GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC P0521 4.6L

Circuit Description

The engine oil pressure (EOP) sensor changes resistance based on engine oil pressure. The engine control module (ECM) monitors the signal circuit of the EOP sensor. When the oil pressure is high, the sensor resistance is high, and the ECM senses a high signal voltage. The ECM sends the EOP information to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) via the class 2 serial data circuit.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0521 Engine Oil Pressure (EOP) Sensor Performance

Conditions for Running the DTC

The engine is running.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM does not detect a change in the EOP 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 diagnostic 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.
    • The ECM receives a clear code command from the scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Using the Failure Records data may help locate an intermittent condition. If you cannot duplicate the DTC, the information in the Failure Records can help determine how many miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can help determine how many ignition cycles that the diagnostic test reported a pass and/or a fail.

Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Instrument Cluster Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine ON.
  3. With the scan tool, observe the Engine Oil Pressure Sensor parameter in the engine control module (ECM) instrument panel cluster (IPC) Data list.

Does the Engine Oil Pressure Sensor parameter display values that vary within the specified values when idling and accelerating the engine?

0.7-2.5 V

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

Replace the engine oil pressure (EOP) sensor. Refer to Engine Oil Pressure Sensor and/or Switch Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 4.6L (LH2).

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 4

--

4

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK

DTC P0521 3.6L

Circuit Description

The engine oil pressure (EOP) sensor changes voltage based on engine oil pressure. The engine control module (ECM) monitors the signal circuit of the EOP sensor. When the oil pressure is high, the sensor voltage is high, and the ECM senses a high signal voltage. When the oil pressure is low, the 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 GMLAN serial data circuit.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0521 Engine Oil Pressure (EOP) Sensor Performance check high and low

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine is idling at less than 640 RPM and engine oil pressure sensor performance check is high.
    • The engine is running at greater than 1520 RPM and engine oil pressure 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).

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The ECM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic 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.
    • The ECM receives a clear code command from the scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Using the Failure Records data may help locate an intermittent condition. If you cannot duplicate the DTC, the information in the Failure Records can help determine how many miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can help determine how many ignition cycles that the diagnostic test reported a pass and/or a fail.

Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Instrument Cluster Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Control Module Connector End Views for the 3.6L engine or Inline Harness Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With the scan tool, observe the Engine Oil Pressure Sensor parameter in the engine control module (ECM) instrument panel cluster (IPC) Data list.

Does the Engine Oil Pressure Sensor parameter display values that vary within the specified values when idling and accelerating the engine?

880 kPa (127.6 psi) - 8 kPa (1.16 psi)

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

Replace the engine oil pressure (EOP) sensor. Refer to Engine Oil Pressure Sensor and/or Switch Replacement for the 3.6L engine.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 4

--

4

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK