P0521

DTC P0521

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.



DTC Descriptor
DTC P0521
- Engine Oil Pressure (EOP) Sensor Performance




Diagnostic Fault Information






Circuit/System 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) supplies 5-volts to the EOP sensor via the 5-volt reference circuit and provides ground via the EOP low reference circuit. The ECM monitors the signal circuit of the EOP sensor to determine if 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 senses a high signal voltage. When the engine oil pressure is low, the EOP sensor voltage is low and the ECM senses a low signal voltage. The ECM sends the EOP information to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) via the serial data circuit.


Conditions for Running the DTC

* The engine is idling at less than 640 RPM and EOP sensor performance check is high.
* The engine is running at greater than 1,520 RPM and EOP sensor performance check is low.



Conditions for Setting the DTC

* The engine oil pressure is greater than 880 kPa (127.6 psi).
* The engine oil pressure is less than 8 kPa (1.16 psi).
* The ECM does not detect a change in the engine oil pressure of at least 34.5 kPa (5.0 psi) over a predetermined variance of the engine speed.



Action Taken When the DTC Sets

* The ECM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostics test fails. The ECM displays this information in the Failure Records on the scan tool.
* The IPC illuminates the EOP 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.



Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Instrument Cluster Schematics (Instrument Cluster Schematics)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation

* Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation (Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation)
* Instrument Cluster Description and Operation (Description and Operation)

Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)


Circuit/System Verification

With the scan tool installed and the engine idling, the Engine Oil Pressure Sensor parameter should indicate a range of 0.7-2.8 V or 8 kPa (1.16 psi) - 880 kPa (127.6 psi).


Circuit/System Testing

Ignition ON and the engine idling, verify the scan tool Engine Oil Pressure Sensor parameter is within 0.7 V - 2.8 V or 8 kPa (1.16 psi) - 880 kPa (127.6 psi).

If not within the range of 0.7 V - 2.8 V or 8 kPa (1.16 psi) - 880 kPa (127.6 psi), replace the EOP sensor.



Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Engine Oil Pressure Sensor and/or Switch Replacement (Service and Repair) for the 4.6L engine
* Engine Oil Pressure Sensor and/or Switch Replacement (Service and Repair) for the 3.6L engine