P0520 Engine oil pressure sensor or switch circuit malfunction

P0520 – OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description

Trouble code P0520 indicates a problem with the engine oil pressure sensor circuit.

What does the fault code mean P0520?

Trouble code P0520 indicates a problem with the vehicle's engine oil pressure sensor. This code occurs when the engine management computer receives an unusually high or low oil pressure signal from the sensor. This usually indicates a malfunction of the sensor itself or problems in its electrical circuit. The occurrence of P0520 may require further diagnostics to determine the exact cause and resolve the problem.

Possible reasons

Trouble code P0520 can be caused by various reasons:

• Faulty oil pressure sensor: The sensor itself may be damaged or failed, causing the oil pressure to be measured incorrectly.
• Problems with the sensor electrical circuit: Incorrect or broken wires, oxidized contacts, short circuits and other problems in the sensor's electrical circuit can lead to a P0520 code.
• Low oil level: If the engine oil level is too low, it may cause the oil pressure to drop and activate the fault.
• Poor oil quality or clogged oil filter: Poor quality oil or a clogged oil filter can lead to a decrease in oil pressure in the engine.
• Oil pump problems: A faulty oil pump can cause the oil pressure to drop and cause the P0520 code to appear.
• Problems with the lubrication system: Abnormalities in the lubrication system, such as clogged oil passages or improper operation of lubrication valves, can also cause this error.
• Engine Control Computer (ECM) Problems: A malfunction in the ECM, which receives information from the oil pressure sensor, can also cause P0520.

To accurately identify the cause of error P0520, it is recommended to conduct detailed diagnostics using specialized equipment.

What are the symptoms of a fault code? P0520?

Symptoms for a P0520 trouble code can vary depending on the specific cause of the code and the characteristics of the specific vehicle, but some of the possible symptoms include:

• The “Check Engine” light comes on: The appearance of error P0520 activates the “Check Engine” indicator on the vehicle’s instrument panel.
• Unusual engine sounds: If the engine oil pressure decreases, unusual noises such as knocking or grinding noises may occur.
• Unstable idle: Reduced oil pressure can affect the engine's idling stability, which can manifest itself in uneven operation or even rattling.
• Increased oil consumption: Reduced oil pressure can lead to increased oil consumption as oil may leak through seals or poorly lubricate the engine.
• Increased engine temperature: Insufficient lubrication of the engine due to low oil pressure can lead to engine overheating.
• Reduced power and performance: Insufficient engine lubrication can also result in reduced power and performance of the vehicle.

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it is recommended that you immediately contact a vehicle service technician to diagnose and repair the problem.

How to diagnose a fault code P0520?

To diagnose DTC P0520, the following steps are recommended:

1. Checking indicators: Check your instrument panel for the Check Engine light or any other warning lights.
2. Using a scanner to read trouble codes: Connect the OBD-II diagnostic scanner to the vehicle's diagnostic connector and read the trouble codes. If a P0520 code is present, it will be displayed on the scanner.
3. Checking the oil level: Check the engine oil level. Make sure it is within the normal range and not below the minimum level.
4. Oil pressure sensor diagnostics: Check the operation and condition of the oil pressure sensor. This may include checking its electrical contacts, resistance, etc.
5. Checking the electrical circuit: Check the electrical connections and wires associated with the oil pressure sensor. Look for breaks, corrosion or other problems.
6. Lubrication system diagnostics: Check the operation of the engine lubrication system, including the presence of oil drains, the condition of the oil filter, and the operation of the oil pump.
7. Additional tests: Depending on the results of the above steps, you may need to run additional tests to determine the cause of the P0520 code.

After performing diagnostics and identifying the cause of the error, it is necessary to begin eliminating the identified malfunction.

