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P0520ModerateEngine

P0520: How to Diagnose & Fix — Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit Malfunction

23 vehicles · 12 makes · $20-$12,000 repair

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How to diagnose and fix P0520: most-reported vehicles

Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.

Porsche 911 · 1999–2008

Community reported
5,500 owners
Link to this issueError Codes:P0520P0521

The IMS bearing on 996 and early 997 flat-six engines is a single-row or dual-row sealed bearing that loses lubrication over time, leading to catastrophic bearing failure and engine destruction. The dual-row bearing (1999-2005) fails less frequently than the single-row (2006-2008), but both are a major concern. This is the most feared and well-documented Porsche defect of the modern era.

Common Symptoms

  • Metallic debris in oil filter at oil change
  • Rumbling or grinding noise from rear of engine
  • Sudden catastrophic engine seizure
  • Oil analysis showing elevated copper and lead
  • Check engine light with oil pressure codes

How to Fix

Replace the IMS bearing with an upgraded ceramic hybrid bearing (LN Engineering IMS Solution or IMS Retrofit). This can be done with the engine in the car during a clutch replacement. On 2006-2008 single-row cars, replacement is strongly recommended as a preventive measure.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • LN Engineering 106-08.40 dual-row IMS Solution kit

    1999 Porsche 996 911 and confirmed dual-row 2000-2001 M96 engines; SKU 106-08.40. Identify the actual bearing/engine first, prequalify it and use a qualified Porsche specialist.

    LN Engineering
  • LN Engineering 106-08.20 single-row IMS Solution kit

    Confirmed single-row 2000-2005 Porsche 996/early 997 M96 or early M97 engines, SKU 106-08.20. Excludes late non-serviceable 2005 engines and all 2006-2008 large-bearing engines unless the engine is completely disassembled.

    LN Engineering

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • WarningCut open the oil filter at every oil change and inspect for metallic debris — this is the earliest warning sign of IMS bearing deterioration.
Typical repair cost:$2,000 - $4,500
Sources for this issue (5)
  • LN Engineering: Identifying and Fixing the Porsche IMS Bearing Problemmanufacturer
  • LN Engineering: IMS Bearing Problem Years in Porsche Boxster and 911manufacturer
  • Ferdinand: Porsche IMS bearing failure: settlement reachedmedia
  • Wikipedia: Porsche Intermediate Shaft Bearing issuemedia
  • Motronix: Porsche IMS Bearing Failure (996/997): A Guide for Ownersmedia

Research This Issue

Based on 5,500 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence5,500 owner reportsLast reported by owners Jan 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

Porsche Boxster · 1997–2008

Community reported
4,200 owners
Link to this issueError Codes:P0520P0521

The Boxster shares the M96/M97 engine family with the 911, making it equally susceptible to IMS bearing failure. The sealed bearing loses lubrication and fails, sending metal debris throughout the engine. The 986 Boxster is actually the most commonly affected model due to its production volume and the prevalence of deferred maintenance on lower-priced used examples.

Common Symptoms

  • Metallic shavings in oil filter
  • Rumbling noise from engine
  • Sudden engine seizure
  • Elevated copper/lead in oil analysis
  • Oil pressure warning light

How to Fix

Replace the IMS bearing with a ceramic hybrid upgrade (LN Engineering IMS Solution). Best done during clutch replacement to save labor costs. Oil filter inspection at every change is critical for early detection.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • LN Engineering 106-08.40 dual-row IMS Solution kit

    1997-1999 Porsche 986 Boxster and confirmed dual-row 2000-2001 engines; SKU 106-08.40. Identify actual bearing and prequalify engine before ordering.

    LN Engineering
  • LN Engineering 106-08.20 single-row IMS Solution kit

    Confirmed single-row 2000-2005 Porsche 986/987 engines; SKU 106-08.20. Excludes non-serviceable late-2005 replacement engines and all 2006-2008 large-bearing engines without full disassembly.

    LN Engineering

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$1,800 - $4,000
Sources for this issue (5)
  • LN Engineering: Identifying and Fixing the Porsche IMS Bearing Problemmanufacturer
  • LN Engineering: IMS Bearing Problem Years in Porsche Boxster and 911manufacturer
  • Wikipedia: Porsche Intermediate Shaft Bearing issuemedia
  • Ferdinand: Porsche IMS bearing failure settlement reachedmedia
  • IMS Retrofit: IMS Bearing Problem Yearsmanufacturer

Research This Issue

Based on 4,200 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence4,200 owner reportsLast reported by owners Jan 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

Porsche Cayman · 2006–2012

Community reported
2,800 owners
Link to this issueError Codes:P0520

The Cayman shares the M97 engine with the 911 and Boxster, inheriting the IMS bearing weakness. The 2006-2008 single-row bearing variant is the highest risk. The Cayman R with its 3.4L engine is equally susceptible despite its performance-oriented positioning.

Common Symptoms

  • Metallic debris in oil filter
  • Rumbling from engine
  • Sudden engine seizure
  • Elevated copper in oil analysis
  • Oil pressure warning

How to Fix

Replace the IMS bearing with a ceramic hybrid upgrade during clutch service. The Cayman mid-engine layout provides the same access as the Boxster for this repair.

