How to change the oil pressure sensor

[Six300c]

Guys just had the p0520 code from hell. I was able to change it from the top without having to remove the belt or alternator the hardest part was the red clip. I used a mirror and patience but got the pin to slide. I took about 1hr or so to complete the whole job. I also just pushed the belt down with an open end wrech to get better access on installing the new switch. The key tool was the mirror.

[IES99]

I finished this up today. There was no way to slide the red clip from above due to the angle in which my sensor had been installed. The initial write up and pictures in this thread were invaluable. Thanks again, Reppr.

But, at least on my car, it took two men and a bald headed boy to break loose the bottom alternator bolts, particularly the one closer to the front of the car. But it is done and the code is gone. Since it was off anyway, I put on a new serpentine belt. The old one looked pretty good, though, at 88,000 miles.

Good luck to the next one who gets the p 0520 code.

[323R/T]

Do I need to drain out the oil in order to change the sensor? Or no oil change needed? Thanks.

[IES99]

No need to drain the oil. But removing the oil filter allowed me to get to the clip on the sensor.

[323R/T]

I got it done today. But it took me longer then what others said it would take. Maybe because I didn't take off the alternator and it was harder to it that way. The hardest task was sliding the RED tab. After that it was cake.

My baby is burning LESS ffuel now.

Thanks to those who came up with this write up because to have the dealer or a shop to do this job, it will cost a lot of $$$$.

[Reppr]

It was my pleasure to post them. I have gained so much info from others that when I get a chance to help out, I do.

[scubaduuby]

Just finished up this "operation" and the information here was the key to being successful in just about an hour. A couple things that helped me out as I worked through the instructions were these:
-In breaking loose the bottom alternator bolts, I approached it from the top with a 15mm socket (short socket on the one closest to the front and a deep socket on the other) and cheat bar. It made getting leverage on these very easy and had them loose in seconds.
-My first approach to positioning the alternator (without taking it out of the engine compartment) was to hold it up high and work underneath it with a crescent wrench. There is very little room to work this way and struggled for about 10 minutes. Then, luck intervened, and I bumped the alternator out of its perch and it tumbled below the working area. This gave me the exact clearance I needed and had the sensor off in 30 seconds after.

[Drackopolis]

MoparPartz.com has the best price for this oil sending unit by far.
Dealer: $85 - I literally laughed in the parts lady's face, couldn't help it, it was a natural response.
Various Auto Parts Outlets: Ranged from $65 to $70 and none of them had it in stock and quoted me 3-5 days.

MoparPartz.com: $47.75 which includes shipping.

Well worth it when you consider that the loss of MDS robbed me of probably close to 10mpg...

I just want to thank you for posting this thread, it has saved myself and many others hundreds of dollars in labor and in the process helped nurture a 1 on 1 relationship with these beautiful beasts we love so much called Mopar's.
I just can't thank you enough... THANK YOU!!!

[JuanFernandez]

I also experienced the joy of replacing the oil sensor last Saturday and I want to thank the original post, I had no clue where the sensor was. I thought it was the one next to the oil filter. After a while trying to remove the two bottom bolts I ended up doing it without removing the alternator. Looking from the bottom between the alternator and the bracket I was able to see the red clip. Reaching with a small screwdriver from the front I was able to release the red clip and then remove the connector.

[scordova_2]

First off, you should be able to change this sensor in about 15 min. without taking off more than skid plate. After removing the red tab and the plug, remove the sensor/switch with either a 27mm or 1 1/16" deep well socket. Use a 1/2" drive with a universal joint coupled to a 4" extension. This allows you to bypass removing the alternator and/or belt or any other components.

On to my problem, I replaced the sensor and the code quickly came back after resetting the DTC's. Has anyone experienced this? I changed the oil (at Walmart) about 500 miles before receiving this code. Is it most likely there is the wrong viscosity oil in my engine? Or is there some other possibility? Any help is appreciated.

[scordova_2]

Forgot to mention, I cleaned the electrical connections thoroughly with electronics cleaner prior to reassembly.