Dodge Ram P0520: Oil Pressure Switch/Sensor → Circuit

The OBD2 code P0520 can be used to indicate a problem.  It’s generic, which means that it has the same meaning for the Dodge Ram as it would any other vehicle.  P0520 indicates that the oil pressure sensor is operating outside of its normal “range”.  This can be caused either by an issue with the wiring or a bad switch for oil pressure sensors.

Your Ram’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 you can see on your Ram's oil pressure gauge. It also 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.  If there's no oil pressure, then P0520 could occur.

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.
• Similar to P0521.

P0520 Symptoms:  Dodge Ram

There may not be any other symptoms than the checkengine light.  The oil pressure may be low if the engine is making unusual noises (e.g. metallic, clacky, etc). 

P0520 Causes:  Dodge Ram

• Oil Pressure Sensor It is possible that P0520 was caused by an oil pressure sensor. However, it would be prudent to inspect the oil level and quality as well as the wiring before assuming any responsibility.
• 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.  It could be a problem with the 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 This code will be displayed if the oil pressure is 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 Ram’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.

Diagnostics Ram P0520

Below are steps to help a mechanic diagnose the problem manually in your Dodge Ram.  

1. Take a look at 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 Ram’s exhaust and can get brittle over time.

3. Manually check your 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.  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 Ram

The process of diagnosing P0520 can be done easily.  Check that the oil light on your Ram is lit.  You will be successful in fixing your Ram