GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0520 : Engine Oil Pressure (EOP) Sensor Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Signal Circuit

1

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.

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 5 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 powertrain control module (PCM) receives a clear code command from the scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Using the Failure Records data may help locate an intermittent condition. If you cannot duplicate the DTC, the information in the Failure Records can help determine how many miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can help determine how many ignition cycles that the diagnostic test reported a pass and/or a fail.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

    •  Instrument Cluster Schematics
    •  Engine Controls Schematics for the 2.2L engine
    •  Engine Controls Schematics for the 2.4L engine

Connector End View Reference

    •  Displays and Gages Connector End Views
    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views for the 2.2L engine
    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views for the 2.4L engine

Description and Operation

    •  Instrument Cluster Description and Operation
    •  Engine Control Module Description for the 2.2L engine
    •  Engine Control Module Description for the 2.4L engine

Electrical Information Reference

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

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Output Controls
    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the EOP switch.
  2. Ignition ON, install a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit and ground. Verify the scan tool Engine Oil Pressure Switch parameter is Low.
  3. If not Low, test the signal circuit of the EOP switch for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal replace the ECM.
  4. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the EOP switch.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Engine Oil Pressure Sensor and/or Switch Replacement for the 2.2L engine
    •  Engine Oil Pressure Sensor and/or Switch Replacement for the 2.4L engine
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming