Dodge Durango 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 Durango 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 Durango’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 an oil warning light.

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.
• 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:  Dodge Durango

Sometimes, there are no symptoms (apart from the check engine light).  You may have low oil pressure if your engine makes unusual sounds (clacky or metallic). 

P0520 Causes:  Dodge Durango

• Oil Pressure Sensor It is possible that P0520 was caused by an oil pressure sensor. However, it is wise to inspect the oil quality and level first.
• 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.  The crankcase can give P0520 if the oil level is very low.  Clear the code, then fill up the oil and fix it.  
• 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 oil or dirt? If your Durango’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.

Durango P0520 Diagnosis

Below are the steps to help a technician diagnose your Dodge Durango's P0520.  

1. Examine the oil

Check the oil level first.  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 Durango’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 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.  If there is low or no oil pressure, you’ll need to figure out why.

Conclusion:  P0520 Dodge Durango

It is easy to diagnose P0520.  Check that the oil light on your Durango is lit.  Have fun fixing up your Durango