P0524 OBD-II Trouble Code: Engine Oil Pressure Too Low

Our certified mechanics come to you · Get a fair and transparent estimate upfront


Cost of diagnosing the P0524 code

P0524 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Engine Oil Pressure Too Low". This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation. Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office to perform the Check Engine Light diagnostic for $154.99 . Once we are able to diagnose the problem, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $50.0 off as a credit towards the repair. All our repairs are backed by our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.

Cars Estimate* Credit towards follow-up repair Earliest Availability
Ford $154.99 $50.0
Toyota $154.99 $50.0
BMW $164.99 $50.0

*Estimates may vary by market

SCHEDULE P0524 DIAGNOSTIC Get a fair and transparent estimate upfront

P0524 code definition

When the PCM of a vehicle stores this code, it’s because its oil sensor detects that the amount of engine oil pressure is too low.

What the P0524 code means

The vehicle’s PCM is responsible for monitoring overall performance, which it is able to do thanks to a number of different sensors, controls and other types of electronics. One of these is the oil pressure sensor. It tracks how much oil pressure is present in the engine and continuously sends that data back to the PMC in the form of a voltage reading. In some vehicles, the amount is also passed onto the driver. In others, they simply get a warning light when it is becoming too low.

When the oil pressure becomes too low, this code is triggered. If the warning light is ignored, oil levels could get low enough that the engine is permanently damaged.

Along with code P0524 being stored, the check engine light should come on too. Other codes associated with this one include P0523, P0522, P0521 and P0520.

What causes the P0524 code?

Generally, this code is stored because you don’t have enough oil in your vehicle for the near future.

There could be other reasons, though:

What are the symptoms of the P0524 code?

The main symptom of this code should be the warning light we mentioned above. Your vehicle may also turn on the Check Engine light.

One symptom we also touched on above – and one you definitely don’t want to experience – would be a grinding in the engine or even smoke before your vehicle is no longer able to work. This is the consequence of too little oil in your vehicle.

How does a mechanic diagnose the P0524 code?

Diagnosis is pretty easy as this is one of the most common reasons people bring their car into a mechanic. They still may use an OBD-II scanner, though, just to make sure there aren’t any other codes that need their attention.

Then, they’ll pop the hood and remove the dipstick to see how much oil is left. If the code is stored, it’s probably a safe bet that more is needed.

Depending on how long the warning light has been on, your mechanic may also inspect the engine just to be sure no damage occurred from a lack of oil.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P0524 code

When a lot of mechanics hear what warning light is on in your vehicle, they’ll immediately get to work dumping what’s left of the old oil and replacing it. However, as we pointed out above, there can also be plenty of other reasons for this problem. Even if more oil is needed, the oil pressure sensor could still be defective, so it’s worth looking into.

How serious is the P0524 code?

This is a very serious code because if you keep trying to drive without addressing it, your vehicle could quit working and it will cost a lot to fix it. In comparison, if all it takes is an oil change, you’re looking at a relatively affordable investment to keep your vehicle on the road. Don’t ignore this one.

What repairs can fix the P0524 code?

For the most part, no repairs are necessary. All your vehicle needs is a simple oil change. Otherwise, at most, a pressure sensor will need to be replaced or some wires may require repairs.

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P0524 code

If you plan on changing your own oil, be sure you dump whatever is left before proceeding.

Need help with a P0524 code?

YourMechanic provides certified mobile mechanics who can come to your place of work or business to diagnose and repair your vehicle, whether it’s suffering from problems related to P0524 or anything else. All you have to do is give us a call at 1-800-701-6230 and one of our service advisors will walk you through the rest. You can also fill out our online form. Either way, you’ll receive a free quote before we proceed.

Check Engine Light
trouble codes
P0524

No more waiting rooms! Our mechanics will come to you to diagnose and fix the P0524 code.

SCHEDULE P0524 DIAGNOSTIC
Get a $50 credit for the follow-up repair

Recent Check Engine Light is on Inspection reviews

Excellent Rating

(8600)

Rating Summary
8017
273
65
46
199
8017
273
65
46
199
 at YourMechanic

Brandon

9 years of experience
133 reviews
Brandon
9 years of experience
Ford Escort L4-2.0L - Check Engine Light is on - Nashville, Tennessee
Brandon showed up ahead of schedule, was very personable and diagnosed my problems. He also scheduled my next appointments which will be with him.
 at YourMechanic

William

23 years of experience
33 reviews
William
23 years of experience
Lexus IS250 V6-2.5L - Check Engine Light is on - Mableton, Georgia
Arrived early which was great. William was courteous, and attentive to the issue. Even though it took several attempts I'm so happy he was determined to fix it and he did!
 at YourMechanic

Dan

40 years of experience
1080 reviews
Dan
40 years of experience
Plymouth Grand Voyager - Check Engine Light is on - Lawrenceville, Georgia
Mr. Dan Barber was quite patient, courteous and quite knowledgeable. From my observation, Mr. Barber appears to be quite professional.
 at YourMechanic

Christopher

9 years of experience
120 reviews
Christopher
9 years of experience
Ford Fiesta L4-1.6L - Check Engine Light is on - Smyrna, Georgia
Chris communicated with us each step of the way up until his arrival. He listened well, was knowledgeable, and was prepared. He took the time to diagnose the problem, explained the what, why and how and provided a solution. I would definitely recommend him and will use him again.


More related articles

P0497 OBD-II Trouble Code: Evaporative Control System Malfunction
P0497 P0497 OBD-II Trouble Code: Evaporative Control System Malfunction Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): P0497 P0497 code definition The P0497 code, or Evaporative Emission System Low Purge Flow, is indicative of a problem somewhere in the EVAP control system. What the...
P2266 OBD-II Trouble Code: Low Voltage in Water in Fuel Sensor
P2266 P2266 code definition The P2266 code is set when low voltage is detected in the WIF (Water in Fuel) Sensor circuit at the Engine Control Module (ECM). Other fuel system codes may set along with P2266. What the P2266...
P0790 OBD-II Trouble Code: Normal/Performance Switch Malfunction
P0790 means a voltage or resistance problem with the transmission mode controller due to faulty wiring/connectors or faulty transmission mode switch.

Related questions

Engine light coming on
Hello. Code P0446 comes up due to a problem with the EVAP emissions vent system. This system collects evaporating fuel so that it does not get released into the atmosphere. The code almost always means that the vent valve has...
Check engine light is on with codes P2063 and P2064
Hello. The codes you are getting are for the exhaust fluid injection system. Most of the time, this is the result of a failure in the fluid sensor. In some cases, the tank and sensor can be cleaned but most...
Car stopped, steering wheel stuck, check engine light orange
It sounds like you may have a failing alternator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-alternator). The alternator is responsible for running the electrical system of your vehicle while the engine is running as well as keeping the battery fully charged. If the alternator fails, this...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com