P0195 – Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Malfunction (OBD2)
P0195 means "Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Malfunction". The control unit has detected a fault in the electrical circuit of the engine oil temperature sensor: the signal or control current is missing or outside the expected window. The code does not say whether the value is too high or too low, so the wiring and the component itself both have to be checked.
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P0195 quick summary
| Fault code | P0195 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Malfunction |
| System | Powertrain (Engine & Transmission) |
| Vehicles | Generic OBD2 |
| Severity | Low |
| Can I drive? | Yes. Keep an eye on the coolant temperature and have the sensor checked at the next service. |
| Repair cost | €20 – €250 |
How the engine oil temperature sensor works
The engine oil temperature sensor tells the control unit how hot the oil is, which is used for engine protection, service interval calculation and on some engines the cooling or variable valve timing strategy.
The oil temperature sensor is a thermistor screwed into the oil filter housing, oil pan or engine block; on some engines it is combined with the oil level sensor. Its resistance falls as the oil warms up.
The control unit uses oil temperature to protect the engine (limiting rpm when the oil is cold or overheated), to adapt variable valve timing and to calculate oil service intervals. Codes P0195–P0199 report circuit and range faults.
A faulty signal rarely affects how the engine runs, but the oil temperature display may be wrong and service interval calculations can be affected.
On VAG vehicles (VW, Audi, Škoda, Seat, Cupra), VCDS and older VAG testers can show this code as the five-digit VAG code 16579 (P0195). Both numbers mean the same fault.
Symptoms of P0195
- Check Engine light on
- Oil temperature display wrong or missing
- Rev limit when cold (some engines)
- Usually no driving symptoms
- Oil level sensor warning (combined sensors)
Most common causes of P0195 (most likely first)
Mechanic's Pro Tip
When replacing an oil temperature sensor, have the new sensor ready and swap quickly – on some engines it sits below the oil level and you will lose oil while it is out.
1.Damaged wire or loose, corroded connector at the engine oil temperature sensor
Most likelyGreen or white corrosion, pushed-back pins and chafed insulation near hot or moving parts are the most common findings.
2.Faulty engine oil temperature sensor
An internal break or short in the component itself.
3.Blown fuse or missing supply voltage
If several codes appeared at the same time, check the shared fuse, relay or ground point first.
4.Combined oil level/temperature sensor failure
5.Real oil overheating (range faults)
Step-by-step diagnostic guide
- 1
Read codes and compare temperatures
Read all codes. On a cold engine the oil temperature should match the coolant temperature within a few degrees.
- 2
Check the circuit with a multimeter
With the ignition off, unplug the engine oil temperature sensor and the control unit connector (or back-probe), then check each wire between them for continuity and for shorts to ground and to battery voltage. Compare the component's resistance or supply voltage with the value in the repair manual.
Multimeter: Wire continuity: below about 1 Ω. Wire to ground with both connectors unplugged: no continuity. Supply/reference with ignition on: usually 5 V for sensors, battery voltage for actuators.
- 3
Check the connector
Check the connector for oil and corrosion.
- 4
Measure the sensor
Measure the sensor resistance at a known temperature.
Multimeter: NTC sensors: a few kΩ at 20 °C, dropping to a few hundred ohms when hot.
- 5
Check wiring
Check reference and ground wires for continuity and shorts.
- 6
Replace and verify
Replace the sensor with a new seal, top up oil and clear codes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with P0195?
Yes. Keep an eye on the coolant temperature and have the sensor checked at the next service.
How much does it cost to fix P0195?
Typical repair costs are 20 € – 250 €, depending on the cause and the vehicle. The most common fixes are: damaged wire or loose, corroded connector at the engine oil temperature sensor; faulty engine oil temperature sensor; blown fuse or missing supply voltage. Always confirm the cause with the tests above before buying parts.
Does the oil temperature sensor affect the engine?
Usually only slightly. It is mainly used for protection, displays and service intervals.
Is it the same as the coolant temperature sensor?
No. It measures oil temperature, not coolant temperature, although both often show similar values when cold.
What is the difference between P0195 and similar codes?
P0195 belongs to a group of codes for the same component that differ in the type or location of the fault: P0196 – Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Range/Performance; P0197 – Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Low; P0198 – Engine Oil Temperature Sensor High; P0199 – Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Intermittent. The tests on this page apply to the whole group; the type of fault tells you where to start.
Related fault codes
This guide is for information only. Working on vehicles can be dangerous — if you are unsure, have the car checked by a qualified mechanic. Values can differ between model years; always check the manufacturer's repair information.