P0520 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Circuit

Jeep Grand Cherokee P0520 Oil Sensor Location

Quick Answer: What is P0520?

On a Jeep Grand Cherokee (especially models with the 3.6L Pentastar engine), the P0520 code means the Engine Control Module (ECM) has detected a circuit malfunction in the Oil Pressure Sensor. This doesn't necessarily mean your oil pressure is low, but rather that the sensor itself is sending an impossible electrical signal.

Severity: MEDIUM-HIGH. While the sensor is likely the culprit, if your oil pressure is actually low, you could destroy your engine. Check your oil level immediately and listen for any "ticking" sounds from the valvetrain.

Symptoms

Check Engine Light: On with code P0520.
Oil Pressure Gauge: Stays at the maximum reading (99 PSI) or drops to zero.
Remote Start Disabled: The vehicle will not allow remote starts with this active code.
Oil Pressure Warning: Message on the dashboard display.

Most Likely Causes

Faulty Oil Pressure Sensor (90%): Internal failure of the sensor's electrical bridge.
Corroded Connector: Oil leaking through the sensor into the wiring harness.
Sludge Buildup: Dirty oil blocking the sensor's tiny intake port.
PCM Failure: Extremely rare on Jeep models for this specific code.

Detailed Repair Cost Breakdown

On the 3.6L Jeep engine, the sensor is located underneath the upper and lower intake manifolds, making labor much more expensive than the part itself.

Component / Task	Aftermarket Part	OEM Mopar Part	Labor Time	Difficulty
Oil Pressure Sensor	$25 - $45	$65 - $95	N/A	Moderate
Intake Manifold Gaskets	$20 - $35	$55 - $80	N/A	Required
Professional Labor	N/A	N/A	2.5 - 3.5 hrs	Complex

How to Fix P0520 on a Jeep Grand Cherokee

1. The "Live Data" Check

Use an OBD2 scanner to watch the oil pressure while the engine is off. If it reads 99 PSI with the engine not running, the sensor is definitely shorted internally and must be replaced.

2. Prepare for Labor

You must remove the upper and lower intake manifolds to reach the sensor (located on the oil filter housing adapter). Because of the labor involved, always use an OEM Mopar sensor. Cheap aftermarket sensors often fail within months, forcing you to do the 3-hour job all over again.

3. Inspect the Oil Cooler

While the manifolds are off, inspect the valley of the engine for oil leaks. The oil filter housing/cooler is made of plastic and frequently cracks. If there is oil in the valley, replace the entire housing assembly along with the sensor.