Typical repair cost:$1,800 - $4,000
Sources for this issue (5)
  • LN Engineering: Identifying and Fixing the Porsche IMS Bearing Problemmanufacturer
  • LN Engineering: IMS Bearing Problem Years in Porsche Boxster and 911manufacturer
  • IMS Retrofit: IMS Bearing Problem Yearsmanufacturer
  • Wikipedia: Porsche Intermediate Shaft Bearing issuemedia
  • Motronix: Porsche IMS Bearing Failure (996/997): A Guide for Ownersmedia

Research This Issue

Based on 2,800 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence2,800 owner reportsLast reported by owners Jan 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

Dodge Intrepid · 1998–2004

Community reported
600 owners
Link to this issueError Codes:P0300P0520P0521

The 2.7L DOHC V6 engine is one of the most notoriously unreliable engines Chrysler ever produced. Inadequate oil drain-back passages in the cylinder heads allow oil to sit and cook at operating temperature, forming thick sludge deposits that clog oil passages and starve the engine of lubrication. This leads to catastrophic engine seizure, often before 100,000 miles even with proper oil change intervals. The water pump is driven by the timing chain and leaks coolant into the oil, accelerating sludge formation. Multiple class-action lawsuits were filed over this engine.

Common Symptoms

  • Oil pressure warning light flickering or staying on
  • Engine knocking or ticking noises
  • Check engine light with misfire codes
  • Oil cap shows thick sludge buildup
  • Sudden catastrophic engine seizure

How to Fix

Typical repair cost:$3,000 - $7,000
Sources for this issue (1)
  • NHTSA Manufacturer Communications Data Corpusnhtsa

Research This Issue

Based on 600 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence600 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

Dodge Magnum · 2005–2008

Community reported
520 owners
Link to this issueError Codes:P0520P0521P0524

The 2.7L V6 in the Magnum is notorious for oil sludge buildup that clogs oil passages and starves critical engine components of lubrication. The engine has a small oil pan, undersized oil pump, and a water pump design that can leak coolant internally. Combined with the crankcase ventilation system allowing hydrocarbons to break down oil additives, these factors cause thick sludge to form even with regular oil changes. Oil starvation damages bearings, camshafts, and timing chain components, often leading to catastrophic engine failure at relatively low mileage.

Common Symptoms

  • Low oil pressure warning light illuminating
  • Ticking or knocking sounds from engine, especially at startup
  • Oil level drops faster than normal between changes
  • Milky or thick residue under oil cap
  • Engine overheating due to clogged oil cooler passages
  • Check engine light with oil pressure or timing codes

How to Fix

Use full synthetic oil and change every 3,000-4,000 miles maximum. Have the engine oil flushed if sludge is suspected. Replace the water pump proactively at 80,000-100,000 miles to prevent internal coolant leaks. If the engine is already sludged, professional engine cleaning may help in early stages. If bearings are damaged, engine replacement ($4,000-$8,000) is usually required as rebuild costs are comparable.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $8,000
Sources for this issue (1)
  • NHTSA Manufacturer Communications Data Corpusnhtsa

Research This Issue

Based on 520 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence520 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

Find P0520 by make

Browse every documented model and issue for your make.

Cadillac · 2 issuesChevrolet · 1 issueChrysler · 4 issuesDodge · 3 issuesFord · 2 issuesHyundai · 1 issueJeep · 1 issueKia · 1 issueLand Rover · 1 issuePorsche · 3 issuesSubaru · 1 issueToyota · 3 issues

P0520 code reference

General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.

Frequently asked questions

What does P0520 mean?

P0520 stands for "Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit Malfunction." This code indicates a general electrical fault in the circuit for the engine oil pressure sensor or switch. The computer monitors this circuit to know your oil pressure, and it has detected a signal that is missing, shorted, or otherwise out of the expected electrical range. This is typically a wiring or sensor problem rather than an actual loss of oil pressure, but because oil pressure is critical to engine life, it should never be ignored until confirmed. If oil pressure truly is low, serious engine damage can result.

What are the most common causes of P0520?

The most common causes of P0520 are: Faulty oil pressure sensor or switch, Damaged, corroded, or loose wiring/connector at the sensor, Open or short in the sensor circuit wiring, Poor ground connection, Low engine oil level or genuinely low oil pressure, Failed PCM/ECM (less common). The specific cause varies by vehicle.

How much does it cost to fix P0520?

Repair costs for P0520 range from $20 to $12,000, depending on the vehicle and root cause.

Which vehicles are affected by P0520?

Au7o has documented P0520 across 23 vehicle models from 12 manufacturers: Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota.

Related codes

  • P0521 · Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Range/Performance
  • P0522 · Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Low Voltage
  • P0523 · Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch High Voltage
  • P0524 · Engine Oil Pressure Too Low
  • 00522 · Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (G62): Open Circuit / Short to Positive (B+)
  • 16500 · Engine Coolant Temp. Sensor (G62): Implausible Signal
  • 16502 · Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (G62): Signal too High
  • 16566 · Mass Air Flow Sensor Signal Too Low (VAG)
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.

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