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Engine mechanicalSeverity High: diagnose before driving on

P0522Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch "A" Circuit Low

What it means

The oil pressure sensor signal voltage is lower than the sensor can normally produce (usually below about 0.2 V on a 0–5 V sensor). Most often the signal wire is shorted to ground or the 5 V supply is missing.

Symptoms

  • Oil pressure warning light
  • Possibly engine noise (ticking or knocking)
  • Reduced power on some engines

Common causes

  • Signal wire shorted to ground or chafed through
  • 5 V reference open, or pulled down by another faulty sensor on the same supply
  • Failed oil pressure sensor
  • Water or corrosion in the connector

What to check first

  1. With the key on, measure the 5 V reference at the connector (about 4.8–5.1 V)
  2. Back-probe the signal and watch it while wiggling the harness
  3. Unplug sensors that share the 5 V reference one at a time and see whether the supply recovers
Can I drive with P0522? Not recommended. P0522 can lead to stalling, limp mode or engine damage; diagnose it before driving further.

Generic OBD-II meaning. Manufacturer-specific meanings and checks can differ; always check the service information for the car.

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P0522: questions and answers

What does P0522 mean?

P0522: Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch "A" Circuit Low. The oil pressure sensor signal voltage is lower than the sensor can normally produce (usually below about 0.2 V on a 0–5 V sensor). Most often the signal wire is shorted to ground or the 5 V supply is missing.

What are the symptoms of P0522?

Oil pressure warning light. Possibly engine noise (ticking or knocking). Reduced power on some engines.

What causes P0522?

Signal wire shorted to ground or chafed through. 5 V reference open, or pulled down by another faulty sensor on the same supply. Failed oil pressure sensor. Water or corrosion in the connector.

How do you diagnose P0522?

1. With the key on, measure the 5 V reference at the connector (about 4.8–5.1 V) 2. Back-probe the signal and watch it while wiggling the harness 3. Unplug sensors that share the 5 V reference one at a time and see whether the supply recovers

Can I drive with P0522?

Not recommended. P0522 can lead to stalling, limp mode or engine damage; diagnose it before driving further.