P0198 Fault Code

Engine Oil Temperature Sensor High

• What does that mean?
• Symptoms
• Causes
• Solutions

The P0198 code indicates that the engine's oil temperature sensor is registering a temperature that is higher than the expected limits. This sensor plays a crucial role in monitoring the engine oil temperature to ensure optimal performance and protect the engine from overheating. If this code appears, it can lead to issues with engine performance and may cause other related fault codes to trigger.

What are the symptoms of the P0198 code?

Symptoms associated with the P0198 code can include:

• Illumination of the Check Engine Light on the dashboard.
• Potential overheating of the engine, leading to performance issues.
• Decreased engine efficiency or fuel economy as the engine struggles to operate within its optimal temperature range.
• Unusual engine behavior, such as stalling or rough idling.

What causes the P0198 code?

Several factors can lead to the P0198 code being triggered, including:

• A faulty engine oil temperature sensor that is sending incorrect readings.
• Wiring issues such as damaged or shorted wires connected to the sensor.
• Poor connections or corroded terminals at the sensor or ECM.
• An overheating engine due to coolant issues, which may cause the sensor to read excessively high temperatures.

How to fix P0198?

To resolve the P0198 code, the following steps should be taken:

• Start by inspecting the engine oil temperature sensor for any visible damage or wear.
• Check the wiring and connections to the sensor for signs of corrosion or damage.
• Test the sensor with a multimeter to ensure it is functioning properly and providing accurate temperature readings.
• If the sensor is faulty, replace it with a new one.
• Clear the fault codes from the vehicle's ECU and take the car for a test drive to see if the code returns.
• If the problem persists, consider checking the engine’s cooling system for issues that might cause overheating.