P052E – Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance

By Akindayini Temiloluwa (Contact Me)
Last Updated 2022-04-29
Automotive mechanic

Table of Contents

1. What Does Code P052E Mean?
2. Where is the P052E sensor located?
3. What are the common causes of code P052E?
4. What are the symptoms of code P052E?
5. Codes Related to P052E
6. Get Help with P052E

What Does Code P052E Mean?

The P052E is a generic PCM thrown trouble code that means “Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance.”  Getting this signal indicates that the PCM of your vehicle has noticed a failure or improper pressure in the crankcase through the crankcase pressure sensor.

A crankcase ventilation regulator is designed to remove or regulate excessive gases from the crankcase during internal combustion. These excessive gasses are known as “Blow-by” gases. The crankcase ventilation system was initially developed to allow mechanical engines to run underwater without allowing water to leak into the engine and cause damage. Modern engines have adopted this innovation to get blow-by gasses out of the engine. The crankcase ventilation system consists of an intake manifold, a one way valve, and a tube.

The PCV (Positive crankcase ventilation) system regulates pressure in the engine by sucking unwanted gases to reduce pressure. These gases are removed via an oil separator vent line that connects from the filter to the oil separator. The oil separator and vent line are connected via a port in the crankcase.

Vehicles are designed to come with a crankcase pressure sensor that sends signals to the PCM while monitoring air density in the engine. The pressure is measured in kilopascals (kPa) or inches of mercury(Hg). Depending on the manufacturer’s design, the crankcase pressure sensor is usually placed close to the engine valve or in it.

The PCV vacuum is designed with a PCV controller valve in most vehicles. The controller’s terminals are supplied with constant voltage from the car battery, while the PCM reads this voltage to determine the degree of pressure needed in the engine.  

You would most likely get a DTC P052E trouble code when your vehicle’s PCM indicates that the pressure detected through the sensor is improper. The PCM relies on the information produced by the crankcase pressure sensor to determine the proper pressure needed for the engine to work efficiently. 

Car owners will notice excessive noise coming out of the engine of their vehicles. This will usually be followed by a check engine warning  light. The severity of this DTC trouble code is treated as serious and should be attended to avoid further damages to the vehicle. A faulty crankcase can lead to the engine leaking fluids.

To fix the P052E trouble code, I recommend you first inspect the crankcase pressure sensor and replace if faulty. In most cases, this will be sufficient to solve the problem. Also, examine the PCV regulator valve for any damage and repair or replace it. Check for wire connections short and fix them properly. And finally, ensure that your car PCM is well programmed. All of these steps are known to fix the DTC error.

Where is the P052E sensor located?

In modern vehicles, the crankcase is integrated within the engine block. The entire positive crankcase ventilation regulator valve works within the engine’s crankcase. Three components make up the PCV system: a tube, an intake manifold that acts like a vacuum, and a one-way valve. The tube is responsible for driving out the excessive gases.  It is responsible for drawing out these blow-by gases from the crankcase. The PCV relies on the vacuum created by the intake valve to achieve this suction.

The PCV valve is responsible for evacuating the excessive gasses from the crankcase by redirecting these gases back into the combustion chamber through the intake manifold. 

What are the common causes of code P052E?

There are many reasons your vehicle may throw the P052E trouble code. Most of these causes can be traced to the disruption of the performance of the positive crankcase ventilation system. That is when the PCM noticed an improper pressure in the crankcase. The following are other causes of the code:

• Faulty crankcase pressure sensor
• A defective PCV control valve
• Incorrect PCM programming
• Faulty valve 
• Bad wiring

What are the symptoms of code P052E?

The severity of the P052E trouble code is very high and should be treated with urgency. Some of these symptoms of the P052E trouble code is the trigger of the MIL warning light. Although, this is not the only symptom to look for when diagnosing your vehicle. It is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• Noise from the engine compartment
• Engine oil leakage 
• Smoke from the engine compartment
• Vacuum leak
• And other drivability issues.

Codes Related to P052E

• P051F: Positive Crankcase Ventilation Filter Restriction

The P051F trouble code indicates that the powertrain control module has gotten a signal from the crankcase pressure sensor that there is excessive pressure within the crankcase. The density within the engine is monitored by the PCM using voltage produced by the crankcase sensor.

• P051B – Crankcase Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance

The P051B  error code will be triggered when the PCM  gets data from the crankcase pressure sensor that the inappropriate pressure is mounting with the crankcase other than what was required. The crankcase pressure sensor is responsible for monitoring the pressure.

• P04DB Code- Crankcase Ventilation System Disconnected

This code has to do with a disconnected crankcase ventilation system. The crankcase ventilation system is an integral part of the engine system that helps remove excess gas from the crankcase and also reduces pressure in the engine system.

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