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 oil pressure and flow characteristics for its VVT and MDS systems to function. Many owners and technicians have found that using non-OEM oil filters, even some premium aftermarket brands, can restrict oil flow just enough to trigger P1524. This issue is so prevalent that enthusiast forums and repair guides universally recommend using a Mopar-branded filter as the first and most successful troubleshooting step. Amsoil even issued a technical bulletin temporarily not recommending their EA15K50 high-efficiency filter for 2013+ Ram 5.7L and 6.4L engines due to a small percentage of users reporting low oil pressure warnings.

Generation note: The 2016-2020 year range covers the end of the fourth-generation Ram HD (2010-2018) and the beginning of the fifth-generation (2019-present). The 6.4L Hemi engine and its sensitivity to oil filters and oil type that causes code P1524 are a consistent issue across both generations.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Remote start feature is disabled
• Noticeable change in engine sound or performance
• Reduced fuel economy due to MDS being inactive
• Oil pressure gauge reading lower than normal (e.g., below 30 PSI at idle or below 40 PSI while cruising)

Most Likely Causes

1. Incorrect or Low-Quality Oil Filter 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Oil Filter Adapter The Hemi VVT/MDS systems are extremely sensitive to oil flow. Aftermarket filters, including brands like 'Carguard' or 'Prompto' used by quick-lube shops, can have different bypass valve settings or media that create a pressure drop sufficient to trigger this code. Even some premium filters like the standard Wix 57060 or Amsoil EA15K50 have been reported to cause the issue, with users finding resolution by switching to a Mopar filter or a higher-spec aftermarket filter like the Wix 57060XP.
   How to confirm: Check the brand of the installed oil filter. If it is not a Mopar OEM filter, this is the most likely cause. 🎬 Watch: A quick breakdown of why P1524 triggers on Rams. A Reddit user confirmed a 'Carguard' filter installed by Carmax caused their P1524, which was fixed by switching to a Mopar filter.
   Typical fix: Perform an oil change using a Mopar OEM oil filter (Part #04892339BH or superseding) and the correct oil.
   Est. part cost: $10-$20 for the filter
2. Incorrect Engine Oil Viscosity or Type 🟡 Medium Probability The system requires a specific oil to maintain pressure under various temperatures. The 6.4L Hemi specifies full synthetic 0W-40 oil meeting Chrysler's MS-12633 spec. Using conventional, the wrong weight oil (like 5W-20), or even certain oil additives can alter viscosity enough to cause this code.
   How to confirm: Verify the oil used during the last oil change. If it wasn't 0W-40 full synthetic, it is a likely cause.
   Typical fix: Perform an oil change with the correct Mopar-specified 0W-40 full synthetic oil.
   Est. part cost: $70-$100 for oil
3. Faulty Engine Oil Pressure Sensor ⚪ Low Probability The oil pressure sensor is a common failure item on many vehicles and can send incorrect readings to the PCM, sometimes showing excessively high (99 psi) or low pressure.
   How to confirm: If an oil and filter change with OEM parts doesn't fix the code, the sensor is the next logical component to test. A mechanic can verify actual oil pressure with a mechanical gauge and compare it to the sensor's reading.
   Typical fix: Replace the engine oil pressure sensor. It is located on the front of the engine block, just above the oil filter housing, pointing forward toward the radiator. It can be replaced without removing the alternator using a 1-1/16" or 27mm deep socket with a swivel and extension. 🎬 See how to replace the sensor without removing the alternator.
   Est. part cost: $40-$80

Rare But Worth Checking

• Failing Oil Pump: → Shop Engine Oil Pump This is a worst-case scenario. Before considering this expensive repair, you must confirm genuinely low oil pressure with a mechanical gauge. A faulty sensor or wrong filter is far more likely.
• Worn Camshaft and Lifters: In severe cases with high mileage or poor maintenance history, internal engine wear, such as a flat camshaft lobe from lifter failure (the 'Hemi Tick'), can lead to a loss of oil pressure and trigger P1524 along with other codes like misfires (e.g., P0300).

