2001 Dodge Durango 4.7L: P1599 and P0551 Codes Explained - AC & Power Steering Sensor Issues
While driving recently, after a long trip, my check engine light turned on in my 2001 Dodge Durango with a 4.7L engine. I performed the 'on-off-on-off-on' reset to retrieve diagnostic codes and found two: P1599 (A/C Pressure Sensor Voltage Low) and P0551 (Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance). Although my power steering has not shown any noticeable issues, and my AC has been non-functional for over 18 months due to a torn hose (which I have not replaced), the presence of these codes raises concerns. The A/C system does function when needed, but the sensor reading suggests potential pressure irregularities. The check engine light appears intermittently — it comes on randomly during drives and goes off after the vehicle is turned off for overnight periods. It has only triggered about three times, with the most recent occurrence happening this morning while I was driving home from a 40-mile round trip. During each instance, I drove approximately one to two hours without experiencing any steering or AC performance issues. I am planning a 240-mile round-trip drive on Saturday regardless of the warning light, as I recently completed a 200-mile drive with no problems. Given that the light has not caused any immediate symptoms and only flares up intermittently, I'm wondering whether these codes require urgent attention or if they are simply false positives. Any input on how to interpret P1599 and P055 or whether a sensor replacement is needed would be greatly appreciated.
I also have a P0551 code and my power steering pressure switch is leaking about one ounce per week. Have you added fluid to the system? If so, how often do you top it up?