Chevy Uplander P0522: Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch → Low Input

P0522 An OBD2 diagnostic code is generated when the vehicle is detected as having an OBD2. Chevy Uplander It detects the fact that the value sent by the oil pressure sensor has fallen below its usual operating range.

This is usually caused by an oil pressure sensor problem or an oil system issue. It should be immediately diagnosed and repaired.  Although it's possible and likely that your oil pressure sensor/sensor is damaged, it may also mean there is an issue with your oil pressure.

Until you verify that your oil pressure is correct, assume that there is no oil pressure.  If there isn’t any oil pressure, this can keep the engine from locking up. 

Your Uplander’s oil pressure sensor measures the oil pressure mechanically, and converts that reading into a voltage signal that the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) uses for the oil pressure reading.  This is the reading you will see on your oil gauge. It also triggers an oil warning light.

P0522 Quick Facts

• Most often caused by an issue with your Uplander’s oil pressure sensor or circuit
• Taken very seriously
• A common sign is an oil light, or an inaccurate reading on the oil pressure gauge.
• It is easy to diagnose

P0522 Symptoms:  Chevy Uplander

These are some of the symptoms that P0522 is most commonly associated with:

• Low Oil Light/Gauge Although P0522 can often be caused by an oil pressure sensor problem, it is important to treat readings from your oil gauge or low oil warning as if they were correct.
• Ticking and knocking- If your engine is ticking and knocking, it’s likely that the oil pressure sensor is accurate and there’s a problem with the engine or you need oil.
• Won’t Start–  If there was no oil pressure, your Uplander’s engine very well could have locked up.

The Uplander P0522 What Causes

The problem with your sensor wire or sensor sensor is what causes P0522. This would indicate that your engine is in good condition.  Or it is going to be caused by an issue your Uplander’s oil level, viscosity, pressure, or cleanliness.  

Proper oil flow is vital to an engine's performance. This code must be respected and followed.

Below are the top causes of P0522.

• You can have low or no oil The first thing that you should do is check to see if there is oil in your Uplander’s engine at all.  It can also throw P0522 if the crankcase is low or empty.  This can be fixed by filling the oil with more, clearing the code and resetting the crankcase.  
• Low oil pressure This code may appear if the oil pressure is too low.  This code should be visible with an oil light or low readings from the oil pressure gauge.  Diagnostics for low oil pressure in Chevy Uplander
• Wrong oil or dirt? If there hasn’t been an oil change for a long enough period of time, it can interfere with the oil pressure sensor, even if there still is oil pressure. 
• Oil Pressure Sensor Wiring - P0522 indicates that the signal from the oil pressure sensor below it’s operating range.  This may indicate an issue with wiring.
• Oil Pressure Sensor Although the P0522 problem is most likely caused by the oil pressure sensor, it is worth looking into the wiring and oil first.

P0522 Diagnosis: Chevy Uplander

This P0522 diagnosis order is written (like everything on the site) for the DIY guy who doesn’t have a lot of specialty tools. 

1. Examine the oil

TThe first thing you need to do is inspect the oil level.  If it’s full make sure that it looks healthy.  The oil pressure sensor may not be working properly if the lid appears blackened or stained.  Even if the dipstick shows a complete reading, it could trigger P0522 by using the wrong oil viscosity.

2. Examine the Wiring Harness

Next, you should inspect the wiring harness running from the oil pressure sensor to the PCM.  It could also be the cause of P0522.  Don’t forget to make sure that the harness is still plugged into the sending unit and undamaged.  

One of the most common reasons this code is thrown is because wiring problems are common.  The wiring is close to the Uplander’s exhaust and can get brittle over time.

3. Manually check your oil pressure

If the wiring and oil levels are in good condition, you can manually test the oil pressure.  A Oil pressure can be manually adjusted gauge to see if it’s where it needs to be.  These are simple to use.  Here’s a Great YouTube Video This will demonstrate how you can use the gauge to test.

If the oil pressure from the gauge reads ok, you’ll need to replace the oil pressure sending unit/sensor.  They’re cheap.  If there is low or no oil pressure, you’ll need to figure out why.

Conclusion:  P0522 Chevy Uplander

It’s relatively straightforward diagnosing P0522.  It is much easier to know the oil pressure.  If you have any questions, please leave a comment and we will be happy to help!