P0520 Code: Honda CR-V (2017-2023) - Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

No recalls found in NHTSA database

No official complaints documented in the provided data for the 2017-2023 Honda CR-V regarding P0520.

Important note about the data: The section above indicates no recalls and no owner complaints in the cited dataset. This limits the ability to derive model-year-specific failure frequencies or recall-driven guidance. The diagnostic guide below uses standard P0520 knowledge tailored to the Honda CR-V platform, with clear caveats about data limitations.

CODE MEANING AND SEVERITY

• Code: P0520
• Full meaning: Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Malfunction (or circuit malfunction). This code indicates a problem in the oil pressure sensor or its wiring/signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
• Severity: Moderate to potentially severe. A fault in the sensor can mask true oil pressure conditions. If the engine is actually low on oil pressure and the sensor simply reports a fault, driving can cause severe engine damage. Treat as a high-priority diagnostic unless you have verified oil level and no actual oil pressure drop. If there are additional codes indicating actual low oil pressure (e.g., P0524), treat as an urgent oil-related problem.

COMMON CAUSES ON HONDA CR-V

• Faulty oil pressure sensor or switch: Most common cause. The sensor can fail or its internal circuitry can drift, producing erroneous signals or no signal.
• Damaged or corroded wiring harness to the sensor: Chafed insulation, broken wires, or cracked connectors lead to intermittent or permanent signal loss.
• Faulty sensor connector or poor ground/5V reference: Loose, corroded, or bent pins can cause incorrect readings.
• Oil level or oil quality issues: Low oil level or degraded oil can lead to abnormal sensor readings or trigger low-pressure concerns.
• Oil viscosity or contamination: Using the wrong grade or dirty oil can affect actual pressure and sensor readings.
• Actual oil pressure problem (less common with a P0520 alone but important to rule out): Worn oil pump, clogged oil passages, blown oil gallery plug, sludge buildup, or excessive engine wear can reduce oil pressure.
• PCM or software-related anomaly: Infrequent but possible, the PCM could misinterpret a valid signal due to a software fault; usually accompanied by other codes or data anomalies.

SYMPTOMS

• Check Engine or MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) illuminated.
• Dimming or fluctuating oil pressure gauge or digital readout (if equipped) showing abnormal oil pressure.
• Inconsistent oil pressure readings or sensor fault codes that clear and return.
• Engine noise or ticking if actual oil pressure is low (not always present with sensor faults alone).
• Oil level warning if oil level is low (can accompany/indicate actual pressure issue).
• No obvious mechanical symptoms if the fault is purely sensor/wiring, but the ECU will still log P0520.

DIAGNOSTIC STEPS

Note: Start with non-invasive checks and oil/system basics before swapping parts.

A. Confirm the codes and data

• Use a quality OBD-II scanner to confirm P0520 and check for freeze-frame data (engine RPM, oil temperature, engine load, etc.).
• Note any related codes (e.g., P0521, P0522, P0523, P0524) that could indicate sensor performance issues or actual low oil pressure.

B. Check basic engine health and oil

• Check oil level with the dipstick; top up if low (use the manufacturer-recommended grade, typically 0W-20 for most 1.5L CR-Vs).
• Inspect oil condition. If oil is very dirty, contaminated, or the wrong viscosity, change oil and filter.
• Look for signs of leaks around the oil filter, oil pan, and front/rear main seals.
• If oil has to be added frequently or if you notice consumption, investigate potential oil leaks or burning oil.

C. Inspect the oil pressure sensor and wiring

• Locate the oil pressure sensor/switch on the engine (refer to the service manual for the exact location in your CR-V year).
• Visually inspect the sensor and its connector for corrosion, oil contamination, loose pins, or damaged harness.
• Check the wiring harness for pinch points, abrasion, or exposed wiring; inspect ground points.
• Disconnect the sensor and inspect the connector pins; ensure clean, dry, properly seated connection.

D. Electrical tests on the sensor circuit

• With the ignition on (engine off) check that the sensor receives the expected reference signals:
  • Use a multimeter to check the power/ground at the sensor connector (as per service manual). Note: Some Honda sensors have a 5V reference from the PCM; measure that reference at the sensor harness if you have the right wiring diagram.
• Resistance/continuity test:
  • Measure the sensor resistance to ground (or signal to ground) per the service manual. Look for values that are inconsistent with spec or show open/short.
• Signal test:
  • If your scan tool can read live sensor data, monitor the oil pressure sensor output voltage (voltage generally correlates with oil pressure). Look for a stable, reasonable signal across RPM and oil temperature ranges. A constant 0V or out-of-range reading can indicate a faulty sensor or wiring.
• Swap test (non-destructive):
  • If you have access to a known-good sensor, swap it in to see if P0520 clears or the readings stabilize. Alternatively, temporarily use a spare sensor from a similar engine (if allowed by your vehicle’s warranty/insurance rules) to verify if the sensor was the issue.

E. Check actual oil pressure (if feasible)

• For a definitive diagnosis of actual oil pressure vs. sensor fault:
  • Install a mechanical oil pressure gauge to verify actual oil pressure across RPM and oil temperature. Compare readings to the engine’s spec in service data.
  • If actual pressure is within spec but the sensor still reports a fault, focus fixedly on sensor/wiring/PCM signal integrity.
  • If actual pressure is low, address the root cause (oil level, pump, oil passages, or engine wear) rather than just replacing the sensor.

