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Vehicle engine and/or automatic transmission

Code: P0520 - The Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch circuit, which monitors your engine's oil pressure, is experiencing an electrical problem.

Let me break it down for you: when you see code p0520 pop up, your car’s PCM (that’s the engine’s computer) is flagging something off with the oil pressure sensor-or maybe the oil pressure itself. The PCM is always playing watchdog, making sure your engine gets the oil it needs so nothing inside grinds itself to pieces. It does this by sending a voltage down to the oil pressure sensor, and in return, the sensor sends back a signal that tells the PCM what’s really going on inside the engine. If that feedback doesn’t line up with what the computer expects-whether because the sensor’s shot, the wiring’s dodgy, or the oil pressure is truly low-you’ll get that dreaded P0520 code. Trust me, this system is vital. Proper oil pressure is what keeps all those metal parts from tearing each other up. So, when you see this code, your car’s basically shouting, 'Something’s off with the oil pressure-check me out before it gets ugly.'

Causes of P0520 Trouble Code

From my time under the hood, the number one cause of p0520 is a bad oil pressure sensor. But don’t just stop there-it’s not always that straightforward. Here are the main troublemakers I’ve run into:

A faulty engine oil pressure sensor (hands down the most common issue I see)
Wiring or connector problems going to the sensor-broken wires, loose plugs, or corrosion can all trip you up
Actual low oil pressure inside the engine, which can be from low oil level, a worn-out oil pump, or engine wear that’s letting pressure bleed away
Every once in a while, the PCM itself acts up-could be a weird internal glitch or old software

My advice? Always check the sensor and wiring first. But if your engine is making odd noises or something just feels off, don’t ignore the possibility of real oil pressure problems-those can get expensive fast.

Symptoms of dtc P0520

If you’re dealing with a jeep dtc p0520, here’s what you might experience behind the wheel:

Check engine light is on-sometimes you’ll get the oil pressure warning light, too
You could hear weird engine noises, like ticking or knocking (never a good sign, trust me on that)
Engine might not want to start, or it could go into limp mode to protect itself-reduced power, but enough to get you home
Sometimes it’ll just run rough, or feel like it’s struggling

If you ever spot the oil pressure warning or hear strange sounds from the engine, stop driving. I’ve seen too many engines ruined by folks trying to limp home with this kind of problem.

Diagnosis Steps for P0520 Code

When I’m tracking down a dtc p0520 dodge, this is the process I follow, and what I’d suggest you check first:

Check your engine oil level and quality. Make sure you’re topped up and the oil isn’t filthy-old, dirty oil can cause real trouble.
Inspect the wiring and connector at the oil pressure sensor. Look for damage, loose plugs, or greenish buildup (corrosion). Sometimes, unplugging and plugging the connector back in does the trick.
If the basics look good, grab a scan tool and watch the live oil pressure data. If the numbers are way off, or don’t change when you rev the engine, that’s a big hint your sensor’s toast.
I always like to double-check with a mechanical oil pressure gauge. That tells you for sure if it’s a sensor issue or if you’ve actually got low oil pressure inside the engine-can’t beat the old-school tools for peace of mind.
If the sensor, wiring, and oil pressure all check out, then I start looking at the PCM, but honestly, that’s rare in the real world.

Start with the basics first. Don’t skip ahead. And if you’re not comfortable poking around a running engine, ask for help-safety first, always.

Common Mistakes When Fixing P0520 Engine Code

I’ve watched plenty of DIYers (and even some pros) make these mistakes when wrestling with dtc p0520 jeep:

Swapping out the oil pressure sensor right away, without checking if the oil’s low or dirty-sometimes it’s just starving for oil
Missing damaged wires or corroded connectors-these can fool you into thinking the sensor is bad when it isn’t
Assuming it’s a sensor every time and turning a deaf ear to knocking or ticking, which could mean disaster for your engine
Skipping the mechanical oil pressure test-can’t stress enough how vital that step is to rule out actual engine problems

Don’t just throw parts at it. Take your time, check things out properly, and you’ll save yourself money and headaches.

Seriousness of obd code P0520

This isn’t something to brush off. If your engine really does have low oil pressure, you’re flirting with total engine failure-think spun bearings, wrecked crankshafts, or even a seized-up block. Even if it’s just a sensor or wiring issue, you’re left in the dark if a real oil pressure problem develops later. I can’t say this enough: don’t let this code sit. Things can get ugly in a hurry if you ignore it.

P0520 Repair Steps

Here’s what usually gets dtc p0520 sorted out, based on what I’ve seen in the shop and the factory service manuals:

Swap out the oil pressure sensor if it’s acting up or giving weird readings
Fix or replace any busted wiring or connectors going to the sensor
Top off or change your oil if it’s low or looks dirty
If a mechanical oil pressure gauge tells you the pressure’s really low, you’ll need to tackle the root cause-could be a new oil pump, or internal engine work
Once in a blue moon, you might need to update or reflash the PCM if there’s a software bug

After you make the fix, always clear the code and take the car for a test drive to make sure it doesn’t come back. That’s how you know you’ve really nailed it.

Conclusion

Bottom line? P0520 means your car’s not happy about the oil pressure readings, and you can’t just drive around hoping it’ll go away. This one’s high risk-messing around with oil pressure can cost you an engine. Your best bet is to start simple-check the oil, the wiring, and the sensor. If those look good, check the actual oil pressure before you go any further. Don’t leave this for later. A careful, step-by-step approach is the only way to keep your engine safe and on the road.

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