Jeep Wrangler P0522: Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch → Low Input

P0522 This is an OBD2 diagnostic Code that is activated when you Jeep Wrangler detects that oil pressure sensor value sent 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 or sender is damaged, there may also be 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 Wrangler’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 Wrangler's oil pressure gauge.

P0522 Quick Facts

• Most often caused by an issue with your Wrangler’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.
• Simple to diagnose

P0522 Symptoms:  Jeep Wrangler

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

• 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 and 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 Wrangler’s engine very well could have locked up.

Wrangler Causes P0522

The problem with your sensor wire or sensor sensor is what causes P0522. This would indicate that your engine is in good condition.  Or it is going to be caused by an issue your Wrangler’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.

• You can have low or no oil The first thing that you should do is check to see if there is oil in your Wrangler’s engine at all.  The crankcase can give P0522 when it is depleted or very low in oil.  Clear the code and fill up the oil.  
• 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.  Jeep Wrangler Diagnosis of Low Oil Pressure
• 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 Although the P0522 problem is most likely caused by the oil pressure sensor, it is worth looking into the wiring and oil first.

Diagnostics for P0522 Jeep Wrangler

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

TThe first thing you need to do is inspect the oil level.  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.  It could also be the cause of P0522.  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 wiring problems are quite common.  The wiring is close to the Wrangler’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 Oil pressure can be manually adjusted gauge to see if it’s where it needs to be.  These are simple to use.  Here’s a Great 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 Jeep Wrangler

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