P0522 Engine oil pressure sensor or switch circuit reading too low in voltage

Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Low Voltage

P0522 in short

P0522 means the computer sees too low a voltage from the engine oil pressure sensor or switch circuit. That can be a faulty sensor, damaged wiring, or real low oil pressure. Check the oil level and get the pressure confirmed soon, and stop driving if the oil warning light is on.

The oil pressure sensor or switch sends a voltage signal to the computer. P0522 sets when that voltage is lower than expected, either because the circuit or sensor is faulty or because oil pressure really is low.

TroubleCodes.net lists a defective switch, damaged, shorted or corroded wiring, and the wrong or neglected oil as common causes. Wear in the oil pump, relief valve or timing chain tensioners can also drop real pressure.

Because the cause may be real, a mechanical gauge reading at idle and about 3,000 rpm separates a sensor fault from an engine problem.

Most likely causes

These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.

  1. Faulty oil pressure sensor or switch, or damaged wiring and connector

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists a defective oil pressure switch and damaged, shorted, disconnected or corroded wiring first.
    What would change this
    Rises if a mechanical gauge shows normal pressure or the connector is corroded. Falls if the gauge confirms low pressure.

  2. Actual low oil pressure (low or wrong oil, worn engine, oil pump, relief valve or tensioners)

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    The code can set from a real low-pressure condition. TroubleCodes.net lists wrong oil, poor maintenance, mechanical wear and oil pump or relief valve failure.
    What would change this
    Rises if the oil level is low, the oil warning light is on, or the engine ticks or knocks. Falls if a gauge shows pressure in specification.
    How to test the engine oil pump

  3. Engine computer fault

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net calls a failed computer rare, so it ranks last.
    What would change this
    Rises only after the sensor, wiring and real pressure all check out. Falls otherwise.
    How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)

What to test first

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

  1. With the engine off, cool and level, check the oil level and condition, and note whether the oil pressure light or gauge looks wrong.

    Low risk

  2. Inspect the oil pressure sensor connector and wiring for damage, corrosion or a loose plug.

    Low risk

  3. Have a shop fit a mechanical oil pressure gauge and compare readings at idle and about 3,000 rpm with the specification.

    Best left to a shopTool: mechanical oil pressure gauge

    Warning:The gauge fits at the oil pressure port on an engine that may be hot, with hot pressurised oil. Let a shop do it.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light or oil pressure warning light on
  • Oil pressure gauge reads low or zero
  • Ticking, knocking or rumbling from the engine Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Engine shutdown in some vehicles Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

Parts and cost context

  • Engine oil pump:Confirm real pressure with a gauge before blaming the pump or the sensor. Labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Chevrolet

  • 2004–2009 · Silverado 1500

    Supported by vehicle data

    NHTSA bulletin summaries for this model: says to inspect for wire harness chafing near connector X108 when P0193, P0522 and/or P0652 are set; covers a high, low or erratic oil pressure gauge reading with P0522 and/or P0523; covers erratic oil pressure with P0522 or P0523; covers erratic oil pressure with P0522 and/or P0523. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 2004 · Avalanche

    Supported by vehicle data

    NHTSA bulletin summaries for this model: covers a high, low or erratic oil pressure gauge reading with P0522 and/or P0523; covers erratic oil pressure with P0522 or P0523; covers erratic oil pressure with P0522 and/or P0523. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 2004 · Express

    Supported by vehicle data

    NHTSA bulletin summaries for this model: covers a high, low or erratic oil pressure gauge reading with P0522 and/or P0523; covers erratic oil pressure with P0522 or P0523; covers erratic oil pressure with P0522 and/or P0523. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • PIP-4713 (chevrolet)Status unverified

    Inspect for wire harness chafing near connector X108 (SES light, reduced power)

    2007–2009silverado-1500 · issued · NHTSA 10032450

    Check engine light with reduced power; diagnostics may show P0193, P0522 and/or P0652, and the bulletin says to inspect for wire harness chafes near connector X108. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

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

  • 040604065 (chevrolet)Status unverified

    Engineering investigation EI 04073: high, low or erratic oil pressure gauge with P0522 and/or P0523

    2004avalanche, express, silverado-1500, suburban, tahoe · issued · NHTSA 10011049

    Engineering investigation of a high, low or erratic oil pressure gauge reading that sets P0522 and/or P0523; the summary says the 2004 Isuzu W4 is also included. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

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

  • 01972 (chevrolet)Status unverified

    Erratic oil pressure with P0522 or P0523 on GMT 610 or GMT800

    2004avalanche, express, silverado-1500, ssr, suburban, tahoe · issued · NHTSA 10007581

