P0522Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch A Low
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- Needs a drive cycle to confirm a fix
- How the car detects it
- The oil pressure sensor matters for emissions control because modern engines use it as an input – for two-stage or regulated oil pumps, hydraulic cam phasers and GM's cylinder deactivation, whose lifters switch by oil pressure. P0522 means the signal voltage is below its limit: GM 2018 below 5 % of the 5 V reference, Ford petrol below 0.25 V, Ford diesel below 0.018 V, about 5 s. As the sensor gives about 0.5 V at zero pressure, this is an electrical fault – real low pressure is P0524. GM's 2006 V8s used the warning lamp only with cylinder deactivation; GM's 4.6 L Northstar then allows cam phasing only above 1500 rpm.
- What you may notice
- Check engine light (depending on the maker)
- Oil pressure gauge at zero or warning despite normal pressure
- Cam phasing or cylinder deactivation possibly disabled
- Likely causes
- LikelySignal line shorted to ground or open
- Possible5 V reference failed or shorted
- PossibleSensor faulty internally
- PossibleConnector corroded or oily
- Inspection (ITP)
- Matters for the ITP. While the check-engine light is on, the car fails the emissions check.
- Repair
- Easy · Often possible to do yourself.Typical cost: €50 – €250
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.