P1524 on 2016-2020 Ram 3500 6.4L HEMI: Oil Pressure Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2016-2020 Ram 3500

The 6.4L HEMI engine is notoriously sensitive to both oil viscosity and oil filter construction. Unlike many other engines where most aftermarket filters suffice, the HEMI's VVT and MDS systems require very specific oil pressure ranges to function. Even some premium, high-efficiency aftermarket oil filters have been known to cause a slight pressure drop sufficient to trigger a P1524 code, an issue acknowledged by some filter manufacturers. For this reason, using a Mopar OEM filter is the standard recommendation in enthusiast communities to rule out filter-related issues.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Generation note: This range covers the end of the fourth generation (2016-2018) and the start of the fifth generation (2019-2020) Ram 3500. The 6.4L HEMI V8 was a standard engine option across these years, and the causes and fixes for P1524 are consistent for both generations.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Oil pressure gauge may read lower than normal (e.g., below 40-50 PSI while cruising, or stuck at a fixed number like 35 PSI regardless of RPM).
• Remote start may not function (a safety feature when a check engine light is active).
• A strange rattling or vibration noise from the engine between 1500-2000 RPM.

Most Likely Causes

1. Incorrect or Low-Quality Oil Filter 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Oil Filter Adapter The HEMI engine's oil pressure monitoring for VVT/MDS is very sensitive. Aftermarket filters, even high-end ones, can have different flow characteristics or bypass valve settings that cause a pressure drop sufficient to trigger this code. This is a widely documented issue in owner forums. 🎬 Watch: How a simple oil change can fix code P1524
   How to confirm: Check the brand of the installed oil filter. If it is not a Mopar OEM filter (or a known good equivalent like the Wix XP), this is the most likely cause. A user on Reddit reported a 'Carguard' filter from Carmax caused the issue.
   Typical fix: Replace the existing filter with a new Mopar OEM oil filter. It is best to perform a full oil change at the same time. One owner on RamForum.com fixed their P1524 by switching from a standard Wix 57060 to a Wix 57060XP filter.
   Est. part cost: $10-$20
2. Low Engine Oil Level or Incorrect Oil Viscosity 🔴 High Probability The VVT and MDS systems rely on a full supply of oil at the correct viscosity to build pressure. The 6.4L HEMI requires a full synthetic 0W-40 oil that meets the FCA MS-12633 specification. Using a different weight or non-compliant oil can lead to pressure issues.
   How to confirm: Check the engine oil dipstick for level and condition. If the level is low, or if the oil is very old, dirty, or of an unknown type, this is a likely cause.
   Typical fix: Top off the oil to the correct level or, ideally, perform a complete oil change using a full synthetic oil that meets the manufacturer's MS-12633 specification (e.g., Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40).
   Est. part cost: $60-$90
3. Faulty Engine Oil Pressure Sensor 🟡 Medium Probability The sensor that reads the oil pressure can fail, sending inaccurate data to the PCM. This is a common failure point on many Chrysler products and can be damaged by coolant leaks from a faulty thermostat housing located above it on some platform mates. There are also TSBs for other Ram models regarding faulty sensors.
   How to confirm: If an oil and filter change with OEM parts does not fix the code, the sensor is the next logical part to test. A technician can compare the sensor's reading on a scan tool to a reading from a manual pressure gauge. The sensor is located behind the alternator on the 6.4L HEMI. 🎬 Watch this walkthrough for locating the sensor on a 6.4L
   Typical fix: Replace the engine oil pressure sensor. This can be done without removing the alternator using a specific 1-1/16" or 27mm deep socket and a swivel extension.
   Est. part cost: $25-$75
4. Failing Engine Oil Pump ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Engine Oil Pump While less common, the oil pump is a mechanical part that can wear out over time, resulting in genuinely low oil pressure. This is often a consequence of other internal engine problems.
   How to confirm: This is typically diagnosed after all other causes have been ruled out. A mechanical oil pressure test is required to confirm that the engine is not producing enough pressure. If the pressure is low across all RPMs, the pump is suspect.
   Typical fix: Replace the engine oil pump. This is a labor-intensive job. Some owners upgrade to the Hellcat oil pump for better performance.
   Est. part cost: $200-$450

Rare But Worth Checking

• Worn Camshaft and Lifters: In cases with high mileage or poor maintenance history, excessive internal engine wear (like a flat cam lobe from the 'Hemi tick' issue) can cause a loss of oil pressure, leading to this code. This is usually accompanied by other symptoms like engine ticking or misfire codes and is a major repair.
• PCM Software Glitch: On some related vehicles, a TSB was issued to reprogram the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to correct a software issue that could falsely trigger P1524. It's worth checking with a dealer for any applicable software updates for your specific vehicle.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check the engine oil level and condition. If low, top it off and see if the code clears after driving.
2. Identify the brand of oil filter installed. If it is not a Mopar OEM filter, perform an oil and filter change using a Mopar filter (Part No. 04892339BH) and the correct specification of full synthetic oil (0W-40 meeting MS-12633).
3. Reset the code and drive the vehicle. If the code returns, the next step is to suspect the oil pressure sensor.
4. Replace the engine oil pressure sensor. It is relatively inexpensive and a common point of failure. The sensor is located behind the alternator.
5. If the code persists after replacing the sensor, the engine's actual oil pressure must be verified using a mechanical pressure gauge to rule out a sensor/wiring issue.
6. If the mechanical gauge confirms that oil pressure is genuinely low (e.g., below 20 PSI at hot idle or not rising with RPM), further investigation into the oil pump or internal engine wear (cam/lifters) is necessary.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Engine Oil Filter (OEM #04892339BH (replaces 4892339BA, 4892339BB)) — The 6.4L HEMI is highly sensitive to oil filter flow characteristics. Using a non-OEM filter is a very common cause of P1524. A Mopar-branded filter is strongly recommended.
  Trusted brands: Mopar
  OEM price range: $10-$20
  Aftermarket price range: $5-$15
• Engine Oil Pressure Sensor (OEM #5149062AA (or superseding part number)) — This sensor reports oil pressure to the computer and is a common failure item. If an oil/filter change doesn't solve the code, this is the next most likely part to replace. The part number 68105583AF, sometimes associated with this issue, is for the entire oil filter adapter assembly and often for different engines; ensure you are replacing only the sensor itself.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Standard Motor Products, Delphi
  OEM price range: $40-$75
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$50
• Engine Oil Pump (OEM #5038398AE) — If actual oil pressure is confirmed to be low with a mechanical gauge, the oil pump has likely failed. This is the least common, but most severe, cause.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Melling
  OEM price range: $300-$450
  Aftermarket price range: $160-$275

