Third-gen Ram 1500 Owner Seeks ‘P0524’ Code Help

Ram 1500 check engine code states that the oil pressure is low, but everything appears to be fine.

If you have a third generation Ram 1500, the odds are good that you may have dealt with a check engine light. You can pull that code yourself if you have a hard-tuner or any other diagnostic device, but you can also go to many parts stores to have them pull the code for free. The problem is that once you have that code, there isn’t always a clear solution for the cause for the fault.

That is the problem plaguing “LoneStarHemiLover”, whose Ram 1500 is running great and appears to have proper oil pressure, but it keeps throwing an oil pressure code. Unable to solve the problem, he turned to the Ram owners in the community for help.

Ram 1500 P0524 Introduction

When the OP first posted his question to the third generation Ram Tech section, he shared all of the key information over the course of several posts within the thread. We have consolidated them all together for easier reading.

Can anybody tell me why a P0524 code keeps popping up in the computer even though the correct oil is being used, (5W-20) no oil is being consumed by the engine, and the oil pressure gauge when fully warmed up is only slightly below the middle mark? Engine runs excellent as well. No other code except the ambient air temp sensor (overhead display sensor) tired of clearing it out every couple of days.. Can anybody help me figure this out?”

Not sure if this is helpful info or not but when I connect my Bosch digital code reader to the port with the key on so it can connect to the pcm, the CEL will blink for about 5 seconds and then go solid while im reading codes, is this a sign of tragic events about to unfold or is it a common thing?

I forgot to add that my truck has a little bit over 161000 miles on it but man she runs like a champ. I ordered a oil pressure sensor/switch from Rock Auto and imy hoping that it helps. If not then I’m gonna take it to my local dodge dealer and have them reflash the PCM. I screen shotted the TSB number and am going to show the service department before they do it. I hope it won’t cost me anything.

The Community Responds

Several members replied with early input, including PrimeM.

You are on the right track. replace the op sensor and the flash may not be required.

it will cost one hour labour to flash the pcm.

While 72RTChallenger asked about oil sludge and suggested trying Sea Foam.

Any sludge build up in the oil ? I have seen the oil pickup up tube screen in oil pan get gummed up an slow the oil from circulation, maybe try some sea foam or even a good flush of the oil in the engine

I would flushing system before doing a reflash of pcm , but you may need to hook up a manual style oil gauge for proper readings on oil pressure

He also went on to talk more about using Sea Foam, along with suggesting a mechanical stand-alone oil pressure gauge.

I have used sea foam in my 5.7 04 ram 4×4 and it seems fine , I ran it thru fuel an oil , but I am no expert an not going to tell you to do something you don’t trust, , maybe do some more research on seafoam or try something else , a different product ,if the screen is starting to clog it could conceivably cause the issue you describe , an cause oil pressure to be weak , but it’s just a thought.

Have you tried a mechanical gauge to check the pressure more accurately ? I would try that first , if the new oil pressure switch does not cure your issue, hopefully it does as on the older mopars a faulty oil sending unit would make oil light come on , have had several older mopars that was cured with that fix

To which the OP replied with the following.

I don’t own a mechanical gauge but I do see what your saying, I will definitely look into purchasing one so I can further figure this out, it still runs like a top with plenty of power and no strange noises coming from the engine. Just a P0524 code that likes to pop up every few days or so.

If you have any experience with this problem or if you have any insight on dealing with a P0524 code, click here to head into the thread in the forum.

Photos: FCA

Join the Dodge Forums now!

Patrick Rall

"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.

"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.

"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.

"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.

"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.

"Being based on Detroit," says Rall, "I never miss the North American International Auto Show, the Woodward Dream Cruise and Roadkill Nights, along with spending plenty of time raising hell on Detroit's Woodward Avenue with the best muscle car crowd in the world.

Rall can be contacted at QuickMirada@Yahoo.com

Facebook   Twitter