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 provide an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0522: Engine Oil Pressure (EOP) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

5-Volt Reference Circuit 1

P0522

P0522

--

P0521

Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Signal Circuit

P0522

P0522

P0523

P0521

Low Reference

--

P0523

--

P0521

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 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.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The engine is running.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The ECM/PCM detects that the EOP sensor signal circuit is less than 0.195 volt.
    • The above condition is present for greater than 10 seconds.

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.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

    •  Instrument Cluster Schematics
    •  Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Displays and Gages Connector End Views
    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views
    •  Inline Harness Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

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

Scan Tool Reference

Scan Tool Data List

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the engine oil pressure (EOP) sensor.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the low reference circuit terminal 1 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 2 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.
  6. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 3 and the 5-volt reference circuit terminal 2. Verify the scan tool Engine Oil Pressure Sensor parameter is greater than 4.8 volts.
  7. 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.
  8. 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 ECM/PCM replacement, setup and programming