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.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

High Resistance

Open

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Engine Oil Pressure 5-Volt Reference

P0522

1

P0522

P0523

P0521

Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Signal

P0522

1

P0522

P0523

P0521

Low Reference

--

1

P0523

--

P0521

1. Engine Oil Pressure Indicator Malfunction

Circuit Description

The engine oil pressure (EOP) sensor changes voltage based on the engine oil pressure. The EOP sensor is a 3-wire sensor comprising of the signal circuit, the low reference circuit, and the 5-volt reference circuit. The engine control module (ECM) or the powertrain control module (PCM) supplies 5 volts to the EOP sensor via the 5-volt reference circuit and provides ground via the EOP low reference circuit. The ECM/PCM monitors the signal circuit of the EOP sensor to determine the engine oil pressure sensor voltage is within the normal operating range of approximately 1-4 volts. When the engine oil pressure is high, the EOP sensor voltage is high and the ECM/PCM senses a high signal voltage. When the engine oil pressure is low, the EOP sensor voltage is low and the ECM/PCM senses a low signal voltage. The ECM/PCM sends the EOP information to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) via the serial data circuit. The IPC illuminates the engine oil pressure indicator when it receives a serial data message indicating a low engine oil pressure condition.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Instrument Cluster Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

    •  Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation
    •  Instrument Cluster Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

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

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Engine running, observe the scan tool Engine Oil Pressure Sensor parameter. The reading should be between 0.2-4.8 volts.
  2. Verify the engine oil pressure, refer to: Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the engine oil pressure (EOP) sensor.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1 ohm between the low reference circuit terminal A and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  4. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 volts between the 5-volt reference circuit terminal B and ground.
  5. If less than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
    If greater than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  6. Verify the scan tool Engine Oil Pressure Sensor parameter is less than 0.2 volt.
  7. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal C for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  8. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal C and the 5-volt reference circuit terminal B. Verify the scan tool Engine Oil Pressure Sensor parameter is greater than 4.8 volts.
  9. If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  10. Ignition ON, command the EOP indicator OFF with the scan tool.
  11. If the EOP indicator does not turn OFF, replace the IPC.
  12. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the EOP sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

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