What is P0521 on Chevy Silverado and How Do I Fix It? - Practical guides for cars, trucks and vehicles - Vehicle Freak (2023)

FAQs

How do I fix P0521? ›

Some common causes behind the P0521 code are: An open or shorted wiring in the oil pressure sending unit circuit. Mechanical engine failure. A faulty oil pressure.

The P0521 code is set when the ECM detects the voltage value is either higher or lower than the specified acceptable range of oil pressure. This code can also be set when the engine detects constant fluctuation of the oil pressure value.

The national average cost for an engine oil pressure sensor/switch replacement in 2023 is $113.

Engine Wear

If the oil level on the dipstick is between “add” and “full,” a possible cause of low pressure would be worn engine bearings, especially if the engine has very high mileage. Excessive wear reduces the original flow restriction, which consequently drops the pressure.

The average cost for a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 oil pressure sensor replacement is between $161 and $188. Labor costs are estimated between $101 and $128 while parts are priced at $60. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific model year or unique location.

Thus, if your Low Oil Pressure Message/Light comes on, STOP driving immediately and turn the engine off. After all, your engine can be severely damaged if oil pressure is lost. Your stomach drops when you see one of your dashboard lights come up—especially if it's a warning you've never seen before.

A bad oil pressure sensor can cause your vehicle to leak oil. This happens because your oil pressure sensor connects to oil-sending units. When this goes bad, the unit starts to leak oil out of the pan. If your vehicle's oil pan has a leak, you should fix or replace it as soon as possible.

One way to fix oil pressure in this case is to use a higher-viscosity oil, such as switching from 5W-20 to 10W-30. This slight change in oil viscosity can make up for the increased bearing clearance, increasing oil pressure back to normal.

How do you fix engine oil pressure? ›

Signs Of A Faulty Oil Pressure Sensor

Your car's oil pressure gauge will give a good indication of the overall oil levels in the engine. In case the Low oil light comes on, and you check the oil and find its okay, then you certainly have a faulty oil pressure sensor.

Generally speaking, you have about 2 weeks or 500 miles of driving before a flashing oil light turns into a legitimate problem. But once it hits that point, things can go downhill fast, leading to serious mechanical damage. So, try to get your vehicle into a mechanic sooner rather than later.

Yes, it can, by giving a false reading, when the engine is being starved for oil pressure. A low oil pressure condition is incredibly dangerous to all the bearings that need lubrication. If the sensor is reading a normal reading, but the actual pressure is low, then oil starvation can occur, damaging bearing surfaces.

"Cleaning/Wash process is different with pressure sensors because the diaphragm (gel) inside the device. Our Quality Engineers do not recommend cleaning these devices.

The best method to clean a transducer is to wipe it clean with cotton dipped in alcohol. If there is no grease on the pressure transducer, then lukewarm water is the way to go. You can also wash the sensor using alcohol or water. Be sure to give the transducer enough time to dry.

If the fuel rail sensor is bad, then the correct fuel pressure may not be achieved, resulting in the absence of sufficient fuel required for starting up. You may find that the engine cranks and maybe even fire up a couple of times before immediately dying.

On the other hand, if the level is between “add” and “full,” and then engine was running quietly, you could have a bad oil pressure sending unit, light switch, or oil pressure gauge. You can safely drive home and have this fixed, but if the engine starts to sound noisy, stop immediately and call for a tow truck.

Replacing your transmission oil pressure switch can cost anywhere between $170 and $300, depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the cost of parts and the cost of labor. Mechanic labor prices can vary depending on the auto shop you choose, and the prices of parts will be higher on newer and luxury vehicles.

How do you increase the oil pressure on a 5.3 Vortec? ›

You can accomplish this by adding oil to the crankcase, plus raising the back of the truck to tip the oil in the crankcase toward the front of the engine. Once you've added oil and raised the truck, start the engine and observe the oil pressure.

A more synthetic or detergent oil, or a different SAE oil can result in an increase or a drop in pressure depending on its characteristics. Low oil level in the crankcase.

NO, you do not, you just have to find the sensor, I would suggest you” wire brush it” then start the engine, warm it up to make it easier to remove.

Pressure switches are used in systems to ensure the safety of the machine and its operators while sensors simply relay a pressure readout to a remote location.

The transmission oil pressure sensor's primary function is to relay information to the ECM that regulates control of the transmission. However, if the switch is damaged or not sending information correctly to the ECM, the transmission may default into "limp" mode.

When the engine breaks down due to low oil levels, very costly repairs are in store. Low oil levels cause valves to burn up, seals to dry out, and internal parts to heat up and eventually deform or break. Until something breaks, the engine will continue to lose power and burn more fuel while running poorly.

Using the wrong oil filter can negatively impact oil pressure. The wrong filter, a filter that isn't working properly, or a filter that gets clogged can cause oil pressure to drop. The proper oil filter, along with the pressure relief valve, will help regulate oil pressure and avoid spikes.

Driving isn't recommended when you have a bad oil pressure sensor. You shouldn't take it lightly, even if you're confident it's just an oil pressure sensor problem. Maintaining the correct oil pressure in your engine is critical to keep it functioning. A bad oil pressure sensor can give the wrong oil pressure readings.

Damage to the wiring harness, a corroded plug or simply an unplugged connection could be the culprit. Once more, it is important to rule out actual low oil pressure by checking the dipstick and listening to your engine.

You should not take this situation lightly, as it is an indication that your engine has lost normal oil pressure. If you see this light on, we highly suggest that you stop driving your vehicle immediately and turn off your engine. Driving with this light on your dash can cause severe, irreversible engine damage.

Is there an additive to increase oil pressure? ›

The primary benefits of Lucas Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer are as follows: For preventative maintenance, it virtually eliminates dry starts and wear. It extends oil life and lowers oil temperature in any engine, gasoline or diesel. It raises oil pressure, reduces smoking, leaking, knocking and blow by in worn engines.

Low oil level is the most common cause of low pressure; it's also the easiest to fix. Oil changes are important, and between oil changes, it's equally important to regularly check your motor oil level and top it off as necessary.

If the fuel rail sensor is bad, then the correct fuel pressure may not be achieved, resulting in the absence of sufficient fuel required for starting up. You may find that the engine cranks and maybe even fire up a couple of times before immediately dying.

The oil light on your dashboard doesn't always mean your oil is low, leaking, or dirty. Instead, it might mean that your oil pressure sensor or your oil pump needs to be replaced.

Low Oil Pressure

Oil pressure drops can be caused by a clogged filter or a serious oil leak, although leaks don't usually just happen spontaneously. No matter the cause, if our oil pressure gauge heads downward quickly, do the above. Pull over and call for a tow to an auto shop. Don't keep driving your vehicle.

The oil level sensor is designed to be an alert only device. However, if the sensor is sending faulty data, it may trigger the incorrect error code and cause the engine's ECU to not permit the engine to start.