Diagnostic errors

When diagnosing DTC P0520, the following errors may occur:

• Insufficient oil pressure sensor check: Some mechanics may focus only on checking the oil pressure sensor itself, without considering possible problems with the electrical circuit or other system components.
• Skipping lubrication system diagnostics: Insufficient testing of the lubrication system may lead to incorrect diagnosis. Problems with oil consumption, oil filters, or the oil pump can also cause P0520.
• Ignoring other fault codes: Other trouble codes related to the vehicle's lubrication system or electrical system may also affect the operation of the oil pressure sensor and should also be considered during diagnosis.
• Incorrect interpretation of scanner data: Interpretation of data received from the scan tool may be incorrect due to insufficient experience or understanding of how the oil pressure sensor system works.
• Malfunction of other components: Malfunctions of other engine components, such as the oil pump valve, oil pump filter, or drain valve, can also cause P0520 and should also be considered during diagnosis.
• Skipping Detailed Electrical Circuit Test: Insufficient inspection of the electrical circuit, including wires, connectors, and grounding, can lead to misdiagnosis and missing the problem.

To prevent these errors, it is important to carry out a thorough diagnosis, including all the necessary steps and checks, and contact an experienced technician if necessary.

How serious is the fault code? P0520?

Trouble code P0520 indicates a problem with the oil pressure sensor or related components. This error is not critical in the sense that it does not directly pose a threat to the safety of the driver or other road users. However, the severity of this error can vary depending on its cause and the effect on engine performance, some possible consequences of the P0520 error code:

• Potential power loss: Incorrect oil pressure measurement or sensor disconnection may result in poor engine performance or even engine shutdown.
• Engine damage: Insufficient oil pressure can cause engine wear or even engine damage due to insufficient lubrication.
• Risk of engine overheating: Insufficient engine cooling due to insufficient oil pressure can cause the engine to overheat, which can cause serious damage.
• Increased fuel consumption: A malfunctioning oil pressure sensor can cause the engine to run inefficiently, which can ultimately lead to increased fuel consumption.

Overall, although the P0520 code is not an immediate safety hazard, it requires immediate attention and repair to avoid possible serious engine damage. Therefore, it is recommended that you contact a vehicle service specialist to diagnose and fix the problem.

What repair will help eliminate the code? P0520?

Resolving the P0520 trouble code may require different repairs depending on the specific cause of the error. Several possible actions to resolve this issue:

1. Replacing the oil pressure sensor: If the oil pressure sensor is faulty or broken, it should be replaced with a new and working one.
2. Checking and restoring the electrical circuit: Check the electrical circuit connecting the oil pressure sensor to the vehicle computer. Any problems found, such as broken wires, corrosion or poor connections, must be corrected.
3. Checking the oil level and lubrication system: Check the engine oil level and make sure it is within the normal range. Also diagnose the lubrication system, including the condition of the oil pump, filter and oil passages.
4. Reprogramming the car computer: Sometimes, resolving the P0520 code may require reprogramming the engine control computer (ECM) to ensure the oil pressure sensor operates correctly.
5. Additional repair measures: Depending on the diagnostic results, additional repair work may be required, such as replacing the oil pump filter, repairing electrical connections, or replacing the oil pump.

It is recommended that you contact a qualified technician or auto repair shop to diagnose and perform any necessary repairs. This will ensure that the problem is completely corrected and the vehicle will operate reliably again.

How to Fix P0520 Engine Code in 4 Minutes [2 DIY Methods / Only $6.92]

P0520 – Brand-specific information

Trouble code P0520, associated with the oil pressure sensor, may have some variations in interpretation among different makes of vehicles. Decoding error P0520 for some popular car brands:

1. Ford:
   • P0520: Oil pressure sensor.
2. Chevrolet:
   • P0520: Low oil pressure.
3. Toyota:
   • P0520: Oil pressure sensor error.
4. Honda:
   • P0520: Oil pressure sensor malfunction.
5. Volkswagen:
   • P0520: Low oil pressure in the system.
6. BMW:
   • P0520: Oil pressure sensor signal is out of range.
7. Mercedes-Benz:
   • P0520: Malfunction of the oil pressure sensor in the engine management system.
8. Audi:
   • P0520: Low oil pressure in the lubrication system.
9. Nissan:
   • P0520: Problem with oil pressure sensor.
10. Hyundai:
    • P0520: Low engine oil pressure.

These decryptions may vary slightly depending on the specific model and year of manufacture of the vehicle. For more accurate information, it is recommended that you consult the service documentation or a qualified technician.