SPONSORED LINKS

Code p01521, incorrect oil type?

Tiny
PRINCESSLION
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 DODGE RAM
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 133,000 MILES
I have a code p01521 incorrect oil type. Check engine light is not on. I did oil change with right viscosity 5w20, code came back. No other codes.
Saturday, November 16th, 2024 AT 11:39 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,928 POSTS
Hi,

Using the oil pressure, oil temperature and other vital engine inputs the PCM can determine the engine oil viscosity. Incorrect viscosity will affect the operation of the MDS by delaying cylinder activation.

This is usually only caused by oil contamination, low pressure, dirty oil, or the wrong viscosity.

Did this just start after the oil was changed? How long did it take for the code to return? Also, have you checked to make sure the engine oil pressure is within spec? And don't laugh, but what brand oil filter was used? Some allow oil to be filtered too easily, lowering the pressure. It's just a thought at this point.

Let me know.

Take care,

joe
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, November 16th, 2024 AT 7:26 PM
Tiny
PRINCESSLION
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The code was there before I changed the oil. The oil pressure seems okay, it's after 12 o'clock at idle on the dash gauge.
The old oil was very dirty, low and thick. The code returned right away. After I deleted the codes, I drove the car a little bit, after that I turned off the engine I checked, the code came back. I have now two pending code both are p1521.
I used Oreilly's filter MicroGard Oil Filter - MGL51085. And Walmart supertech synthetic blend brand.
So, when the code is triggered? Is it when the oil viscosity is thicker than 5w20 or thinner?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, November 17th, 2024 AT 5:36 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,928 POSTS
Hi,

It can be triggered by either thicker or thinner weight oil. How dirty and thick was the old oil? When you check the oil now, does it already look dirty?

Let me know.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, November 17th, 2024 AT 8:09 PM
Tiny
PRINCESSLION
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The oil was very black like diesel oil also low only 3 quarts instead of 7. Thick but no sludge clumps. This is how the oil looks now. I did not drive the truck, not even 10 miles since I changed the oil. See the picture please.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, November 18th, 2024 AT 7:23 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,928 POSTS
Hi,

That doesn't look too bad. What I suggest is to drive it as long as there is no knocking or ticking from the engine for about 1K miles and then change it again. Hopefully, that will resolve the issue.

Let me know if that takes care of things.

Joe
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, November 18th, 2024 AT 7:03 PM
Tiny
PRINCESSLION
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I disconnect the battery. No codes so far. I guess disconnecting battery make a difference than just erase code with code reader.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, November 24th, 2024 AT 7:33 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,928 POSTS
Hi,

That's good news. Thanks for the update. Hopefully, it will not happen again. Let me know if things change.

Take care and have a good Thanksgiving.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, November 24th, 2024 AT 5:56 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Check Engine Light Content

Code Read Retrieval/Clear - Dodge Stratus
VIDEO
Code Read Retrieval/Clear - Dodge Stratus
Instructional repair video
Check Engine Light
GUIDE
Check Engine Light
Why is my check engine or service engine soon turned on? In this guide we talk about what this is associated with this notorious light, what it is used for and what you...
VIEW MORE

Sponsored links