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check the engine oil level and condition. Top off if low or note if it's dirty/overdue for a change.
2. Identify the brand of the oil filter. If it is not a Mopar OEM filter, this is your primary suspect. Note any generic or suspect brands like 'Carguard' or 'Prompto'.
3. Perform an oil change. Use a new Mopar OEM oil filter and 7 quarts of full synthetic 0W-40 oil meeting the MS-12633 specification.
🎬 Watch: Step-by-step oil change guide for the 6.4L Hemi engine.
4. Clear the code with a scan tool and perform a drive cycle to see if the code returns. For most cases, this will fix the issue.
5. If the code returns, connect a scan tool to monitor live oil pressure data. Compare the reading to the vehicle's dashboard gauge.
6. If the sensor reading is erratic or seems incorrect (e.g., stuck at 35 PSI), test the actual oil pressure using a mechanical gauge connected to the engine block.
7. If the mechanical gauge shows good pressure but the scan tool shows low pressure, the oil pressure sensor is faulty and should be replaced.
8. If the mechanical gauge confirms low oil pressure, further diagnosis is needed to check for a failing oil pump or internal engine wear. This step is best left to a professional.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Engine Oil Filter (OEM #04892339BH) — The 6.4L Hemi is highly sensitive to oil filter flow. Using a non-OEM filter is the most common cause of P1524. This part number supersedes 4892339BA and 4892339BB.
  Trusted brands: Mopar
  OEM price range: $15-$25
  Aftermarket price range: $5-$20
• Engine Oil Pressure Sensor (OEM #5149062AA) — 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 part is superseded by 5149062AB.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Standard Motor Products
  OEM price range: $50-$80
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$60

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0520 — This code specifically indicates a fault in the oil pressure sensor/switch circuit. It often appears with P1524 if the sensor itself is the root cause.
• P0521 — This code points to an issue with the oil pressure sensor's performance or range. It can be triggered by the same root causes as P1524, such as a faulty sensor or a restrictive filter.
• P0344 — This code for an intermittent camshaft position sensor signal can appear alongside P1524 on Hemi engines, strongly suggesting the root cause is related to low oil level or pressure affecting the VVT system.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• Amsoil Technical Service Bulletin (March 4, 2021): While not an OEM TSB, Amsoil issued a bulletin temporarily not recommending their EA15K50 filter for 2013-current Ram 5.7L and 6.4L engines. They noted that a small percentage of users reported low oil pressure warnings, theorizing that the high-efficiency media was capturing a large number of deposits and restricting flow.
• TSB Bulletin #S2109000001: This manufacturer bulletin notes that a customer may complain of a MIL lamp on, and upon investigation, there could be a fault code in the PCM for P1524, defined as "Oil Pressure Out of Range - Camshaft Advance/Retard Disabled."

