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Code P0521?

Tiny
LAVELL11
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 135,000 MILES
Hello, I changed out my oil with fresh oil change and also replaced the connector pigtail over the oil pressure sensor with ACDelco. Then I brought another oil pressure sensor AutoZone, but when I start car only the check light comes on, I don't get any other sounds like chimes from the dash or other blinking light just check light only. I checked for leaks no leaks and also, I checked the oil pressure sensor plus screen it's all good, but this code is bothering me because I keep replacing everything and it only comes on when I start the car. Where is the oil level sensor located on this car? I will probably replace that ASAP too.
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Friday, October 14th, 2022 AT 2:20 AM

25 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
P0521 is for “Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Range/Performance I would recheck the wiring at the connector and make sure it matches the sensor, if okay I would get another sensor because it sounds like yours is defective. Here is the location of the oil pressure and oil level sensors and how to replace them. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Friday, October 14th, 2022 AT 3:43 PM
Tiny
LAVELL11
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  • 84 POSTS
Going to send you a photo of my pigtail I replaced, the reason I replaced was the old ring was missing and the ops had oil inside the sensor and now I change all that but sending you update what I change so far. Going to take photos now.
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Friday, October 14th, 2022 AT 3:49 PM
Tiny
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Check photo and see if I got it right. There are no leaks, like I said.
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Friday, October 14th, 2022 AT 3:54 PM
Tiny
LAVELL11
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  • 84 POSTS
I have Maxicom 808bt scanner when I check the oil pressure is reads 260 kpa, I don't know what that means in PSI, but let me know I can send photos as well too.
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Friday, October 14th, 2022 AT 3:55 PM
Tiny
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This is my video of my oil pressure sensor on my scan tool. Let me know what kpa means in PSI terms to determine if the sensor good or not, thanks.
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Friday, October 14th, 2022 AT 4:37 PM
Tiny
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Also I have a V8 5.3L Engine.
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Friday, October 14th, 2022 AT 5:00 PM
Tiny
LAVELL11
  • MEMBER
  • 84 POSTS
Where is the oil pickup tube location on my car?
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Friday, October 14th, 2022 AT 9:10 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Thanks for the video, it looks like it is working but I am wondering about the wiring connections, they cannot be twisted together because the connection will be broken when the engine is running. I would solder or use crimp connectors. Once this is done clear the codes again, please. Let me know.
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Saturday, October 15th, 2022 AT 12:24 PM
Tiny
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Okay, thanks I will try doing that to the connectors ASAP.
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Saturday, October 15th, 2022 AT 12:26 PM
Tiny
LAVELL11
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  • 84 POSTS
I have them lock in, I will clear code and drive and let you know my results soon.
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Saturday, October 15th, 2022 AT 1:44 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Nice work, let me know, I hope that fixed it.
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+1
Sunday, October 16th, 2022 AT 1:59 PM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 84 POSTS
Now I'm scratching my head, everything checks out okay like I said, and my check light only remains, no other lights beside that one, my oil pressure again is great just tested on my scanner with ops in. Just got off the highway. What else could this code be beside good oil in my car now?
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Monday, October 17th, 2022 AT 12:01 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Did you clear the codes and if so is it still the P0521 code?
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Tuesday, October 18th, 2022 AT 10:19 AM
Tiny
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It's not on now. I cleared yesterday, I been reading people was saying the pickup tube o ring can cause this problem as well if so, might just change out things down there as well.
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Tuesday, October 18th, 2022 AT 11:53 AM
Tiny
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I check again my oil pressure from my scanner it's reading where it should be like I said I can still drive it anywhere this code will not go away for nothing.
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Wednesday, October 19th, 2022 AT 11:52 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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You could have a bad PCM which is causing he problem. If the oil pressure is good and the wiring and sensor is good I would replace the PCM. You can get a rebuilt unit by searching Google or Ebay. Here is how the job is done in the images below.
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Thursday, October 20th, 2022 AT 11:18 AM
Tiny
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Okay, I will check that out.
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Thursday, October 20th, 2022 AT 11:49 AM
Tiny
LAVELL11
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  • 84 POSTS
Hello, I'm back once again. So, I changed out the PCM that good, light still comes on and now I'm looking into the oil pickup tube, no chimes message on the screen just the check light itself. I got an Autel scanner shop tool so I check the sensor it's reading around 200kpa which is normal, but the light is my concern. If you anyany tips what I need to diagnose next let me know.
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Monday, November 14th, 2022 AT 11:56 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, that is the next step you may have a clogged oil pump pick up which would cause the sensor not to activate, you might want to try to bypass the sensor with a wire to confirm the issue.
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Wednesday, November 16th, 2022 AT 1:19 PM
Tiny
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How can I bypass with a wire for now until I do this job?
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Wednesday, November 16th, 2022 AT 2:11 PM

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