Chevy Tahoe P0523: Meanings, Causes, and + Likely Fixes

The standard OBD2 Trouble Code P0523 can be found in Chevy Tahoe. 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 Tahoe’s model year and the engine equipped.

The most frequent cause of P0523 is a bad oil pressure sensor. This code could also be triggered by an oil system problem. 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 Tahoe’s engine and relays the oil pressure reading to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This converts the mechanical pressure reading to a voltage value, which the PCM can understand.

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

High input

This indicates that the voltage value is close to or higher than its maximum value. It also tells the PCM the oil pressure is high. If the input was low, you’d have P0522.

Chevy Tahoe P0523 Symptoms

Your Tahoe 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
• The gauge could show high oil pressure or an oil pressure light.

Chevy Tahoe Causes

It could be one of two issues. One, the oil pressure may be too high or the sensor is malfunctioning.

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

Examine the oil

Verify that the oil level isn’t overly full. Does it feel sluggish? What is the correct weight of it? If you didn’t pour it in yourself, it’s possible that the wrong viscosity was used the last time the oil was changed. This is what you should do if P0523 appears right after an oil change.

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 Tahoe’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.

The Oil Pressure Sensor can be tested

A simple multimeter can be used to test the oil pressure sensor/switch. This video will demonstrate how you can test any type of oil pressure sensor.

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 Tahoe doesn’t have a sensor or wiring issue.

Problems with mechanical components

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 P0523 in Tahoes. 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 Tahoe. First, check the oil. Next, test the oil pressure sensor. More often than not, that’ll fix the code. Have fun!