P0520 - Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Circuit

Fig 1: Identifying Powertrain Control Module & Oil Pressure Sensor

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

For a complete wiring diagram, refer to appropriate Wiring Diagram.

>>When Monitored:<< At ignition on and zero RPM after an ignition off time of greater than three minutes.
>>Set Condition:<< The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) receives an oil pressure reading less than 0.255 volts (0.0 PSI) or greater than 0.784 volts (7.1 PSI) for 0.05 seconds after key on. Two Trip fault. This is to check for a sensor that is out of range.

Possible Causes
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE SENSOR
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)

Always perform the Pre-Diagnostic Troubleshooting procedure before proceeding. Refer to PRE-DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE .

Test Step 1 - ACTIVE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC)

NOTE:

Make sure that the engine oil is at the proper level. Also, review the customers oil change history to ensure that the oil is being changed at the correct intervals and that the proper oil viscosity is being used.

Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature.

WARNING:

When the engine is operating, do not stand in direct line with the fan. Do not put your hands near the pulleys, belts or fan. Do not wear loose clothing. Failure to follow these instructions may result in possible serious or fatal injury.

Using the scan tool, read the active DTCs.

Is the DTC Active at this time?

Yes

Go to Test Step 2

Perform the Checking for an Intermittent DTC diagnostic procedure. Refer to CHECKING FOR AN INTERMITTENT DTC .

Test Step 2 - ENGINE OIL PRESSURE SENSOR

Fig 2: Identifying 3 Pin Electrical Connector & Amp; Terminal

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Turn the ignition off.
Ignition on, engine not running.
With a scan tool, monitor the Engine Oil Pressure Sensor voltage.
Connect a jumper wire between the (K900) Sensor Ground circuit and the (G6) Engine Oil Pressure Signal circuit.

NOTE:

Engine Oil Pressure voltage should change from approximately 4.5 volts to less than 0.5 volt.

Is the voltage reading within the listed specification when the jumper wire is installed?

Yes

Verify that there is good pin to terminal contact in the Engine Oil Pressure Sensor and Powertrain Control Module connectors. If OK, replace the Engine Oil Pressure Sensor. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Perform the Powertrain Verification Test. Refer to PCM VERIFICATION TEST (2009 - 2011) or PCM VERIFICATION TEST (2012 & UP) .

Go to Test Step 3

NOTE:

Remove the jumper wire before continuing.

Test Step 3 - (G6) ENGINE OIL PRESSURE SENSOR SIGNAL CIRCUIT SHORTED TO VOLTAGE

Fig 3: Measuring Voltage On (G6) Oil Pressure Sensor

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Turn the ignition off.
Disconnect the PCM C2 harness connectors.
Disconnect the Engine Oil Pressure Sensor harness connector.
Ignition on, engine not running.
Measure the voltage on the (G6) Engine Oil Pressure Signal circuit in the Engine Oil Pressure Sensor harness connector.

Is there any voltage present?

Yes

Repair the short to voltage in the (G6) Engine Oil Pressure Signal circuit.
Perform the Powertrain Verification Test. Refer to PCM VERIFICATION TEST (2009 - 2011) or PCM VERIFICATION TEST (2012 & UP) .

Go to Test Step 4

Test Step 4 - EXCESSIVE RESISTANCE IN THE (G6) ENGINE OIL PRESSURE SIGNAL CIRCUIT

Fig 4: Measuring Resistance Of (G6) Oil Pressure Signal Circuit From Oil Pressure Switch Harness Connector To PCM C2 Harness Connector

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Turn the ignition off.
Disconnect the PCM C2 harness connectors.
Measure the resistance of the (G6) Engine Oil Pressure Signal circuit from the Engine Oil Pressure Sensor harness connector to the PCM C2 harness connectors.

Is the resistance below 5.0 ohms?

Yes

Go to Test Step 5

Repair the excessive resistance in the (G6) Engine Oil Pressure Signal circuit.
Perform the Powertrain Verification Test. Refer to PCM VERIFICATION TEST (2009 - 2011) or PCM VERIFICATION TEST (2012 & UP) .

Test Step 5 - (G6) ENGINE OIL PRESSURE SIGNAL CIRCUIT SHORTED TO GROUND

Fig 5: Measuring Resistance Between Ground And (G6) Oil Pressure Signal Circuit In Switch Connector

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Measure the resistance between ground and the (G6) Engine Oil Pressure Signal circuit Engine Oil Pressure Sensor harness connector.

Is the resistance below 100 Ohms?

Yes

Repair the short to ground in the (G6) Engine Oil Pressure Signal circuit.
Perform the Powertrain Verification Test. Refer to PCM VERIFICATION TEST (2009 - 2011) or PCM VERIFICATION TEST (2012 & UP) .

Go to Test Step 6

Test Step 6 - EXCESSIVE RESISTANCE IN THE (F855) 5-VOLT SUPPLY CIRCUIT

Fig 6: Testing Excessive Resistance In The (F855) 5-volt Supply Circuit

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Measure the resistance of the (F855) 5-Volt Supply circuit from the Engine Oil Pressure Sensor harness connector to the PCM C2 harness connectors.

Is the resistance below 5.0 Ohms?

Yes

Go to Test Step 7

Repair the excessive resistance in the (F855) 5-Volt Supply circuit.
Perform the Powertrain Verification Test. Refer to PCM VERIFICATION TEST (2009 - 2011) or PCM VERIFICATION TEST (2012 & UP) .

Test Step 7 - (F855) 5-VOLT SUPPLY SHORTED TO GROUND

Fig 7: Identifying Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Harness Connector

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Measure the resistance between ground and the (F855) 5-Volt Supply circuit in the Engine Oil Pressure Sensor harness connector.

Is the resistance below 100 Ohms?

Yes

Repair the short to ground in the (F855) 5-Volt Supply circuit.
Perform the Powertrain Verification Test. Refer to PCM VERIFICATION TEST (2009 - 2011) or PCM VERIFICATION TEST (2012 & UP) .

Go to Test Step 8

Test Step 8 - EXCESSIVE RESISTANCE IN THE (K900) SENSOR GROUND CIRCUIT

Fig 8: Measuring Resistance Of (K900) Sensor Ground Circuit From Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Harness Connector To PCM C2 Harness Connector

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Measure the resistance of the (K900) Sensor Ground circuit from the Engine Oil Pressure Sensor harness connector to the PCM C2 harness connectors.

Is the resistance below 5.0 Ohms?

Yes

Go to Test Step 9

Repair the excessive resistance in the (K900) Sensor Ground circuit.
Perform the Powertrain Verification Test. Refer to PCM VERIFICATION TEST (2009 - 2011) or PCM VERIFICATION TEST (2012 & UP) .

Test Step 9 - POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)

Using the wiring diagram/schematic as a guide, inspect the wiring and connectors between the Engine Oil Pressure Sensor and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Look for any chafed, pierced, pinched, or partially broken wires.
Look for broken, bent, pushed out or corroded terminals. Verify that there is good pin to terminal contact in the Engine Oil Pressure Sensor and Powertrain Control Module connectors.
Perform any Technical Service Bulletins that may apply.

Were there any problems found?

Yes

Repair as necessary.
Perform the Powertrain Verification Test. Refer to PCM VERIFICATION TEST (2009 - 2011) or PCM VERIFICATION TEST (2012 & UP) .

Replace and program the Powertrain Control Module. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Perform the Powertrain Verification Test. Refer to PCM VERIFICATION TEST (2009 - 2011) or PCM VERIFICATION TEST (2012 & UP) .