P0636 code meaning
Power Steering Control Circuit Low
What P0636 means
P0635–P0637 concern the control or signal circuit between engine module and power steering – depending on the maker the drive of an electro-hydraulic pump or the steering load signal the engine module uses to raise idle. CARB requires power steering components to be monitored only if another diagnostic uses them, so these codes are rare and maker-specific. Mercedes-Benz stores P0635 in the electric steering module itself (no assist after start, software update); no engine module table available to us uses P0635–P0637. P0636 means the voltage in this circuit is too low – the wire is shorted to ground, supply voltage is low, or the driver sees a low state although it commanded 'on'. No manufacturer threshold is published.
P0636 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0636
- Power steering warning, heavy steering
- Check engine light (depending on the maker)
- Idle drops when steering
Common causes of P0636
- Most likelySignal or control wire shorted to ground (chafing)
- PossibleUndervoltage from battery, alternator or ground
- PossibleSteering module or pump module faulty internally
- Less likelyEngine module driver faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Power steering control circuitPower steering moduleEngine control module
What each part of P0636 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 6 | Area: computer (engine control module) and output circuits. |
| 36 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0636 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0636
What does P0636 mean?
P0636 means "Power Steering Control Circuit Low". P0635–P0637 concern the control or signal circuit between engine module and power steering – depending on the maker the drive of an electro-hydraulic pump or the steering load signal the engine module uses to raise idle. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0636?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0636 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0636 fail an emissions test?
P0636 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is P0636 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0636 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.