P0520 means the PCM distrusts the oil-pressure sensor circuit, not that pressure is safely normal. Stop for a warning or valvetrain noise, verify oil and filter, compare mechanical gauge pressure with scan data, and load-test reference, ground, signal and connector. Chrysler bulletin 18-034-14 Rev. A lists 2013–2014 RT Town & Country within its engine/build-date scope for a revised sensor. Confirm VIN/RRT status before applying that repair.
Match the symptom
Select the closest observation. The result changes the first test; it does not name a part to replace.
Shut down and measure pressure.
What can set P0520—and how to separate it
The order below is evidence-driven, not a universal probability ranking. Vehicle year, repair history, companion codes and the operating condition in freeze frame change where diagnosis should begin.
| Possible cause | Evidence that supports it | First useful test |
|---|---|---|
| Oil-pressure sensor failure | Mechanical pressure normal; signal test fails | Gauge-to-scan comparison |
| Connector contamination or weak terminals | Oil intrusion/wiggle dropout | Terminal inspection |
| Reference, ground or signal fault | Loaded circuit test fails | Voltage-drop test |
| Wrong oil/filter or low level | Service history/level abnormal | Verify specification |
| Actual low engine oil pressure | Mechanical gauge below specification | Lubrication diagnosis |
Protect the engine before diagnosing the sender
Check the cold oil level, correct viscosity, filter and visible leaks, then install the specified mechanical gauge. Compare pressure at the oil temperature and rpm given for the exact engine rather than using a generic idle number.
If gauge pressure is below specification, stop running and diagnose the pickup, pump, filter flow, clearances or control system. A new sensor cannot protect bearings from a verified lubrication failure.
The connector lives in a difficult environment
Heat, oil contamination and repeated intake-service handling can weaken terminal grip or damage the harness. Inspect each terminal, then load-test reference and ground while comparing the signal with mechanical and scan pressure.
Perform wiggle and heat testing only while pressure is known safe. A static continuity result is weak evidence because a corroded strand may pass meter current yet fail during operation.
Apply the 2013–2014 sensor bulletin precisely
Bulletin 18-034-14 Rev. A sets vehicle, engine-sales-code, build-date and VIN/RRT boundaries. It also identifies a revised sensor repair; it does not say every Town & Country with P0520 has that sensor defect.
Document the original gauge-to-scan disagreement and confirm both values agree after repair. If the code returns with normal wiring and sensor response, continue factory diagnosis instead of installing another sensor.
Save these scan-data clues
Freeze frame is a snapshot of conditions when the PCM matured the fault. It can distinguish an idle-only problem from a load, cold-start or monitor-completion problem. Clearing first throws that context away.
- Exact VIN, platform, model year and engine sales code
- All confirmed, pending and permanent companion codes
- RPM, load, coolant temperature and vehicle speed
- Relevant commanded and actual scan data
- Recent service, repairs and symptom conditions
- Manufacturer bulletin and current software/VIN status
A practical diagnostic workflow
- 01Protect the engine
Stop for warning/noise.
- 02Check oil, filter and leaks
Verify exact parts and fill.
- 03Measure mechanical pressure
Use engine-specific temperature/rpm limits.
- 04Compare sensor and circuit
Load-test reference, ground and signal.
- 05Apply bulletin only if matched
Check year, platform and VIN.
- 06Verify hot and cold
Confirm pressure and no pending code.
Do not replace the most commonly named component from P0520 alone. Confirm the exact engine, preserve evidence and complete the manufacturer test sequence before ordering parts.
Why the model year changes the test
Town & Country OBD-II coverage crosses several minivan generations, with 3.3L and 3.8L pushrod V6 engines in earlier vans and the 3.6L Pentastar in 2011–2016 RT models. Cylinder numbering, catalyst banks, oil-pressure hardware, cam signals and EVAP routing change with that engine boundary. Decode the VIN, identify the engine and verify build date before using a bulletin or parts catalog.
- 18-034-14 Rev. A lists 2013–2014 RT Town & Country under stated engine and build limits.
- 3.3L/3.8L and 3.6L pressure systems require different specifications.
- P0522/P0523 signal direction helps localize electrical faults.
- Noise or a red oil warning requires shutting down before diagnosis.
P0520 FAQ
Does P0520 mean pressure is low?+
Not necessarily, but pressure must be proven safe.
Can I drive?+
Not until safe mechanical pressure is established.
Can a connector cause it?+
Yes.
How is pressure confirmed?+
With the specified mechanical gauge.
Can P06DD appear too?+
Yes; it changes diagnosis toward pressure-control performance.
Should I use thicker oil?+
No.
Can the wrong filter matter?+
Yes, on engines whose oil control depends on the correct element and housing.
What confirms repair?+
Normal mechanical pressure, matching scan data and no pending code.
Ford diagnostic references
These documents explain Ford monitor operation. Exact pinpoint tests, connector views and specifications must be selected for the truck's VIN and model year in current service information.
01Chrysler Bulletin 18-034-14 Rev. A — revised oil-pressure sensorCovers listed 2013–2014 vehicles including Charger and Town & Country, subject to engine, build-date and VIN/RRT applicability↗02Stellantis/Mopar service informationFactory VIN-, platform-, engine-sales-code and calibration-specific service information↗03Mopar vehicle informationOfficial owner manuals and model-year warning, fluid, engine and operating information↗