P0196 Code: Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Range/Performance
The P0196 code means the engine oil temperature sensor reading is electrically valid but does not agree with the other sensors. It is usually a sensor that reads wrong or sticks, although it can also be a real engine condition.
- Severity
- Medium
- Can I keep driving?
- Yes, but with caution
- Estimated cost
- $30 to $250
- Difficulty
- Medium
- System
- Air and Fuel
- Applies to
- All OBD2 vehicles
On this page
What the P0196 code means
The engine oil temperature sensor sits in the engine block, in the oil pan, in the oil filter housing or built into the oil level or oil pressure sensor. The computer uses it to protect the engine, to adjust variable valve timing control and, on some vehicles, to calculate the oil change interval.
In this case the signal is within the electrical limits, but it is not believable. The computer compares the oil temperature sensor with other data. With a cold engine it should match the coolant and the air temperature. Once running, the oil warms up a little more slowly than the coolant and ends up between 90 and 120 °C (194 to 248 °F). If the difference exceeds what is allowed for the programmed time, it stores the P0196 code. It is not a cut wire. It is a sensor that reads wrong, freezes at one value or reacts too slowly, or else a real abnormal condition.
Keep in mind that the P0196 code points to the circuit where the computer saw the problem, not necessarily the part that failed. Check the wiring before you replace the sensor. The diagnosis steps below walk you through the tests one by one.
P0196 code symptoms
- Check engine light on steadily.
- In many cases you notice nothing while driving, just the light.
- Possible companion codes from the same sensor (low, high or intermittent signal).
Likely causes of the P0196 code
- Sensor out of calibration or degraded, giving a believable but wrong value.
- Real abnormal condition: low oil level or real overheating.
- Dirty sensor or one with deposits, which makes it respond slowly.
- High resistance in the connector from corrosion, which shifts the reading.
- Computer software. Some manufacturers published updates for false range codes.
- Additional check: A low oil level or badly degraded oil can cause real high readings. Check the oil before you blame the sensor.
How to diagnose the P0196 code step by step
- Read the sensor in live data and compare it with what you expect: with a cold engine it should match the coolant and air temperature. Once running, the oil warms up a little more slowly than the coolant and ends up between 90 and 120 °C (194 to 248 °F).
- Inspect the connector. Unplug it, look for green, backed-out or oily pins, and push it back on firmly.
- With the key on and the sensor unplugged, measure the reference at the connector. You should see about 5 V between the signal and ground.
- Jumper test. With the sensor unplugged, the scan tool should show about -40 °C (-40 °F). When you join the two connector pins with a jumper wire, it should jump to more than 120 °C (248 °F). If it does, the wiring is good and the problem is the sensor.
- Measure the sensor resistance and compare it with the technical data below at the current temperature.
- Do a wiggle test. With the engine running, move the harness and the connector while you watch live data. A jump gives away the point of the fault.
- Check the continuity of each wire between the sensor connector and the computer connector with the key off.
How to fix the P0196 code
- Correct the real condition if there is one (thermostat, level, leaks, fuel).
- If the sensor reads wrong against a reference thermometer or gauge, replace it.
- Look for technical service bulletins or software updates from the manufacturer.
- Use an original-quality or equivalent sensor: cheap generic sensors often have different response curves.
- Clear the codes, drive a full cycle and check in live data that the reading makes sense.
Technical reference data
- NTC thermistor with 2 wires and a 5 V reference (on some engines combined with the oil level sensor).
- Approximate resistance: 2,000 to 3,000 ohms at 20 °C (68 °F) and 150 to 250 ohms at 100 °C (212 °F).
- Normal oil temperature when running: 90 to 120 °C (194 to 248 °F).
- Approximate values: check the manufacturer data for your engine.
Brand-specific notes
Where the sensor lives depends on the engine, so look up its location before you order parts. That matters if you are chasing the P0196 code and the wiring tests out fine.
P0196 on Volkswagen
On many engines the temperature sensor is combined with the oil level sensor under the oil pan, and the whole assembly is replaced.
P0196 on Audi
On many engines the temperature sensor is combined with the oil level sensor under the oil pan, and the whole assembly is replaced.
P0196 on BMW
On many engines the temperature sensor is combined with the oil level sensor under the oil pan, and the whole assembly is replaced.
P0196 on Mercedes
On many engines the temperature sensor is combined with the oil level sensor under the oil pan, and the whole assembly is replaced.
P0196 on GM
The sensor is usually located near the oil filter.
Questions about the P0196 code
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