GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0520 : Engine Oil Pressure (EOP) Sensor Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Important: Always perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Signal Circuit

1

P0520

P0520

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Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Ground Circuit

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P0520

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1. Engine Oil Pressure Indicator Always On

Circuit/System Description

The engine oil pressure (EOP) switch is a normally closed switch that opens with the proper oil pressure. With the ignition switch turned ON and the engine not running, the engine control module (ECM) should detect a low signal voltage input. With the engine running, the pressure switch opens, and the ECM should detect a high signal voltage input. The ECM tests the state of the EOP circuit with the ignition switch turned ON, and the engine turned OFF. When the oil pressure is low, the ECM sends a GMLAN serial data message to the body control module (BCM) requesting the EOP indicator turned ON.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is ON, with the engine ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The ECM detects that the EOP sensor signal circuit is pulled high.
    • The above condition is present for greater than 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The ECM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic test fails. The ECM displays this information in the Failure Records on the scan tool.
    • The instrument panel cluster (IPC) illuminates the engine oil pressure indicator.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC becomes history when the conditions for setting the DTC are no longer present.
    • The history DTC clears after 40 malfunction-free warm-up cycles.
    • The ECM receives a clear code command from the scan tool.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

    •  Instrument Cluster Schematics
    •  Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console Connector End Views
    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Scan Tool Data List

Circuit/System Testing

Important: Do not turn the key to the crank position or engage the starter at any time during diagnosis.

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the engine oil pressure (EOP) switch.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1 ohm of resistance between the ground circuit and ground.
  3. If greater than 1 ohm, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, install a 3-Amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit of the EOP switch and ground. Verify the scan tool Engine Oil Pressure Switch parameter is Low.
  5. If not Low, test the signal circuit of the EOP switch for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If circuit test normal, replace the ECM.
  6. If all circuits test normal, replace the engine oil pressure switch.

Repair Instructions

Important: Always perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Engine Oil Pressure Sensor and/or Switch Replacement
    •  Control Module References for the ECM replacement, setup, and programming