Chevy Silverado P0523 - Meanings, Causes and + Likely Fixes

The standard OBD2 Trouble Code P0523 can be found in Chevy Silverado. In layman’s terms, it indicates the signal from the oil pressure sensor is higher than its normal operating range (in terms of voltage).

P0523 is generic (it has the same definition for all vehicles), repair steps will depend on your Silverado’s model year and the engine equipped.

The most frequent cause of P0523 is a bad oil pressure sensor. But, this could be caused by an oil system fault. Don’t assume the sensor is bad until you confirm the oil pressure manually. If there’s an oiling issue, it can cause engine damage or failure.

P0523 Definition: Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch – High Input

Here’s precisely what P0523 is telling you:

Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch

The oil pressure sensor bolts into your Silverado’s engine and relays the oil pressure reading to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The sensor converts mechanical pressure into a voltage that is understood by the PCM.

The PCM transmits oil pressure from the PCM to the oil-pressure gauge (or warning lamp).

Inputs are high

A voltage value that is nearly at its highest value or greater (which indicates to the PCM that oil pressure levels are very high) is called P0522. If the input was low, you’d have P0522.

Chevy Silverado P0523 Symptoms

Your Silverado may feel like it’s running and driving fine, but even without symptoms, you shouldn’t drive it with P0523 until you verify the oil pressure is fine.

These are some of the symptoms that most commonly occur with P0523.

• Check engine light
• A high reading of the oil pressure on the gauge, or the oil pressure indicator could indicate that there is an issue.

P0523 Chevy Silverado Causes

There are two things going on. There are two possible causes.

Below are the top causes of P0523 problems in Chevy Silverado. Also, the order they should be checked.

Take a look at the oil

Verify that the oil level isn’t overly full. Does it feel greasy? Does it have the right weight? If you didn’t pour it in yourself, it’s possible that the wrong viscosity was used the last time the oil was changed. If you get P0523 immediately after an oil-change, this is a possibility.

Bad Oil Pressure Sensor – Wiring

If the oil level is correct, it’s not old, and it’s the proper viscosity, it’s time to look at your Silverado’s oil pressure sensor. Due to their close proximity to exhaust, wiring issues are common with these sensors.

Examine the harness carefully for obvious damages. Look for cracked, broken, burnt, or brittle wiring. You should follow the wiring as closely as possible, however you must be within two feet of the plug.

Check the oil pressure sensor

A simple multimeter can be used to test the oil pressure sensor/switch. You can see how it works for almost every oil pressure sensor in the video.

Another option is to purchase a mechanical oil tester at a Harbor Freight or AutoZone. They’re usually around $25-$40 and will 100% tell you if you have a real oil pressure problem. That’s about the same price as a new oil pressure sensor, and you’ll be plugging into the same hole anyway.

If the manual oil pressure checks out, you have positive proof that your Silverado doesn’t have a sensor or wiring issue.

Mechanical Problems

While a bad oil pressure sensor or wiring issue is the most common cause of P0523, it’s not the only one. A faulty or blocked oil passageway can cause the code in your Silverado. You can verify this with an oil pressure test kit (it’s just a mechanical oil gauge with adapters to fit most makes/models).

Conclusion

There are several things that could cause P0523 to the Chevy Silverado. First, check the oil. Next, test the oil pressure sensor. More often than not, that’ll fix the code. Have fun!