P0520 Diagnostic Trouble Code

P0520 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code.

It is considered generic because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles, although specific repair steps may be different depending on your car model.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P0520 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Blown fuse (if applicable)
Engine surge
Reduction in engine performance, especially at low RPM levels
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated

Possible Causes :

A faulty oxygen sensor. This will set a code in itself, however, a faulty oxygen sensor does not automatically condemn the sensor. The code just means that the sensor signal was not within specifications. An air leak or any of the above will cause an erroneous signal. There is a multitude of O2 codes relating to O2 performance which gives a clue to the problematic area.
Some aftermarket accessories and performance modifications
Dirty air cleaner element Damaged DPF

Repair Processes :

With the valve disconnected, the red voltmeter lead should be attached to the IMRC valve power wire and the black voltmeter lead connected to ground. It should be pretty close to battery voltage (12 volts). If not, then this is the circuit that has the problem.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P0520 is not difficult to diagnose and repair. Thus, it always pays to have a qualified technician to look after your vehicle should this error code arise.

Diagnosing this code requires the engine to be in good running shape, without unmetered air entering the engine. If other codes that relates to misfiring condition, lean running or air entering the engine is present, then you must first fix those error codes before P0520.

Fortunately, P0520 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.

P0520 Trouble Code For Specific Cars

P0520 Jeep Grand Cherokee Seat Driver Rear Up Switch Circuit Short To Battery
P0520 Volkswagen T5 SCP (J1850) Invalid Data from SCLM
P0520 Nissan Chappo Climate Control Water Temperature Sensor Circuit Failure
P0520 Mercury Tracer Air Suspension Reservoir Solenoid Circuit Failure
P0520 Mercury V8 Air Suspension RF Air Compress Request Exceeded Max Timing
P0520 Renault 21
P0520 Dauer 962 HO2S Heater Control Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 2)