P0520 on Chrysler
Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit Malfunction
P0520 on Chrysler vehicles indicates engine oil pressure sensor/switch circuit malfunction. Au7o has documented this code across 4 Chrysler models — most commonly on 300M, Concorde, LHS. 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. Typical repair costs on Chrysler range from $50 to $5,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0520
- •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)
P0520 on Chrysler by Model
Chrysler 300M(1 issue)
- 3.5L V6 Engine Oil Sludge and Consumption1999-2004
The 3.5L SOHC V6 in the 300M is susceptible to oil sludge formation, though less severely than the 2.7L. The high-performance tuning of the 3.5L in the 300M generates more heat than in other applications, and the oil drain-back passages in the heads can become restricted by sludge over time. Oil consumption of 1 quart per 1,000-2,000 miles is commonly reported. The issue is exacerbated by extended oil change intervals and conventional oil use. While not as catastrophic as the 2.7L, the sludge can lead to lifter noise, oil pressure loss, and eventually bearing damage if ignored.
Chrysler Concorde(1 issue)
- 2.7L V6 Engine Oil Sludge and Seizure1998-2004
The 2nd generation Concorde (1998-2004) equipped with the 2.7L DOHC V6 suffers from the same catastrophic oil sludge issue as the Intrepid and Stratus. The engine's inadequate oil drain-back passages allow oil to cook and form sludge that clogs oil galleries, starves bearings of lubrication, and causes engine seizure. The internal water pump (driven by the timing chain) is an additional failure point that can introduce coolant into the oil and dramatically accelerate sludge formation. This is widely regarded as one of the worst engine designs in modern automotive history.
Chrysler LHS(1 issue)
- 3.5L V6 Excessive Oil Consumption1994-2001
The 3.5L SOHC V6 in the LHS develops excessive oil consumption over time, typically burning 1 quart every 1,000-2,000 miles. The primary causes are worn valve stem seals that allow oil to leak past the valve guides into the combustion chamber, and piston ring wear. Oil sludge formation in the head drain-back passages contributes to the problem by restricting oil return flow. Blue smoke on startup is the hallmark symptom. The issue is progressive and worsens with mileage. Extended oil change intervals and conventional oil accelerate the problem.
Chrysler New Yorker(1 issue)
- 3.3L/3.8L V6 Engine Oil Leaks1990-1996
The 3.3L and 3.8L pushrod V6 engines in the New Yorker develop multiple oil leaks with age, particularly from the valve cover gaskets, rear main seal, oil pan gasket, and timing cover seal. The rubber gaskets and seals harden and shrink from heat cycling over time. While these engines are otherwise quite reliable and long-lasting, the oil leaks can cause exhaust smoke, oil dripping on the driveway, and low oil level if not monitored. The rear main seal is the most expensive repair due to labor access requirements.
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View P0520 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0520 mean on Chrysler?▼
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. On Chrysler specifically, this code is documented across 4 models.
What causes P0520 on Chrysler vehicles?▼
Common causes on Chrysler: 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. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0520 on a Chrysler?▼
Repair costs on Chrysler range from $50 to $5,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Chrysler models have P0520 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0520 on 4 Chrysler models: 300M, Concorde, LHS, New Yorker.