Engine-Codes - Pontiac - P0521 Pontiac

P0521 Pontiac Code - Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Performance

- Code Popularity: 13,320 Views
- Repair Importance Level: 3/3
- Repair Difficulty Level: 3/3
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What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0521 Pontiac?

NOTE: The causes shown may not be a complete list of all potential problems, and it is possible that there may be other causes.
  • Low oil level
  • Faulty Engine Oil Pressure Sensor
  • Engine Oil Pressure Sensor harness is open or shorted
  • Engine Oil Pressure Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
  • Engine Mechanical Problem
  • Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

Code Tech Notes

DTC P0521 can be set if engine oil pressure is outside the calculated engine oil pressure model stored in the engine control module. This can be an indication of mechanical engine issues causing lower than expected engine oil pressure.

There is a factory service bulletin for the following Pontiac models:
2007-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
2008-2009 Pontiac G8
Pontiac Factory Service Bulletin OBDII Code P0521

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How to Fix the DTC P0521 Pontiac?

Check the 'Possible Causes' listed above. Visually inspect the related wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and look for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector pins.

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What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

The cost to diagnose the P0521 Pontiac code is 1.0 hour of labor. The diagnosis time and labor rates at auto repair shops vary depending on the location, make and model of the vehicle, and even the engine type. Most auto repair shops charge between $75 and $150 per hour.

What are Code Possible Symptoms?

  • Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)
  • Oil pressure warning light ON.

What Does the P0521 Pontiac Code Mean?

The engine oil pressure sensor changes voltage based on the engine oil pressure. The engine oil pressure sensor is a 3-wire sensor comprising the signal circuit, the low reference circuit, and the 5 V reference circuit. The Engine Control Module (ECM) supplies 5 V to the engine oil pressure sensor via the 5 V reference circuit and provides ground via the low reference circuit. The ECM monitors the signal circuit of the engine oil pressure sensor to determine if the engine oil pressure sensor voltage is within the normal operating range of approximately 1 - 4 V. When the engine oil pressure is high, the engine oil pressure sensor voltage is high, and the ECM senses a high signal voltage. When the engine oil pressure is low, the engine oil pressure sensor voltage is low, and the ECM senses a low signal voltage. The ECM sends the engine oil pressure information to the instrument cluster via serial data. The instrument cluster will illuminate or display the engine oil pressure indicator when the engine oil pressure is low. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the ECM detects that the measured oil pressure is at least 47 kPa (6.8 psi) less than or 50 kPa (7.3 psi) higher than the predicted oil pressure or the engine oil pressure is outside of a calculated working range determined by engine speed and temperature.
P0521 Pontiac Code - Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Performance

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