P0520 Code: Dodge Charger (2021-2023) - Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

No recalls found in NHTSA database.

Note about data: The provided real NHTSA data for Dodge Charger (2021-2023) shows no owner complaints for P0520 and no recalls. Therefore, this guide focuses on general, widely applicable diagnostic guidance for P0520 on these model years, using standard automotive knowledge, while transparently noting the data limitation.

CODE MEANING AND SEVERITY

• What P0520 means: P0520 indicates an issue with the Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit. In practical terms, the PCM is seeing a sensor signal or circuit condition that it interprets as an oil pressure sensor fault.
• How serious it is: Moderately to potentially high severity. Oil pressure (real or sensor-reported) is critical to engine health. If the oil pressure is genuinely low and not just a faulty sensor, continuing to operate can cause severe engine damage. If the sensor/circuit is faulty but oil pressure is actually normal, you might still see a warning or MIL, but the engine is not at immediate risk. Treat any P0520 as a potential engine oil pressure problem and diagnose promptly.
• What you might see on the vehicle:
  • Check Engine Light (MIL) or oil pressure warning light
  • Fluctuating or abnormal oil pressure gauge readings (if your Charger has a mechanical or electronic gauge)
  • Intermittent or continuous P0520 diagnostic code stored in the PCM

COMMON CAUSES ON DODGE CHARGER

• Faulty oil pressure sensor or switch (most common)
• Damaged, corroded, or loose wiring to the sensor or poor sensor ground
• Faulty sensor ground or poor electrical connection at the connector
• Real oil pressure issue (more likely if the engine is worn or oil level/quality is poor)
  • Oil level too low or oil degraded/viscosity inappropriate
  • Blocked oil passages, sludge, or restricted oil pump pickup screen
  • Worn oil pump, failed pressure regulator, or internal engine wear (bearing wear) causing low pressure
• Oil leaks around the sensor or in the oil circuit that affect readings
• Recent work that disturbed the sensor or harness (e.g., during a service)

SYMPTOMS

• MIL illumination for P0520 (alone or with other related oil pressure codes)
• Oil pressure warning light or dashboard gauge showing abnormally low or fluctuating pressure
• Intermittent oil pressure readings that don’t align with engine RPM
• In some cases, no real oil pressure issue is present but the sensor or wiring is faulty, leading to erroneous readings
• Possible engine performance symptoms if real oil pressure is low (rattling noises, reduced power, or misfires due to knock or reduced lubrication) — typically a sign of a genuine pressure drop rather than a sensor issue

DIAGNOSTIC STEPS

Caution: If you observe a confirmed low oil pressure indication, stop driving as soon as safe and check oil level and condition.

Step-by-step approach:

Verify the code and data

• Use a quality OBD-II scanner to confirm P0520 and note any related codes (e.g., P0521, P0522, P0523).
• Check freeze frame data for RPM, engine load, oil temperature, and oil pressure reading at the time of the fault.

Inspect obvious culprits first

• Check engine oil level; top up if low and inspect oil condition (dark, degraded oil or heavy sludge can contribute to issues).
• Confirm correct engine oil specification (viscosity) per the owner's manual.
• Inspect the oil pressure sensor and its wiring:
  • Look for broken wires, frayed insulation, bent/ damaged connector pins, and corrosion.
  • Disconnect the sensor connector and inspect the harness for damage and grounds; reseat and clean as needed.
  • If accessible, check the sensor mounting for oil leaks around the sensor body.

Test the actual oil pressure (to distinguish sensor vs. real pressure issue)

• If you have the tools and know-how, perform a mechanical oil pressure test using a proper mechanical gauge:
  • Remove the sensor or use a pressure test port, connect a mechanical oil pressure gauge, and measure at idle and at a specified RPM per service manual.
  • Compare actual pressure to the engine’s spec (low/normal/high range varies by engine variant and temperature).
• If actual oil pressure is within spec, the sensor/sensor circuitry is likely faulty or the wiring is at fault.
• If actual oil pressure is low, there is a real oil pressure problem that may require further investigation of the oil pump, passages, or engine wear.

Diagnose sensor circuit and wiring

• With the ignition ON (engine off), check for 12V supply at the sensor circuit and a good ground at the sensor connector using a DVOM.
• Inspect for continuity in the signal wire from the sensor to the PCM and for shorts to ground or to power.
• Look for damaged or loose ground points near the engine (poor grounding can cause odd sensor readings).

Evaluate related components

• If the oil pressure is truly low, inspect or service related parts:
  • Oil pump (internal wear, vane failure, clogged pickup screen)
  • Oil filter and pickup screen for blockages
  • Oil pressure relief valve and passages for restriction
  • Engine oil quality and age; consider an oil change if overdue
  • For high-mileage engines or known wear, assess bearing wear or main/connecting rod bearing condition (requires professional diagnosis)

Decide on replacement vs repair

• If the sensor is confirmed faulty (incorrect readings with normal mechanical pressure), replace the oil pressure sensor or switch and recheck.
• If wiring is damaged, repair or replace the harness/connectors.
• If real oil pressure is low, address the root cause (pump, passages, or engine wear); do not simply clear the code without solving the underlying issue.
• After any repair, clear the codes and perform a road test to ensure the fault does not reoccur.