F. Rule out PCM/software issues

• If sensor and wiring appear sound, and oil pressure is normal by gauge, some technicians perform a PCM data inspection and, if necessary, a software/firmware update per Honda bulletin (TSB). In this dataset, there are no recalls or TSBs cited, but professional service manuals may reference updates in some cases. If observed, follow official guidance.

G. Clear codes and retest

• After any repair (sensor, wiring, or oil-related service), clear the codes with a scan tool.
• Start the engine and drive normally to verify that P0520 does not return and that any related oil-pressure-related codes do not reappear.

RELATED CODES

• P0521: Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Performance
• P0522: Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit Low Input
• P0523: Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit High Input
• P0524: Engine Oil Pressure Too Low
  Note: P0521/22/23 indicate sensor signal issues; P0524 indicates actual low oil pressure. When diagnosing P0520, check for these related codes to help determine whether the fault is sensor-related or actual oil pressure health.

REPAIR OPTIONS AND COSTS (2025 prices)

Prices vary by region, shop, and parts source. The ranges below are typical nationwide estimates for 2025.

A. Sensor and wiring fixes (most common initial repair)

• Parts:
  • Oil pressure sensor: approximately $15–$60 (OEM or aftermarket)
  • Connector pins or harness repair materials if wiring is damaged: $5–$30
• Labor:
  • 0.5–1.0 hour (some CR-Vs have accessible sensor locations; others may require more labor to access)
• Estimated total: roughly $80–$250
• Scope:
  • Sensor replacement, connector cleaning/re-seat, and wiring repair as needed. This is the most common fix and is often sufficient if there is no real low oil pressure.

B. Oil system fixes if oil pressure is actually low

• Oil pump replacement or repair (and possibly related oil passages or screen):
  • Parts: $100–$350 (pump itself varies by engine and generation)
  • Labor: 4–12 hours depending on access and engine design
  • Estimated total: $600–$1,600 (typical range; more for labor-intensive CL/engine configurations)
• Additional items:
  • New oil and filter during service; possible timing chain/belt considerations if the pump is replaced in many engines
• Scope:
  • Only proceed if a mechanical gauge confirms low oil pressure. If there is genuine low pressure, you may need to address pump, passages, or engine wear.

C. Other related repairs (less common for P0520 unless diagnosed as low pressure)

• Oil change with correct grade and quality: $40–$100 (parts and labor)
• Oil filter and possible full engine service if sludge is present: $60–$180
• Electrical repair (gauge/ECU related) if sensor/wiring tests indicate an ECU-side issue: cost highly variable depending on required module service or reprogramming

D. Summary guidance

• Most CR-V P0520 cases are resolved by replacing the oil pressure sensor and repairing any wiring issues.
• If the actual oil pressure is confirmed to be low, the repair is more expensive and may require pump or engine work.
• Always test for oil level and quality first to avoid unnecessary sensor changes when the real issue is oil health.

DIY VS PROFESSIONAL

• DIY-friendly tasks (great for a first check):
  • Check and top off oil level with the correct grade.
  • Inspect sensor wiring and connector for corrosion, cracks, or loose pins.
  • Clean or reseat the sensor connector; inspect for moisture.
  • Swap in a known-good sensor if you have one and the tools to reach it.
  • Use a scanner to read live data if available; verify sensor output trend vs oil pressure gauge readings (if you have a mechanical gauge at hand).
• When to go professional:
  • If you confirm actual low oil pressure with a mechanical gauge.
  • If sensor/wiring tests indicate a persistent fault after basic checks.
  • If you are not comfortable with electrical diagnostics, wiring harness work, or engine oil system testing (especially under pressure and with hot surfaces).
  • If the issue is persistent after sensor replacement; the PCM or software reprogramming may be required.

Cautions:

• Do not ignore MIL codes or symptoms. Driving for extended periods with suspected low oil pressure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
• If you notice knocking, excessive engine heat, or loss of oil pressure symptoms, stop driving and inspect the engine immediately.

PREVENTION

• Regular maintenance: follow Honda’s recommended service intervals for oil changes and filter changes using the specified oil grade (commonly 0W-20 for many CR-V engines in this range).
• Use high-quality oil and filters; avoid cheap substitutes that may degrade protection.
• Check oil level regularly, especially between service intervals and during extreme driving conditions.
• Monitor for leaks or unusual oil consumption; fix leaks promptly.
• Keep electrical connections clean and dry; protect sensor wiring from abrasion.
• If you experience intermittent MIL or sensor readings, perform periodic inspections of the oil pressure sensor area and harness to prevent degradation from heat and vibration.

Important data limitation reminder

• The provided data indicates no recalls and no owner complaints in the NHTSA dataset for the 2017-2023 CR-V related to P0520. This means there is no documented recall or complaint-driven guidance in this dataset. The diagnostic guide above uses general P0520 knowledge applied to the CR-V platform, with explicit caution that actual conditions may vary by vehicle and environment. If you suspect a persistent issue, consult a Honda-trained technician for a hands-on diagnostic tailored to your vehicle’s history and current condition.

If you’d like, I can tailor this guide further to your specific CR-V year (2017 vs 2023), engine variant (1.5L turbo vs other), or provide a prioritized checklist you can take to a shop.