Power Steering Pressure Switch: Testing and Inspection

Signal From Power Steering Pressure Switch

Special tools and equipment
- VAG1551 scan tool or VAG1552 mobile scan tool with VAG1551/3B cable
- VAG1598/31 test box
- VAG1526 hand multimeter or VAG1715 multimeter
- VAG1594 adapter set
- Wiring diagram

Check conditions







- All fuses must be OK.
- Battery voltage must be at least 11.5 V.

Test sequence
- Connect VAG155 scan tool (VAG1552). Start engine and select "Address word" 01 of engine control module. Engine must be running at idling speed. (Connecting scan tool and selecting engine control module). Refer to "VAG1551 Scan Tool Tools and Equipment

Indicated on display


Rapid data transfer HELP
Select function XX


- Press keys 0 and 8 for function "Read measured value block" and confirm entry with Q key.

Indicated on display


Read measured value block HELP
Input display group number XXX


- Press keys 0, 5 and 6 for "Display group number 56" and confirm entry with Q key.

Indicated on display


Read measured value block 56 ->
1 2 3 4


- Observe values for power steering pressure switch displayed in display zone 4.
Specification: 0 x x x x
- Turn steering wheel to full lock and observe value displayed in display zone 4 (1st digit from left)
Specification: 1 x x x x
- Press -> key.
- Press keys 0 and 6 for "End output" function and confirm input with Q key.
- Switch ignition off.

If the specification is not obtained:
- Connect multimeter to pressure switch contacts.
- Start engine and run at idling speed.
- Check pressure switch for continuity.
Specification: infinity Ohm
- Turn steering wheel to full lock.
Pressure switch must switch to continuity.

If the specifications are not attained:
- Replace pressure switch for power steering:
- Check DTC Memory, if necessary, repair any malfunctions and then Erase DTC Memory, Checking and Erasing DTC Memory. Refer to "Displaying and Reading Trouble Codes/With Manufacture Scan Tool/Check DTC Memory (Function 02)" Testing and Inspection
- Read readiness code. If DTC memory has been erased or engine control module was disconnected from permanent positive, readiness code must be generated again: Refer to "Monitors, Trips and/or Drive Cycle/ Reading Readiness Code" Testing and Inspection
Engine code AWW. Refer to "Monitors, Trips and/or Drive Cycle/Generating Readiness Code" Testing and Inspection
Engine code AWP. Refer to "Monitors, Trips and/or Drive Cycle/Generating Readiness Code" Testing and Inspection

If the specifications are attained:
- Check wiring.

Checking wiring connections







- Connect VAG1598/31 test box to control module wiring harness. Engine control module remains disconnected.







- Disconnect black 2-pin harness connector to pressure switch for power steering -arrow-.







- Check wiring between test box and 2-pin connector for open circuit using wiring diagram.
Contact 1+socket 49
Contact 2+socket 50
Wire resistance: Max. 1.5 Ohm
- Additionally check wires for short to one another.
- Additionally check wiring for short to battery positive or Ground (GND).

If no wiring fault is detected:
- Replace engine control module.