Power Steering Sensor?

[tca7291]

I am kinda wondering what the power steering sensor/pressure switch does. I've installed a manual rack and pinion in my '91 and was wondering what the little sensor/switch in the line right after the original p/s pump does if anything. I have it hooked up still and just dangling, but was interested if it has any purpose. Thanks!

 

[KhanTyranitar]

It measures the pressure, and if it goes over a certain amount, it raises the idle to prevent the motor from stalling during lose sped maneuvers, since it might otherwise bee too much load at that low of an RPM. Its similar to how AC raises the idle to compensate for the load of the AC compressor.

If you have a manual rack, you can leave it disconnected.

 

[tca7291]

Thanks Khan, I guess I will go ahead and pull it. Shave a half ounce of weight out of my car and increase my 1/4 mile time by about a second and a half! J/K Thanks man.