P0521

DTC P0521

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure. Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provide 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) 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 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/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 sends the EOP information to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) via GMLAN serial data message.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The engine is running.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM/PCM 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/PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostics test fails. The ECM/PCM 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.
* The ECM/PCM receives a clear code command from the scan tool.

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 volts.

Circuit/System Testing

Ignition ON and the engine idling, verify the scan tool Engine Oil Pressure Sensor parameter is within 0.7-2.8 volts.

If not within the range of 0.7-2.8 volts, replace the EOP sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Engine Oil Pressure Sensor and/or Switch Replacement
* Refer to Programming and Relearning. Programming and Relearning