light will likely appear if you have a bad power steering pressure switch. But this light may appear for many reasons. And you’ll need an onboard diagnostics (OBD) scan tool to identify the trouble code.

Keep in mind: These issues can indicate other vehicle problems, like fuel or air intake system malfunctions. For an accurate diagnosis, you’ll need to visit a certified mechanic for an inspection.

How often should I replace my power steering pressure switch?

The power steering pressure switch doesn’t have a fixed replacement interval. But, like most electrical components, it can fail over time. You’ll need to replace yours when it shows signs of failure, which can include a check engine light, engine sluggishness, and difficulty steering.

Can I replace my power steering pressure switch myself?

A power steering pressure switch replacement can be a solid DIY project if you have the right tools and know-how. It generally requires mid-level automotive experience, and experienced hobbyists should be able to complete the service with ease. That said, novices may struggle—and if you’re uncomfortable performing the repair yourself, you should contact a professional mechanic.

Explore Popular Repair Services

Fog Driving Light Bulb Replacement Cost Estimate

Vacuum Pump Replacement Cost Estimate

Timing Belt Replacement Cost Estimate

Cruise Control Cable Replacement Cost Estimate

Electronic Spark Control Replacement Cost Estimate

Tail Light Lens Replacement Cost Estimate

FAQs

Where is the power steering pressure switch located?

The power steering pressure switch location can vary from car to car. But in most vehicles, the switch is located on or near the power steering pump, steering gear, or on a power steering hose.

Can I still drive without power steering?

You can drive without power steering, but it will be unsafe and difficult to do so. Without power steering, it will require significantly more effort to turn the steering wheel. This can lead to loss of vehicle control and increased risks of an accident.

What is the code for a power steering pressure switch?

One of the most common diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) associated with the power steering pressure switch is P0550. That code means there is a “power steering pressure sensor circuit malfunction.” Other codes that may indicate issues with the switch include P0551, P0552, and P0553.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.