Dodge Avenger 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 Dodge Avenger as it would any other vehicle.  P0520 indicates that the oil pressure sensor is operating outside of its normal “range”.  It's usually due to a problem with the wiring or an oil pressure sensor switch.

Your Avenger’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 is the signal that triggers your oil warning light and appears on your oil pressure gauge.

Red oil alert lights are a sign of a problem.  It is possible for the oil pressure sensor to be bad.  When there is no oil pressure, P0520 may occur.

The P0520 Quick Facts

• Most common is an oil pressure sensor.
• Low oil pressure can cause it.
• If you hear knocking or have the low oil pressure light, don’t drive until P0520 is diagnosed.
• Related to P0521.

P0520 Symptoms:  Dodge Avenger

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

P0520 Causes:  Dodge Avenger

• Oil Pressure Sensor Although the P0520 problem is most likely caused by the oil pressure sensor, it would still be smart to first check the oil quality and oil level, along with the wiring.
• Oil Pressure Sensor Wiring - The signal from the oil pressure sensor is P0520. This indicates that there has been a malfunction in the circuit.  This may indicate an issue with wiring.
• You can have low or no oil The first thing that you should do is check to see if there is oil in your vehicle’s engine at all.  It can also throw the P0520 code if it is low or empty.  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.  This code should be visible with an oil light or low readings from the oil pressure gauge. 
• Wrong or dirty oil- If your Avenger’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.

Avenger P0520 Diagnosis

Below are steps to help a technician diagnose the problem manually in your Dodge Avenger.  

1. Examine 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.  

This code can be thrown for many reasons, including wiring issues.  The wiring is close to the Avenger’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.  There are two options: Manual oil pressure gauge to see if it’s where it needs to be.  They're easy 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 Dodge Avenger

It is easy to diagnose P0520.  Check that the oil light on your Avenger is lit.  Good luck fixing your Avenger!