Dodge Ram 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 Ram The sensor senses that the oil pressure value sent to it 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 immediately diagnosed and repaired.  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 Ram’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 Ram’s oil pressure sensor or circuit
• Taken very seriously
• Most common symptoms are the oil light and an incorrect oil pressure gauge reading.
• It is easy to diagnose

P0522 Symptoms:  Dodge Ram

Below are some symptoms common to P0522.

• Low oil light/Gauge Although P0522 can often be caused by an oil pressure sensor problem, it is important to treat readings from your oil gauge or low oil warning as if they were correct.
• Ticking, Knocking and Tipping 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 Ram’s engine very well could have locked up.

Ram P0522 Reasons

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 Ram’s oil level, viscosity, pressure, or cleanliness.  

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

Below are the top causes of P0522.

• You can have low or no oil The first thing that you should do is check to see if there is oil in your Ram’s engine at all.  It can also throw the P0522 error 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 This code may appear if the oil pressure is too low.  The oil light should indicate it, as well as a low reading on the oil pressure gauge.  Dodge Ram Low Oil Pressure Diagnosis
• Wrong oil or dirt? 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.  This may indicate an issue with 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.

Dodge Ram Diagnostics: P0522

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. Take a look at 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 stained.  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 Ram’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 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 That will explain exactly how to use this gauge for checking.

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 Ram

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 Ram.