Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Low
The P0197 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Low. This is a moderate severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Short distances only
- DIY difficulty
- moderate
- Estimated cost
- $50 - $250 (oil temp sensor $25-$80; wiring repair $50-$100; labor $50-$150)
Best-selling code reader on Amazon. Reads and clears check engine codes on any 1996+ vehicle. Under $30.
Essential for diagnosing sensor codes, checking voltage, and testing circuits. Under $15 and pays for itself on the first job.
Affiliate links — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light on
- Oil temperature reads excessively high on scan tool
- Cooling fan may run continuously
- Transmission may avoid higher gears (protective mode)
- Possible reduced engine performance
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Shorted oil temperature sensor (internally or to ground) Very High
- Short to ground in the sensor wiring High
- Corroded connector with water bridging pins Moderate
- Damaged wiring insulation touching metal Moderate
- PCM input fault Low
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P0197?
You can drive short distances, but systems that rely on oil temperature may behave abnormally. The cooling fan may run non-stop and the transmission may stay in lower gears as a protective measure.
Why does low circuit mean high temperature?
Oil temperature sensors use NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistors. Lower resistance equals lower voltage equals higher temperature reading. A short to ground mimics very low resistance, making the PCM think the oil is extremely hot.
Will a low circuit cause the engine to overheat?
No. The actual oil temperature is fine -- only the sensor reading is wrong. The cooling fan may run unnecessarily, but this will not cause overheating. However, transmission shift patterns may be affected.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
-
Read oil temperature on a scan tool. A reading of 280+ degrees F with the engine cold confirms a low circuit (shorted) condition.
-
Disconnect the sensor. If the reading jumps to -40 degrees F, the sensor is shorted internally.
-
With the sensor disconnected, check the signal wire for a short to ground (should be infinite resistance to ground).
-
Inspect the connector for moisture, corrosion, or contamination that could short the pins.
-
Check wiring insulation for damage where it contacts engine components.
Sources 2
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines the generic OBD-II code ranges)
- Cross-checked against the SAE J2012:2002 DTC table (2026-08-27)archived scan of the SAE standard — readable copy, not SAE’s current edition
P0197 on Diesel, EV & Equipment
The same code ID appears across other engines and platforms. The diagnostic flow varies by manufacturer — these are the platform-specific breakdowns:
Commonly Affected Vehicles
- 2007-2016 BMW 528i (N52, N20 engine)
- 2008-2018 Audi A4 (2.0T TFSI)
- 2010-2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (M274)
- 2005-2015 Volkswagen Passat (2.0T)
- 2009-2017 Mini Cooper S (N18 engine)
Related Codes
Explore More
Was this helpful?
Send this to whoever is fixing the car — your mechanic, or the person asking what the light means.