P0522 OBD-II Trouble Code: Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Low Voltage

P0522 code definition

P0522 is the universal OBD-II code for Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Low Voltage. Related codes include P0520, P0521, P0523, and P0524.

What the P0522 code means

The oil pressure sensor sends a message to the PCM (Powertrain Control Module), which gets transmitted in the form of a voltage reading. A vehicle will store P0522 when that message tells the PCM that the sensor is indicating too low of an oil pressure value.

What causes the P0522 code?

The possible sources of this fault code include:

• A faulty oil pressure sensor
• An open or short in the sensor circuit wiring
• A faulty connector or bad connection in the oil pressure sensor circuit
• Low oil, the wrong type of oil, a blockage in an oil passageway

What are the symptoms of the P0522 code?

Aside from the vehicle storing this trouble code, you may notice a low oil pressure gauge reading or illuminated oil pressure light. The engine may fail to start, or the vehicle may stall in the middle of driving.

How does a mechanic diagnose the P0522 code?

Your technician may perform the following steps to diagnose this problem:

• Clearing all codes and test driving the vehicle, observing live scanner data to see if the code returns

• Inspecting the oil level and condition

• Checking that the correct oil is being used and that the oil filter does not have a blockage

• Visually inspecting the oil pressure sensor or sending unit’s wiring and connectors to check for damage, loose wires, or burned areas

• Using an ohmmeter to test the oil pressure sensor to ensure the voltage matches manufacturer specifications

• Checking the oil pressure with a mechanical oil pressure gauge, as well as comparing that reading to the sensor reading

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P0522 code

While oil pressure sensor replacement is often an appropriate fix, if the damage is too far gone this can be merely a bandage on a problem that has already affected the engine. Replacing the sensor may get rid of the code but if the more serious issues aren’t addressed then the fix won’t last.

How serious is the P0522 code?

This fault code can be minor, or very serious, depending upon the source of the problem. In many cases the malfunction is electrical in nature – either a short in the wiring or other damage interrupting the signal, or a bad oil pressure sensor/sending unit. If, however, the code has been stored for a long period of time and the oil has actually been low during this time, catastrophic engine damage could occur.

What repairs can fix the P0522 code?

Things your mechanic may do to address this code include:

• Check the vehicle with a scanner and resetting the code, followed by road testing the vehicle to see if it returns

• Visually inspect the oil pressure sending unit’s wiring and connectors to check for damaged wires, loose connections, or burned spots, replacing these as necessary

• Replace the oil pressure sensor if it does not test at the correct voltage (the most common repair for P0522)

• Repair any damage caused by actual low oil pressure

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P0522 code

Whenever a vehicle shows indications of an oil pressure problem, you should always take it seriously and begin investigating the cause immediately. Checking the oil for level and color is a quick, easy way to make sure that there isn’t an actual oil shortage if your oil light has come on.

The good news is that P0522 most often reflects an electrical or sensor/sending unit problem, and as soon as the issue is rectified the code – as well as the low oil gauge indicator – should resolve itself. Checking your oil, and having it changed, routinely can prevent serious engine problems even if you should encounter this code.

Need help with a P0522 code?

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