Oil pressure sensor
P0520
Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit
The oil pressure sensor or its wiring is reading outside its expected range. It's usually the sensor, but treat it seriously until you know.
Fix it soon
Can I keep driving? For a short while, gently. Have it checked in the next few days, and stop if the car feels, sounds or smells different. If it's only the sensor, the car is fine. If the pressure is really low, driving will ruin the engine. Don't guess.
Common causes
- A failed oil pressure sensor or switch (common)
- Wiring or connector trouble
- Low oil level
- Real low oil pressure from a worn pump or engine
Listed roughly from most to least likely. The same code can have different causes on different cars.
What to do
- Check the oil level now.
- If the red oil light is on or the engine is ticking or knocking, stop and switch off.
- Have the real oil pressure measured with a mechanical gauge.
General guidance. Your owner's manual wins. If a red warning light is on or the car drives differently, stop safely and get help.
Related codes
- P0521Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Range/Performance
- P0522Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Low
- P0523Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch High
Track this automatically in Tagwell Auto
Tagwell Auto keeps your car's service dates and mileage, so when a code shows up you know what was done last. With a Bluetooth reader for the car's diagnostic port (called OBD-II), the phone app can read the code itself.