P0522 Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Low Input

The vehicle’s main computer, called the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), controls many of the vehicle’s sensors, controls, and electronic components. One sensor called the oil pressure sensor or transmitter detects the amount of (mechanical) oil pressure in the engine and transmits it as a voltage reading/value to the PCM. In some vehicles, this oil pressure value is then relayed to a gauge in the instrument cluster to show the driver the oil pressure; other times this gauge is not present, but there will be a warning light if there is a problem.

This specific engine code P0522 is triggered when the PCM sees a value that is too low in the engine oil pressure sensor/transmitter. If the engine oil pressure actually drops too low, the engine can be permanently damaged, so if you notice low oil pressure, it is essential that you stop and shut off the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. For this fault code, the cause is more than likely electrical.

Note: This code is severe; you must act immediately to diagnose and repair it. This code is related to P0520, P0521, P0523, and P0524.

Symptoms of a DTC P0522 may include:

    Oil pressure gauge reading low or zero
    Oil pressure warning light illuminated
    Engine may not start
    Engine may shut off or stall while driving

Potential causes of a P0522 code include:

    Faulty wiring or connection/connector in the oil pressure transmitter circuit
    Faulty oil pressure transmitter/sensor
    Open or short circuit in the wiring
    Low oil level, incorrect oil, blocked oil passage

Diagnostic and Repair Steps

NOTE: There is a known service bulletin that applies to a number of GM vehicles, including Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Pontiac, Buick, and Saab. The bulletin number is PIP4786.

Check for applicable TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) for your vehicle, even if it is not one of these, before going too far into diagnostics. There is also a TSB for some 2011 model year Chrysler & Dodge vehicles where the fix is to reprogram the PCM.

First and foremost, if you have other oil-related DTCs, check the oil level and condition. Ensure the oil type and weight are correct and that the oil filter is not clogged.

Visually inspect the wiring and connectors of the oil pressure sending unit. Look for broken or frayed wires, burnt spots, loose or exposed cables, etc. Refer to a model-specific resource for the sender location. Do the same for the wiring and connectors leading to the PCM.

Use a digital volt ohmmeter (DVOM) to check the sensor itself, and if it does not meet the manufacturer’s specifications, you must replace it. This is a 5-volt circuit. Replacing the sensor/sender will be the most likely repair for this code. If it checks out fine, test the wiring and connectors from the sensor to the PCM. Check for any breaks in the wiring or short circuits to ground due to chafing, pinching, etc. Ensure the electrical connectors are tight and free of corrosion.

A technician can also install a mechanical pressure gauge to check the actual oil pressure and compare it to the sensor reading using an advanced scan tool. If your problem is not resolved by repairing/replacing the wiring/sensor, check the actual pressure in the engine.

As you can see, there are a number of possible reasons for this P0522 code. If the sending unit is inexpensive, you can try replacing it first and see if that fixes it, but proper diagnosis is definitely recommended so as not to replace perfectly good parts. Good luck; if you need help, stop by our auto repair forum.