P0520 Engine oil pressure sensor or switch circuit malfunction

Oil pressure sensor/switch circuit fault

P0520 in short

P0520 means the engine computer sees a fault in the oil pressure sensor or switch circuit. It is usually the sensor, its connector or its wiring, not low oil pressure. Check the oil level and have it inspected soon. Stop the engine at once if the oil pressure light comes on or the engine starts knocking.

Most engines have an oil pressure sensor or switch screwed into the block that tells the computer, and the warning light or gauge, whether there is oil pressure. P0520 sets when the signal from that circuit is missing, shorted or outside the range the computer expects.

On its own, P0520 is a circuit code. The engine may have perfectly good oil pressure. The concern is that a faulty sensor circuit can hide a real problem, and low oil pressure can destroy bearings in a very short time.

So treat it with care: check the oil level first, listen for any new engine noise, and have the circuit and the real oil pressure checked. A shop can confirm actual pressure with a mechanical gauge.

Most likely causes

  1. Failed oil pressure sensor or switch

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    The code is about this part's circuit, and a failed sender or switch is a known cause of false oil pressure readings and warnings.
    What would change this
    Rises if a mechanical gauge shows normal oil pressure while the sensor reading is wrong or missing.

  2. Loose, corroded or oil-soaked connector, or damaged wiring

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    The code covers the whole circuit, so a connector or wire fault sets it the same way a bad sensor does. This needs a circuit test to confirm.
    What would change this
    Rises if the connector is loose, corroded or full of oil, or the reading changes when the harness is moved.

  3. Sensor revised by the maker (some FCA models)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    FCA issued a bulletin for a revised oil pressure sensor for P0520 across many 2012–2014 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram models.
    What would change this
    Rises if your vehicle is covered by the bulletin.

  4. Real low oil pressure (low oil level, worn pump or bearings)

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Less likely with a circuit code, but it must be ruled out because it is the costly outcome. Low oil, a worn pump and worn bearings all lower oil pressure.
    What would change this
    Rises if the oil level is low, the engine is noisy, or a mechanical gauge shows low pressure.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Park on level ground, turn the engine off, wait a few minutes, and check the oil level on the dipstick.

    Low riskTool: dipstick, clean rag

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has a bulletin for P0520. FCA has issued one on many 2012–2014 models.

    Low risk

  3. Have a shop fit a mechanical oil pressure gauge in place of the sensor and compare real pressure with the maker's specification.

    Best left to a shopTool: mechanical oil pressure gauge

    Warning:This means removing the sensor and running the engine with a gauge fitted. Hot oil can spray if a fitting leaks, and running with low pressure can damage the engine. Leave it to a shop.

  4. Have a shop check the sensor's connector, reference voltage, ground and signal wire with a wiring diagram.

    Best left to a shopTool: digital multimeter, wiring diagram

    Warning:Probing the wrong pins can damage the engine computer. Use the maker's wiring diagram.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light with no change in how the engine runs
  • Oil pressure gauge reads zero, maximum or jumps around
  • Oil pressure warning light or low oil pressure message Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Knocking, ticking or rattling from the engine Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. Park on level ground, turn the engine off, wait a few minutes and check the oil level. Top up if it is low.

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has an open bulletin for P0520.

On your vehicle

Dodge

  • 2012–2014 · Charger

    Supported by vehicle data

    FCA bulletin 18-034-14 (REV. A) supplies a revised oil pressure sensor for P0520 across many 2012–2014 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram models. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 18-034-14Status unverified

    P0520, revised oil pressure sensor (REV. A)

    2012–2014charger, challenger, dart, durango, grand-caravan, journey · issued · NHTSA 10141224

    FCA released a revised oil pressure sensor for P0520. Coverage includes many 2012–2014 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram models, including the Chrysler 200 and 300, Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, and Ram 1500 to 4500 and ProMaster. Check the bulletin for the exact models and years.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Jeep

  • 2012–2014 · Grand Cherokee

    Supported by vehicle data

    The same FCA bulletin, 18-034-14 (REV. A), covers Jeep models including the Grand Cherokee. Check your VIN with a dealer before replacing the sensor with an aftermarket part. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 18-034-14Status unverified

    P0520, revised oil pressure sensor (REV. A)

    2012–2014charger, challenger, dart, durango, grand-caravan, journey · issued · NHTSA 10141224

    FCA released a revised oil pressure sensor for P0520. Coverage includes many 2012–2014 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram models, including the Chrysler 200 and 300, Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, and Ram 1500 to 4500 and ProMaster. Check the bulletin for the exact models and years.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0521Engine oil pressure sensor or switch range/performance

    Same system Common general cause

    P0521 is the range or performance code for the same oil pressure sensor or switch. P0520 is the circuit code.

All Vehicle speed, idle control and engine electrical codes

P0520 questions

Does P0520 mean my engine has low oil pressure?

Not by itself. It is a circuit fault in the sensor or switch. But the engine may not be able to warn you of real low pressure while it is set, so check the oil and have it inspected.

What is the difference between P0520 and P0521?

P0520 is a circuit fault in the oil pressure sensor or switch. P0521 means the reading is out of the expected range, which can also point to real low oil pressure.

Should I stop driving with P0520?

Stop at once and turn the engine off if the oil pressure light comes on or the engine starts knocking. Otherwise check the oil level and get it inspected soon.

Sources and review

  1. 2023 Integra Owner's Manual: Indicator, Coming On/Blinking — American Honda Motor Co.
  2. What To Do If Your Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light Is On — AA1Car.com (Larry Carley)
  3. Toyota Camry Owner's Manual (OM06291U, 2.5L A25A-FKS / 3.5L 2GR-FKS) — Toyota
  4. On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
  5. FCA 18-034-14 REV. A: P0520 engine oil pressure sensor circuit, revised sensor (2012–2014 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram) — FCA US / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
Editorial review
Pending
Technician review
Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

My Car

Pick your car and code pages will point out notes and bulletins for it. Saved only in this browser.

Fill this in from your VIN

Used once to identify your engine; not stored.