P0197 – Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Low (OBD2)
P0197 means "Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Low". The voltage the control unit measures in the engine oil temperature sensor circuit is below the permitted minimum. For a sensor this usually means the signal wire is shorted to ground or the reference voltage is missing; for an actuator, that its control wire is shorted to ground.
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P0197 quick summary
| Fault code | P0197 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Low |
| 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 16581 (P0197). Both numbers mean the same fault.
Symptoms of P0197
- 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 P0197 (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.Signal or control wire shorted to ground
Most likelyLook for chafed insulation where the harness touches the engine, exhaust brackets or body edges.
2.Missing 5 V reference or supply voltage
An open reference wire or a shorted sensor elsewhere on the same reference circuit can pull it down.
3.Internal short in the engine oil temperature sensor
4.Failed oil temperature sensor
5.Oil leaking into the connector
6.Wiring or connector fault
7.Combined oil level/temperature sensor failure
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
Measure the signal voltage
With the ignition on and the engine oil temperature sensor plugged in, back-probe the signal wire. Then unplug it and check the reference/supply and ground wires separately.
Multimeter: Signal near 0 V = short to ground or no reference. Reference wire: about 5 V with ignition on. Signal wire to ground with connector unplugged: no continuity.
- 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 P0197?
Yes. Keep an eye on the coolant temperature and have the sensor checked at the next service.
How much does it cost to fix P0197?
Typical repair costs are 20 € – 250 €, depending on the cause and the vehicle. The most common fixes are: signal or control wire shorted to ground; missing 5 V reference or supply voltage; internal short in the engine oil temperature sensor. 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 P0197 and similar codes?
P0197 belongs to a group of codes for the same component that differ in the type or location of the fault: P0195 – Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Malfunction; P0196 – Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Range/Performance; 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.