Chrysler Town and Country P0520: Oil Pressure Switch/Sensor → Circuit

The OBD2 code P0520 can be used to indicate trouble.  It’s generic, which means that it has the same meaning for the Chrysler Town and Country as it would any other vehicle.  P0520 indicates that the oil pressure sensor is operating outside of its normal “range”.  This is usually caused by either a defective oil pressure sensor switch, or wiring problems.

Your Town and Country’s oil pressure sensor measures the oil pressure mechanically, and converts that reading into a voltage signal that the ECM (Computer) converts into an oil pressure reading.  This signal triggers your oil warning light and is visible on the oil pressure gauge.

Red oil alert lights are a sign of a problem.  Don't assume the oil pressure sensor has failed.  If there's no oil pressure, then P0520 could occur.

P0520 Quick facts

• Oil pressure sensors are the most frequent cause.
• You can also get it from low oil pressure.
• If you hear knocking or have the low oil pressure light, don’t drive until P0520 is diagnosed.
• Related to P0521.

P0520 Symptoms:  Chrysler Town and Country

There may not be any symptoms other than the check engine lamp.  The oil pressure may be low if the engine is making unusual noises (clacky, metallic), 

P0520 Causes:  Chrysler Town and Country

• Oil Pressure Sensor Although the P0520 problem is most likely caused by the oil pressure sensor, it would still be prudent to first check the oil quality and oil level, along with the wiring.
• Oil Pressure Sensor Wiring - If P0520 is displayed, it means that the signal coming from the oil pressure sensors has gone through a circuit problem.  This may indicate an issue with wiring.
• Low oil consumption or none The first thing that you should do is check to see if there is oil in your vehicle’s engine at all.  The crankcase can give P0520 if the oil level is very low.  This can be fixed by filling the oil with more, clearing the code and resetting the crankcase.  
• Low Oil Pressure The code will appear if oil pressure drops too low.  The oil light should indicate that it is present, as well as a reading of low oil pressure from the gauge. 
• Wrong or dirty oil- If your Town and Country’s oil hasn’t been changed for a long enough period of time, it can interfere with the oil pressure sensor, even if there still is oil pressure.

Diagnoses of Town and Country, P0520

Below are steps to help a mechanic diagnose P0520 manually in your Chrysler Town and Country.  

1. Take a look at the oil

First, check your oil level.  If it’s full make sure that it looks healthy.  The oil pressure sensor may be affected if the oil appears blackened or gritty.  If the vehicle is past it’s oil change deadline (regardless of how the oil looks), changing the oil would be a good idea.

2. Check the Wiring Harness

Next, you should inspect the wiring harness running from the oil pressure sensor to the ECM.  You could have P0520 if the wiring is damaged.  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 present.  The wiring is close to the Town and Country’s exhaust and can get brittle over time.

3. You can manually check the oil pressure

After confirming that both the oil level, and the wiring are fine, it is time to check the oil pressure manually.  There are two options: 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.  If there is low or no oil pressure, you’ll need to figure out why.

Conclusion:  P0520 Chrysler Town and Country

It is easy to diagnose P0520.  Check that the oil light on your engine is turned on to confirm that there's oil pressure.  Have fun fixing up your Country and Town!