Oil Pressure Related Check Engine Light

[machete-lc]

I recently started getting a check engine light and the code thrown is P1524-Oil Pressure-Out of range camshaft adv/Retard Disabled. From what I understand from my mechanic there are many causes for this but here is a short list: Oil pressure/oil pump is failing, bad oil pressure sensor at the camshaft, sludge buildup in the sensor, or maybe the oil is too thin and it might be better to run a higher viscosity like 5w-40. He checked everything and said he can't find any major issue but said he did some research and the code will be activated if oil pressure drops below 31 psi at the sensor.

All oil fluids are full and it hasn't burned any oil since the last oil change (about 3k ago). I have checked my oil pressure and it is usually around 30psi at idle and 35-40psi while driving around. Have you ever heard of this before? The truck has about 73K miles and this is my first oil change using AMSOil. It has happened twice in the last month and in both case it happened after a long drive once I get back to the engine idling (I like to fish so it happens once I get to the river and start slow driving).

I am having them manually check the oil pressure today to compare it to what the computer is reading to see if the sensor is bad. The mechanic also suggested going back to the OEM recommended Pennzoil synthetic (I think it is the Platinum 0-40) if the sensor isn't bad. I would love to hear the groups' thoughts. Thanks-MLC

[machete-lc]

Hey Gang,

With the help of Gar (AMSOil Rep and registry inmate) and the folks over at AMSOil I got this figured out. Here is the email from customer service:

I'm guessing it is a RAM with the 5.7 or 6.4. The fix is much more simple the fix is a new oil filter.

· Ram with 5.7L and 6.4L = 2013 to current

· GM with 5.3L = 2007 to 2013

Some customers that have used the AMSOIL Ea15k50 oil filter, with the identified vehicles listed above, have experienced low oil pressure indicators while operating their vehicles. Typical symptoms include check engine lights and visual loss of oil pressure on the gauges. This situation does not affect all these vehicles, but some vehicles are affected more than others.
Through AMSOIL testing and research with technology partners, we have learned the problem occurs with any oil filter but is exacerbated by high-performance filters like AMSOIL Oil Filters. Our high-efficiency media filters out more particles of smaller sizes than most other filters, reducing flow and overall oil pressure. In no way will this oil-pressure reduction affect the engine; AMSOIL Oil Filters include bypass relief valves to ensure appropriate oil volume to critical components.
Because AMSOIL Oil Filters provide higher efficiency than OEM and other aftermarket filters (WIX, FRAM, Mobil), they capture more deposits, helping reduce engine wear. Unfortunately, due to the large amount of deposits being captured by the AMSOIL Ea15k50 oil filters, the filter is plugging before the end of its recommended service interval. For these vehicles, we are recommending using a WIX oil filter in place of your AMSOIL Oil Filter. WIX filters are designed with the OEM service interval in mind and are better suited for more frequent changes.
FAQ
1. I used the EA15K50 before, can I continue to use it?

a. We warrant this filter to 15,000 miles however have found it not able to reach that service interval in these trucks. In order to reduce the frequency of filter changes, we recommend the WIX 57060 changed at the OEM interval. We will continue to research this OEM issue with the goal to again supply a high efficiency filter.

2. I used the EA15K50 before, did it harm my vehicle?

a. No, the EA15K50 is a high efficiency filter that captured more deposits, helping reduce wear. It was just not capable of providing this exceptional protection to our normal 15,000-mile warrantable service interval.

3. Can I use Signature Series still with extended drains?

a. Yes, we certainly recommend our Signature Series oils paired with the WIX filter. The high cleanliness capability of our oil is certainly what these trucks need. Follow our normal warrantable service interval pertaining to our Signature Series oil and change the WIX filter at OEM interval and topping off with oil after the oil change.

4. What can I do to combat these oil deposits?

a. We recommend using our Signature Series oil and changing the WIX oil filter at OEM interval. We also recommend you combine our Engine and Transmission Flush (FLSH) at every other oil change.



Thank you,
AMSOIL Technical Services
Tech Line: 715-399-8324
Email: tech@amsoil.com

After replacing the filter this morning with a Wix regular duty filter my oil pressure shot up 20 PSI across the board (not over 50 at idle and more like 60-70 while driving). I must say all the folks at AMSOils were extremely helpful in finding a fix in a very expedient manner. Hope this helps someone in the future.

[Bill2014]

AMSOIL makes great products - you pay a little more and maybe you feel better because you use it.

The Ram engineers selected PUP oil and Mopar filters for the 6.4 - so that is what I use.

Lots of better products Frig up our vehicle sensors and gauges. Take rain-X washer fluid for example, running a few jugs through your Ram puts a coating on the reservoir sensor and it stops working - so I use the cheapo -25F blue washer fluid