RELATED CODES

• P0520 Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit Malfunction (primary code)
• P0521 Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit Range/Performance
• P0522 Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit Low Input
• P0523 Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit High Input
  Note: The exact related codes that appear can vary by vehicle and software; these represent common variants associated with oil pressure sensor concerns.

REPAIR OPTIONS AND COSTS (2025 PRICES)

Prices can vary by engine variant (3.6L V6, 5.7L V8, 6.2L, etc.), trim level, location, and labor rates. The ranges below are typical for typical Dodge Charger service shops in 2025 and are intended as guidance.

• Oil pressure sensor replacement (most common fix)

  • Parts: $20–$60
  • Labor: $60–$180
  • Total: ~$100–$240

• Sensor wiring/connector repair or harness replacement (if wiring is damaged)

  • Parts: $20–$150 (depending on whether a connector or shorted wire is replaced)
  • Labor: $60–$200
  • Total: ~$100–$350

• Oil pump replacement (real oil pressure problem due to pump or internal wear)

  • Parts: $200–$700
  • Labor: $250–$900
  • Total: ~$450–$1600
  • Notes: Some pumps are labor-intensive to access; price varies by engine and whether timing cover removal is required.

• Oil pump pickup screen cleaning or replacement, oil filter, and oil system service

  • Parts: $20–$100
  • Labor: $60–$240
  • Total: ~$80–$340

• Internal engine wear or bearing repair (rare outside of heavy wear/high-mileage engines)

  • Parts: $500–$2000+ (bearings, seals, etc.)
  • Labor: $1000–$4000+
  • Total: ~$1500–$6000+
  • Notes: This is a high-cost scenario and typically indicates significant engine work beyond sensor issues.

• Oil change and oil system flush (maintenance-friendly step, may accompany diagnostic)

  • Parts: $20–$60 (oil + filter)
  • Labor: $0–$60 (if you do it yourself; $50–$120 at a shop)
  • Total: ~$40–$180

Important caveats:

• These are ballpark ranges for 2025 and can vary widely by region, dealer vs independent shop, engine variant, and whether additional work is required.
• Before committing to costly repairs, confirm whether the issue is sensor-related or a true oil pressure problem through mechanical testing and proper diagnosis.

DIY VS PROFESSIONAL

• Do-it-yourself (DIY) suitability:

  • Most common P0520-related tasks can be DIY-friendly if you have basic mechanical skills and the right tools.
  • Suitable DIY tasks: visually inspecting wiring, cleaning/reseating sensor connectors, performing a controlled oil top-up, clearing codes after repair, and using a mechanical oil pressure gauge to compare readings (with appropriate safety precautions).
  • Tools you may need: DVOM/multi-meter, OBD-II scanner, basic hand tools, torque wrench, flashlight, mechanical oil pressure gauge, and a safe workspace.

• Professional work:

  • Recommended for accurate measurement of actual oil pressure (compressing to a mechanical gauge test or more advanced diagnostics).
  • Required for internal engine work (oil pump replacement, bearing inspection, or repair) or if wiring harness replacement is necessary.
  • A professional shop can perform a thorough system check, cleanouts, and confirm no other codes are co-existing that could affect readings.

• Safety considerations:

  • Do not run the engine with a suspected true oil pressure deficiency.
  • Work with the engine off and cool, disconnect the battery when disconnecting electrical connectors if needed, and avoid creating oil spills or fire hazards.

PREVENTION

• Adhere to the manufacturer’s oil change intervals and use the recommended oil grade and quality for your Charger’s engine.
• Use a high-quality oil filter and avoid mixed or low-quality oils that can lead to sludge or varnish buildup in passages.
• Regularly inspect the oil level and oil condition; replace oil if it shows contamination, burning odor, or unusual viscosity.
• Periodically inspect the oil pressure sensor and its wiring/connectors for corrosion, wear, or damage—especially after battery or service work that could disturb connections.
• If your vehicle experiences symptoms like fluctuating oil pressure readings or MIL with P0520, address the issue promptly to avoid potential engine damage.

Data limitations note:

• The provided dataset indicates no NHTSA complaints and no recalls for P0520 on the Dodge Charger (2021-2023). This means there are no dataset-backed popularity or frequency statistics to quote. The diagnostic guidance above is based on standard automotive diagnostic practices and general knowledge for oil pressure sensor-related DTCs. If more specific NHTSA complaint data or TSBs become available in the dataset, we can incorporate those insights.