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0521 — This code indicates 'Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Range/Performance'. It often appears with P1524 because the PCM is seeing an illogical or out-of-spec reading from the sensor, which can be the root cause of both codes.
• P0520 — This code for 'Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit' points more directly to an electrical fault with the sensor or its wiring, helping to narrow down the diagnosis.
• P0344 — This code for 'Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Intermittent' can appear alongside P1524, especially if low oil level or pressure is affecting the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system's ability to function, which relies on both oil pressure and cam position data.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• S2109000001: Notes that customers may complain of a MIL lamp, with investigation revealing fault code P1524 – Oil Pressure Out of Range – Camshaft Advance/Retard Disabled.
• TSB 18-089-23: For 2023 Ram 1500s with the 5.7L HEMI, this TSB involves reprogramming the PCM to fix software issues that can cause P1524, among other codes. While for a different model, it shows software can be a cause.
• TSB 18-034-14 REV. A: For 2013-2014 Ram 2500/3500 models, this TSB addresses code P0520 by replacing the oil pressure sensor with a revised part, indicating a known history of sensor issues on these trucks.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Normal Engine Oil Pressure (Hot Idle) — expected: 29-35 PSI. Failure: Pressure consistently below 29 PSI at hot idle may indicate a problem.
• Normal Engine Oil Pressure (Cruising Speed) — expected: 50-57 PSI. Failure: Pressure significantly below 50 PSI while cruising can trigger the code.
• MDS/VVT System Enablement Threshold — expected: Must reach 31-42 PSI to enable.. Failure: If oil pressure cannot reach or maintain this level, the PCM will log P1524 and disable the systems.
• Oil Pressure Sensor 5-Volt Supply Circuit (F855) Resistance — expected: Below 5.0 Ohms. Failure: Resistance above 5.0 Ohms indicates an issue in the supply wire from the PCM.
• Oil Pressure Sensor Connector Jumper Test — expected: Voltage should change from approx. 5.0V to less than 0.1V.. Failure: If the voltage does not drop when the signal and ground circuits are jumped, it indicates a fault in the wiring or PCM.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Connector — On the engine block, behind the alternator, on the passenger side of the engine.. This 3-wire connector provides the sensor with power, ground, and a path for the signal to return to the PCM. Corrosion or damage to the connector or its wiring can cause P1524 and related codes like P0520.
• Sensor Circuit Wires — Within the engine harness leading to the oil pressure sensor.. A wiring diagram shows wire colors such as BRN/WHT (Brown/White) and WHT/BRN (White/Brown) for the sensor circuits. Service manuals identify these circuits with codes like (F855) for the 5-Volt Supply, (G6) for the Signal circuit, and (K900) for the Sensor Ground, which are critical for electrical diagnosis.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• RamForum.com user post (Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI (similar system)) — Check engine light with code P1524. Oil pressure was low: 26 PSI at idle and 34 PSI on the highway.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replaced the engine oil pressure sensor.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The issue persisted after replacing the sensor. The final fix was replacing the existing Wix 57060 oil filter with a Wix 57060XP filter. This immediately restored oil pressure to normal levels (41 PSI idle, 55 PSI highway) and resolved the code.
• Reddit user r/ram_trucks (Ram truck, recently purchased from Carmax.) — Check engine light for P1524. Oil pressure was stuck at a fixed 35 PSI regardless of RPM.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial diagnosis pointed towards a complex issue.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The problem was caused by a low-quality 'Carguard' brand oil filter installed by the seller. Performing an oil change with Pennzoil Ultra Platinum and a Mopar OEM filter resolved the issue, with oil pressure returning to a normal 55-60 PSI while driving.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 4892339BA, 4892339BB → 04892339BH — Standard part evolution and updates by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: The newer part number is the correct service replacement for the specified vehicle range.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2017/2018-2020: Around 2017-2018, Chrysler began using a stronger engine block for the 6.4L HEMI, known as the BGE or 'Big Gas Engine' block, which has better casting and increased cylinder wall strength. This block was phased in for all 6.4L applications, including trucks.
• 2019-2020: For the 2019 model year (start of the 5th generation), the 6.4L HEMI engine was carried over but was newly paired with the ZF 8-speed (8HP75) automatic transmission, replacing the previous 6-speed automatic used in 2016-2018 models.