P0195 to P0199 and P0298: engine oil temperature
The engine oil temperature sensor has a circuit fault or an implausible, low, high or intermittent reading, or the engine oil is too hot (P0298).
SeverityHighCarrying on can cause expensive damage, so deal with it now.
Can you keep driving?Only as far as the workshopWhat does P0195 mean?
Many engines measure oil temperature to protect the engine, to control oil-cooled systems and to decide when oil life is used up. A sensor fault means the computer has to guess, which mostly affects warnings and service intervals. P0298 is a real warning: oil that is too hot thins out, stops protecting the bearings and can damage the engine within minutes, especially when towing, climbing or driving fast in heat.
What causes P0195?
- A failed oil temperature sensor or a damaged wire to it
- Low engine oil, which runs hotter
- A blocked oil cooler or a failed cooling fan
- An engine that is also overheating on the coolant side
- Hard work such as towing or long fast climbs in hot weather
What to check first for P0195
- Check the engine oil level as soon as it is safe to do so
- Compare the oil temperature with the coolant temperature on a scan tool
- Inspect the oil cooler and the radiator for blockage and leaks
- Inspect the oil temperature sensor's connector and wiring
Can you drive with P0195?
With only a sensor code, you can usually drive to a workshop gently. With P0298 or an oil temperature warning, slow down, stop as soon as it is safe and let the engine cool, check the oil, and have the car towed if the warning returns.
Since May 2018 an engine warning light that stays on is a major defect at the MOT, so the car fails until the fault is fixed.
Codes on this page
- P0195Engine Oil Temperature Sensor
- P0196Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Range/Performance
- P0197Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Low
- P0198Engine Oil Temperature Sensor High
- P0199Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Intermittent
- P0298Engine Oil Over Temperature
Related codes
Checked on · Rafael Soares
These are the generic meanings every manufacturer shares. Each brand adds its own detail, so your car's handbook, its service information and a qualified mechanic have the last word. OdoKeep has no connection with any manufacturer, and the app does not read codes from the car.
