Dodge Caliber P0522: Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch → Low Input

P0522 An OBD2 diagnostic code is generated when the vehicle is detected as having an OBD2 fault. Dodge Caliber The oil pressure sensor detects that its value is lower than the normal operating range.

This problem is often caused by a defective oil pressure sensor, or an issue in the oil system. These problems should be addressed immediately.  It is possible, and even probable that an oil pressure sensor/sensor is defective. However, it could also indicate a problem in the 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 Caliber’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 that 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 Caliber’s oil pressure sensor or circuit
• You should take it very seriously
• Most common symptoms are the oil light and an incorrect oil pressure gauge reading.
• Simple to diagnose

P0522 Symptoms:  Dodge Caliber

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

• Glow-/Low Oil Light A bad oil pressure sensor can cause P0522. However, the low oil warning and oil pressure gauge readings should be treated as correct until you are certain.
• Knocking or ticking - 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 Caliber’s engine very well could have locked up.

Caliber P0522 Causes

A sensor problem or wiring issue can cause P0522. Your engine should be fine.  Or it is going to be caused by an issue your Caliber’s oil level, viscosity, pressure, or cleanliness.  

This code is important because it ensures proper oil flow.

These are some of the leading causes for P0522.

• Oil: Low, medium or high The first thing that you should do is check to see if there is oil in your Caliber’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 of Low Oil Pressure for Dodge Caliber
• Wrong or dirty oil- 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.  It could be a problem with the 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.

Diagnose P0522: Dodge Caliber

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

TCheck the oil level first.  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 grimy.  It can trigger P0522 if the oil was too viscous.

2. Check the Wiring Harness

Next, you should inspect the wiring harness running from the oil pressure sensor to the PCM.  You could have P0522 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 Caliber’s exhaust and can get brittle over time.

3. You can manually check the 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 Dodge Caliber

It’s relatively straightforward diagnosing P0522.  It's much easier to know the oil pressure.  If you have any suggestions, please leave them below. Good luck with your Dodge Caliber.