GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

With low oil pressure, the engine oil pressure (EOP) switch closes, and the signal circuit is low. With oil pressure above 4.5 psi, the EOP switch opens, and the signal circuit is high. The powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the oil pressure switch signal circuit, and sends a class 2 message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC), indicating the switch status.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0520 Engine Oil Pressure (EOP) Sensor Circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTC P0117 is not set.
    • DTC P0118 is not set.
    • DTC P1111 is not set.
    • DTC P1114 is not set.
    • The ignition is ON, with the engine OFF.
    • Engine temperature at the last shutdown was at least 80°C (176°F).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The PCM detects that the oil pressure switch signal circuit is high.
    • The above condition is present for greater than 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The PCM stores the conditions that are present when the DTC sets. This information is stored as Failure Records data only. This information is not stored as Freeze Frame data.

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 PCM receives the clear code command from the scan tool.

Step

Action

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

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 Switch parameter in the powertrain control module (PCM) Engine Data, data list.

Does the Engine Oil Pressure Switch parameter indicate Low?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the engine oil pressure (EOP) switch.
  3. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper between the signal circuit and a good ground.
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  5. With the scan tool, observe the Engine Oil Pressure Switch parameter.

Does the Engine Oil Pressure Switch parameter indicate Low?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

Test the signal circuit of the EOP switch for an open or for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

5

Test the ground circuit of the EOP switch for an open or for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 6

6

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the EOP switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

7

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the PCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

8

Replace the EOP switch. Refer to Engine Oil Pressure Sensor and/or Switch Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.5L.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 10

--

9

Replace the PCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 10

--

10

  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