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A user on RamForum.com with a 5.7L Hemi (which shares the same sensitivity) experienced code P1524 after an oil change at a 'Prompto' service center. A mechanical gauge confirmed the low pressure reading was real. Replacing the generic filter with a quality one and fresh oil resolved the issue, with pressure returning from ~35 PSI to 60 PSI on the highway.
• On Reddit's r/ram_trucks, a user reported getting P1524 after purchasing a truck serviced by Carmax. The oil pressure was stuck at 35 PSI. They discovered a 'Carguard' brand oil filter had been installed. After a difficult removal due to an over-tightened filter with a dry gasket, they installed a Mopar OEM filter and the correct oil, and pressure immediately returned to the normal 55-60 PSI range.
• A detailed thread on RamForum.com documents a user's experience where a standard Wix 57060 filter, which they had used for years, suddenly caused a P1524 code. After replacing the oil pressure sensor with no change, they switched to a Wix 57060XP filter, and the oil pressure immediately returned to normal levels, resolving the code.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Normal Oil Pressure (Hot Idle) — expected: 25-35 PSI. Failure: Sustained readings below 25 PSI at hot idle.
• Normal Oil Pressure (Cruising at operating temp) — expected: 45-60 PSI. Failure: Pressure failing to rise above 40 PSI while driving.
• Oil Pressure Sensor 5V Reference — expected: ~5.0V at the sensor connector with key on, engine off.. Failure: Voltage is significantly lower than 5.0V or absent, indicating an open/short in the supply circuit from the PCM.
• Oil Pressure Sensor Signal Voltage — expected: ~0.5V with key on, engine off. Voltage increases towards 4.5V as pressure builds.. Failure: Voltage is stuck high, low, or does not change with engine RPM.
• Oil Pressure Sensor Ground Circuit Resistance — expected: Less than 5.0 Ohms between the sensor ground pin and a known good chassis ground.. Failure: Resistance is higher than 5.0 Ohms, indicating a poor ground connection.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH: VVT System Test — If a mechanical issue with the VVT system is suspected after ruling out oil and sensor issues, this command can actuate the solenoids and phasers to check for proper mechanical response.
• wiTECH: PCM Reprogram — To apply software updates like TSB 18-089-23, which addresses overly sensitive logic that can falsely trigger P1524. This should be performed by a dealer if no physical fault is found.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Connector — On the front of the engine block, just above the oil filter housing, pointing forward toward the radiator.. This 3-pin connector is the primary point for testing the sensor's 5V reference, ground, and signal circuits. It is susceptible to oil contamination and heat damage, and the locking tab can be difficult to release.
• Main Engine/Chassis Grounds — Key grounds are located near the battery negative terminal, on the frame rail (GND), and near the windshield wiper motor.. A poor ground connection can cause erratic sensor readings. While not a primary cause for P1524, verifying major grounds is good practice if electrical issues are suspected.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube user 'Country Ram' (2009 Ram 5.7L Hemi) — P1524 code, check engine light.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initially believed the issue was just a cheap oil filter.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user cut open the old oil filter and found it was completely clogged with a thick, gold-colored substance. He concluded that an 'Engine Restore' additive he had used previously had clogged the filter media, restricted oil flow, and caused the P1524 code. Replacing the filter and oil resolved the code.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 5149062AA → 5149062AB — Standard revision and improvement.
  Heads up: The parts are fully interchangeable. 5149062AB is the current recommended replacement part.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Camshaft/Lifter Failure ('Hemi Tick') 🔴 High — A widely documented issue, particularly in 2009-2019 models. It can manifest as a soft, random 'ping' at warm idle. If left unaddressed, it can lead to a misfire (P0300-series codes) and require camshaft and lifter replacement.
• Broken Exhaust Manifold Bolts 🟠 Medium — Very common on Hemi engines, though some sources suggest the 6.4L may use upgraded hardware compared to the 5.7L. Causes a ticking noise that is loudest on a cold engine and may quiet down as the engine warms up. Repair kits are widely available.
• Water Pump Failure 🟠 Medium — Water pumps can fail, leading to coolant leaks and potential overheating. On the 6.4L, replacement can be complicated by a coolant tube running under the intake manifold, though some mechanics have found ways to replace it without removing the intake.
• Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) Inflator Rupture 🔴 High — A recall was issued for certain 2016-2020 Ram 2500/3500 trucks because the side curtain airbag inflators could rupture, sending metal fragments into the cabin. (Ref: NHTSA Recall No. 25V010000; FCA numbers 05C, 09C, 10C.)
• Power Locking Tailgate Unlatching 🟡 Low — A recall was issued for 2015-2017 models where the tailgate actuator limiter tab could fracture, causing the tailgate to open while driving. (Ref: FCA Recall No. V44.)

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For this specific trouble code, buying used parts is generally not recommended. The primary fixes involve consumable items (oil, filter) which must be new. The secondary fix, the oil pressure sensor, is an inexpensive electronic component that is a common failure item; installing a used one carries a high risk of premature failure for minimal cost savings.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 15000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• If considering a used sensor, ensure the connector pins are clean, straight, and free of corrosion.
• Avoid any sensor that shows signs of oil leakage through the plastic housing.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Engine Oil Filter - The extreme sensitivity of the Hemi VVT/MDS system makes a Mopar OEM filter the only guaranteed-compatible choice.
• Engine Oil Pressure Sensor - While some aftermarket sensors may work, owner and technician reports strongly indicate that using the Mopar OEM sensor (PN 5149062AB) is the best way to avoid repeat failures or inaccurate readings.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Wix XP (e.g., 57060XP) - Some owners have reported success with the 'XP' (extended performance) line of Wix filters, even when the standard Wix filter caused the code.

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Generic 'quick-lube' brands (e.g., Carguard, Prompto)
• Standard Wix filters (non-XP models)
• High-efficiency filters not explicitly validated for this platform (e.g., Amsoil EA15K50 per their own TSB)

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0521 — Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Performance — often appears alongside P1524 when generic oil filters (like 'Prompto') cause low oil pressure readings.
• P0300 — Random or Multiple Cylinder Misfire — can occur if the 'Hemi Tick' (camshaft/lifter failure) is left unaddressed, which is a known issue for this engine family.

Frequently Asked Questions