AutoCodes – Pontiac – P0522 Pontiac

P0522 Pontiac Code - Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Voltage

Quick Answer

The engine oil pressure sensor changes voltage based on the engine oil pressure. Common causes include Low oil level, Faulty Engine Oil Pressure Sensor, Engine Oil Pressure Sensor harness is open or shorted. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0522 Pontiac indicates Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Voltage.
Common causes: Common causes include Low oil level, Faulty Engine Oil Pressure Sensor, Engine Oil Pressure Sensor harness is open or shorted.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 5,592

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 30, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0522 Pontiac Description

The engine oil pressure sensor changes voltage based on the engine oil pressure. The engine oil pressure sensor is a 3-wire sensor comprising the signal circuit, the low reference circuit, and the 5 V reference circuit. The Engine Control Module (ECM) supplies 5 V to the engine oil pressure sensor via the 5 V reference circuit and provides ground via the low reference circuit. The ECM monitors the signal circuit of the engine oil pressure sensor to determine if the engine oil pressure sensor voltage is within the normal operating range of approximately 1 - 4 V. When the engine oil pressure is high, the engine oil pressure sensor voltage is high, and the ECM senses a high signal voltage. When the engine oil pressure is low, the engine oil pressure sensor voltage is low, and the ECM senses a low signal voltage. The ECM sends the engine oil pressure information to the instrument cluster via serial data. The instrument cluster will illuminate or display the engine oil pressure indicator when the engine oil pressure is low. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the ECM detects that the engine oil pressure sensor signal circuit is less than 0.2 V for greater than 10 s.

OBDII Code P0522 Pontiac - Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P0522 Pontiac Code - Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0522 Pontiac?

Low oil level
Faulty Engine Oil Pressure Sensor
Engine Oil Pressure Sensor harness is open or shorted
Engine Oil Pressure Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
Engine Mechanical Problem
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0522 Pontiac?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

DTC P0521 can be set if engine oil pressure is outside the calculated engine oil pressure model stored in the engine control module. This can be an indication of mechanical engine issues causing lower than expected engine oil pressure.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0522 Pontiac code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0522 Pontiac code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0522 Pontiac code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0522 Pontiac Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0522 mean for a Pontiac?

P0522 indicates that the engine oil pressure sensor is reporting a voltage that is too low, suggesting a potential issue with the sensor, wiring, or oil pressure itself.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P0522?

Symptoms may include the oil pressure warning light illuminating, erratic oil pressure gauge readings, engine performance issues, and, in severe cases, engine damage.

3. What causes the P0522 code on a Pontiac?

Common causes include a faulty oil pressure sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, low engine oil levels, or problems with the oil pump or pressure system.

4. Can driving with code P0522 damage the engine?

Yes, driving with this code can be risky if the issue involves low oil pressure, as insufficient lubrication may cause severe engine damage.

5. How do I diagnose code P0522 on my Pontiac?

Start by checking the engine oil level, inspecting the oil pressure sensor and its wiring for damage, and testing the sensor with a multimeter or scanning tool.

6. How do I fix code P0522 on a Pontiac?

Fixes may include replacing the oil pressure sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, refilling or changing the oil, or addressing issues with the oil pump.

7. Is it expensive to repair code P0522 on a Pontiac?

The cost depends on the cause. Replacing an oil pressure sensor is relatively inexpensive, while oil pump repairs or engine damage can be much more costly.

8. Can low engine oil cause P0522?

Yes, low engine oil levels can lead to insufficient oil pressure, which may trigger code P0522.

9. How do I reset the P0522 code on my Pontiac?

After fixing the issue, you can use an OBDII scanner to clear the code. However, if the problem isn't resolved, the code will return.

10. Should I replace the oil pressure sensor if I get code P0522?

Replacing the sensor is a common solution, but you should first verify the sensor is faulty and rule out other issues like wiring damage or low oil pressure.