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

P0522 This is an OBD2 diagnostic Code that is activated when you Dodge Dart It detects the fact that the oil pressure sensor's value is less than its usual operating range.

It's usually due to a problem with your oil system or a bad oil pressure sensor. This should be addressed immediately.  Although it's possible and likely that your oil pressure sensor/sensor may be defective, it is also possible to have 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 Dart’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.  The oil warning light is activated when this reading appears on the oil pressure gauge.

P0522 Quick Facts

• Most often caused by an issue with your Dart’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:  Dodge Dart

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

• Glow-Low Oil/Gauge 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.
• Ticking or 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 Dart’s engine very well could have locked up.

Dart P0522 Causes

Problems with sensor wiring or the sensor are what will cause P0522. Your engine should be fine.  Or it is going to be caused by an issue your Dart’s oil level, viscosity, pressure, or cleanliness.  

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

These are some of the leading causes for P0522.

• Low oil consumption or none The first thing that you should do is check to see if there is oil in your Dart’s engine at all.  The crankcase can give P0522 when 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.  The oil light should indicate it, as well as a low reading on the oil pressure gauge.  Diagnoses of low oil pressure in Dodge Dart
• 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 It is possible that the problem may be caused by an oil pressure sensor. However, it's smart to first look at the oil and wiring.

Diagnose P0522: Dodge Dart

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.  It may interfere with the oil pressure sensor if it is darkened or gritty.  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 Dart’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.  There are two options: Manual oil pressure gauge to see if it’s where it needs to be.  These are simple to use.  Here’s a Amazing 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 Dart

It’s relatively straightforward diagnosing P0522.  This is made easier by knowing the exact oil pressure.  Leave a comment below to share your thoughts and best wishes with the Dodge Dart.