What does it mean?
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 sender, 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 P0524 is triggered when the PCM sees a value that is too low in the engine oil pressure sensor/sender. 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.
Note: This code is severe; you must act immediately to diagnose and repair it. This code is related to P0520, P0521, P0522, and P0523.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a DTC P0524 may include:
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated (i.e., Check Engine light)
- Oil pressure warning light illuminated
- Oil pressure gauge reading low or zero
- Abnormal engine noise
Potential causes of a P0524 code include:
- Low oil pressure
- Low oil level
- Incorrect oil viscosity
- Contaminated oil (fuel, coolant, etc.)
- Faulty oil pressure sensor
- Signal shorted to ground in the sensor electrical circuit
- Worn internal engine components (oil pump, worn bearings, etc.)
Diagnostic and Repair Steps
The absolute first step here with an engine code P0524 is to check the oil level and condition. It should be full and not appear contaminated. Also, check the vehicle’s maintenance history. If the engine has not received oil changes using the proper viscosity oil at regular intervals, the likelihood increases that the problem could be due to internal components (i.e., physically low oil pressure). Correct any issues found.
Check for applicable TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) for your vehicle before going too far into diagnostics. Off-hand, there is a known TSB for some Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, and Dodge vehicles where the fix is to reprogram the PCM (bulletin # 18-008-08). We also know of another Mazda TSB that might involve replacing the engine’s internal oil pump (bulletin # R088/12).
Ideally, the next step is to use a mechanical pressure gauge to test the actual oil pressure in the engine. As a DIYer, you might want to skip to the next step and first check all the wiring and the sensor if you don’t have access to this gauge. You should always locate a gauge and test the actual pressure. If the engine’s actual oil pressure is low, you don’t need to worry about the sensor and wiring; the problem is internal to the engine.
Visually inspect the wiring and connectors of the oil pressure sensor. Look for broken or frayed wires, burnt spots, loose or exposed cables, etc. Refer to a model-specific resource for the sender’s 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 the associated wiring, and if it does not meet the manufacturer’s specifications, you must repair/replace it.