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)
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What Are the Symptoms of P0197?
- 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
What Causes P0197? (Most Likely First)
- 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
Can I Still Drive with P0197?
Short distances only. P0197 is rated moderate severity. Keep trips short and get it diagnosed soon rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.
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
How Do You Diagnose P0197?
-
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.
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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:
Which Vehicles Commonly Get P0197?
- 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)
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