    Erratic oil pressure on GMT 610 or GMT800 vehicles with P0522 or P0523; the summary says it replaced and updated an earlier bulletin on 01/01/04. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

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

  • 3110 (chevrolet)Status unverified

    Erratic oil pressure with P0522 and/or P0523

    2004avalanche, express, silverado-1500, ssr, suburban, tahoe · issued · NHTSA 10010025

    Erratic oil pressure with diagnostic codes P0522 and/or P0523. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

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

GMC

  • 2004–2009 · Sierra 1500

    Supported by vehicle data

    NHTSA bulletin summaries for this model: says to inspect for wire harness chafing near connector X108 when P0193, P0522 and/or P0652 are set; covers a high, low or erratic oil pressure gauge reading with P0522 and/or P0523; covers erratic oil pressure with P0522 or P0523; covers erratic oil pressure with P0522 and/or P0523. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • PIP-4713 (gmc)Status unverified

    Inspect for wire harness chafing near connector X108 (SES light, reduced power)

    2007–2009sierra-1500 · issued · NHTSA 10032450

    Check engine light with reduced power; diagnostics may show P0193, P0522 and/or P0652, and the bulletin says to inspect for wire harness chafes near connector X108. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

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

  • 040604065 (gmc)Status unverified

    Engineering investigation EI 04073: high, low or erratic oil pressure gauge with P0522 and/or P0523

    2004savana, sierra-1500, yukon, yukon-xl · issued · NHTSA 10011049

    Engineering investigation of a high, low or erratic oil pressure gauge reading that sets P0522 and/or P0523; the summary says the 2004 Isuzu W4 is also included. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

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

  • 01972 (gmc)Status unverified

    Erratic oil pressure with P0522 or P0523 on GMT 610 or GMT800

    2004savana, sierra-1500, yukon · issued · NHTSA 10007581

    Erratic oil pressure on GMT 610 or GMT800 vehicles with P0522 or P0523; the summary says it replaced and updated an earlier bulletin on 01/01/04. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

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

  • 3110 (gmc)Status unverified

    Erratic oil pressure with P0522 and/or P0523

    2004savana, sierra-1500, yukon · issued · NHTSA 10010025

    Erratic oil pressure with diagnostic codes P0522 and/or P0523. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

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

Chrysler

  • 2006 · Town and Country

    Supported by vehicle data

    NHTSA bulletin summary for this model: covers the oil pressure indicator on with P0522 stored in the PCM. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 0805205 (chrysler)Status unverified

    Oil pressure indicator on with P0522 stored in the PCM

    2006town-and-country · issued · NHTSA 10017640

    Oil pressure indicator illuminated and P0522 stored in the PCM; the customer may say the indicator is on while driving. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

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

Dodge

  • 2006 · Grand Caravan

    Supported by vehicle data

    NHTSA bulletin summary for this model: covers the oil pressure indicator on with P0522 stored in the PCM. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 0805205 (dodge)Status unverified

    Oil pressure indicator on with P0522 stored in the PCM

    2006grand-caravan · issued · NHTSA 10017640

    Oil pressure indicator illuminated and P0522 stored in the PCM; the customer may say the indicator is on while driving. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

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

  • P0523Engine oil pressure sensor or switch circuit reading too high in voltage

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    P0523 is the high-voltage counterpart for the same oil pressure sensor circuit.

All Vehicle speed, idle control and engine electrical codes

P0522 questions

Can I keep driving with P0522?

Only if the oil level is right, the oil warning light is off and the engine sounds normal, and get it checked soon. Stop if the oil light comes on.

Sources and review

  1. P0522 - Engine oil pressure sensor/switch - low voltage — TroubleCodes.net
  2. P0522: NHTSA bulletin 10032450 (Inspect for wire harness chafing near connector X108 (SES light, reduced power)) — Manufacturer communication via NHTSA flat file
  3. P0522: NHTSA bulletin 10011049 (Engineering investigation EI 04073: high, low or erratic oil pressure gauge with P0522 and/or P0523) — Manufacturer communication via NHTSA flat file
  4. P0522: NHTSA bulletin 10007581 (Erratic oil pressure with P0522 or P0523 on GMT 610 or GMT800) — Manufacturer communication via NHTSA flat file
  5. P0522: NHTSA bulletin 10010025 (Erratic oil pressure with P0522 and/or P0523) — Manufacturer communication via NHTSA flat file
  6. P0522: NHTSA bulletin 10017640 (Oil pressure indicator on with P0522 stored in the PCM) — Manufacturer communication via NHTSA flat file
  7. On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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