P0196

Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance

Car Fault Codes Cooling & lubrication

Can you still drive? Yes, normally

Who can fix it? DIY with some experience

Typical repair time 20 minutes – 2 hours

Typical cost SAR 100 to 600

What it means

The engine computer has found that the oil temperature reading is implausible compared with what it expects, such as differing greatly from coolant temperature after a long soak, or not rising normally as the engine warms. The cause is usually a drifting sensor or a poor connection, and sometimes a truly abnormal engine temperature.

Symptoms4

Check engine light on.
Oil temperature reading that does not change or changes unusually slowly.
Oil change reminder may be inaccurate.
Usually no clear driving symptoms.

Possible causes5

Oil temperature sensor reading drifting with age.
Extra resistance in the connector from oil or corrosion.
Wrong reading from the coolant temperature sensor the computer compares against.
Thermostat stuck open, slowing engine warm-up.
Low oil level or real engine overheating (less common).

How to diagnose5

Check the oil level and condition first.
After the engine has sat overnight, compare oil temperature with coolant and air temperatures; a large difference points to the drifting sensor.
Watch both readings as the engine warms; if both warm slowly, suspect a thermostat stuck open.
Confirm the coolant temperature sensor is correct before condemning the oil sensor.
Inspect the connector and measure sensor resistance against the manufacturer chart.

How to fix5

Top up or change the oil if it is low or degraded.
Clean the connector and fix the source of oil reaching it.
Replace the thermostat if it is stuck open.
Replace the oil temperature sensor if it is off the chart.
Clear the codes and confirm the readings agree after a cold start and a full drive.

Repair cost

0–500

500–2,000

2,000–5,000

5,000+

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

Topping up oil or cleaning the connector costs little; the cost rises with a new sensor, especially if the oil must be drained, or with a thermostat replacement.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions

Could the thermostat be the cause?

Sometimes. If it is stuck open the engine warms slowly, so oil temperature lags behind what the computer expects, and a code such as P0128 may appear too.

Should I replace the sensor right away?

Check the oil level, the connector and the coolant temperature sensor first, because the computer compares them and the fault may not be in the oil sensor.

This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.

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