P0199 – Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Intermittent (OBD2)
P0199 means "Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Intermittent". The engine oil temperature sensor signal briefly drops out or jumps. The fault comes and goes – often with vibration, heat or moisture – so the part may test fine in the workshop.
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P0199 quick summary
| Fault code | P0199 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Intermittent |
| 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 16583 (P0199). Both numbers mean the same fault.
Symptoms of P0199
- 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 P0199 (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.Loose or corroded connector pin
Most likelyPins that have spread lose contact as the engine vibrates.
2.Chafed wire that shorts only now and then
Often where the harness moves with the engine.
3.Internal intermittent fault in the engine oil temperature sensor
4.Failed oil temperature sensor
5.Combined oil level/temperature sensor failure
6.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
Do a wiggle test
With the engine running and the engine oil temperature sensor value in live data, gently move the harness and connector. If the value jumps or the code returns, the fault is in that section. Also check pin tension with a matching terminal.
- 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 P0199?
Yes. Keep an eye on the coolant temperature and have the sensor checked at the next service.
How much does it cost to fix P0199?
Typical repair costs are 20 € – 250 €, depending on the cause and the vehicle. The most common fixes are: loose or corroded connector pin; chafed wire that shorts only now and then; internal intermittent fault 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 P0199 and similar codes?
P0199 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; P0197 – Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Low; P0198 – Engine Oil Temperature Sensor High. 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.