P0520 means the PCM considers the oil-pressure sensor signal implausible, but it cannot guarantee that engine pressure is safe. Shut down for a warning or noise, verify oil and filter, compare a mechanical gauge with scan data, then load-test the sensor circuits and connector. Bulletin 18-034-14 Rev. A lists 2013–2014 Charger applications built by its cutoff for a revised sensor; verify engine, VIN/RRT status and build date before using 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 |
Mechanical pressure decides whether the engine may run
Start with oil level, viscosity, filter part and visible leaks, but do not treat a normal dipstick reading as proof of pressure. Install the specified gauge and compare pressure at the exact oil temperature and rpm in engine-specific service information.
If pressure is genuinely low, stop electrical parts swapping and diagnose pickup, filter flow, pump, clearances and oil-control hardware. Continued operation can damage bearings and valvetrain even when the dash reading occasionally returns.
Test the signal as a circuit, not a connector glance
Oil intrusion, weak terminal tension and heat-related harness opens can create an intermittent P0520. Backprobe or use the approved breakout method, load-test reference and ground, and compare sensor voltage with both mechanical pressure and scan pressure.
An ohmmeter can show continuity through a high-resistance connection that fails under load. Reproduce the temperature and vibration from freeze-frame data and inspect the harness where it bends around the intake or engine covers.
The revised-sensor bulletin is not universal
Chrysler’s 18-034-14 Rev. A lists model, engine sales codes, a March 12, 2014 build cutoff and VIN/RRT verification. Confirm all of those facts rather than applying a catalog sensor to every Charger carrying P0520.
A revised sensor may correct an eligible circuit concern, but it cannot fix verified low mechanical pressure. Record the gauge result before replacement and confirm agreement between gauge, scan value and warning behavior after repair.
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
Modern Charger diagnostics span LX and LD rear-wheel-drive platforms, optional AWD and 2.7L, 3.5L, 3.6L Pentastar, 5.7L HEMI, 6.1L and 6.4L engines. Cylinder banks, oil-pressure control, cam sensing, EVAP plumbing and catalyst locations are not interchangeable. Confirm model year, VIN, engine sales code, build date and current PCM calibration before applying any test value, bulletin or diagram.
- 18-034-14 Rev. A lists 2013–2014 Charger applications within its engine and build-date limits.
- Pentastar and HEMI pressure specifications and sensor access differ.
- P0522 or P0523 provides useful signal-voltage direction.
- A red oil-pressure warning or engine noise takes priority over the code description.
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↗