Honda Odyssey P0522: Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch → Low Input

P0522 An OBD2 diagnostic code is generated when the vehicle is detected as having an OBD2. Honda Odyssey The sensor senses that the value sent by the oil pressure sensor has fallen below the range of normal operation.

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 or sender is damaged, it may also mean there is an issue with the oil.

You assume you don't have oil pressure. Only then can you be sure.  If there isn’t any oil pressure, this can keep the engine from locking up. 

Your Odyssey’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 Odyssey’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:  Honda Odyssey

Below are the top symptoms of P0522.

• Low oil light/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, 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 Odyssey’s engine very well could have locked up.

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

This code is important because it ensures proper oil flow.

Below are the top causes of P0522.

• Low oil consumption or none The first thing that you should do is check to see if there is oil in your Odyssey’s engine at all.  The crankcase can give you P0522 if it is not full or very low in oil.  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 on Honda Odyssey
• 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. 
• Wiring for Oil Pressure Sensor 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.

P0522 Diagnosis: Honda Odyssey

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.  

One of the most common reasons this code is thrown is because there are wiring problems.  The wiring is close to the Odyssey’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.  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.  They’re cheap.  If there is low or no oil pressure, you’ll need to figure out why.

Conclusion:  P0522 Honda Odyssey

It’s relatively straightforward diagnosing P0522.  It's much easier to know the oil pressure.  Leave a comment below to share your thoughts and best wishes with the repair of your Honda Odyssey.