Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent

What it means

The engine computer has found that the oil temperature sensor signal drops out or jumps suddenly and then returns, instead of changing gradually as real oil temperature does. This usually points to a poor connection in the connector or a wire affected by vibration, heat or oil leaks.

Related codes: P0195P0196P0197P0198P0119

Symptoms4

• Check engine light that comes on and goes off.
• Sudden jumps in the oil temperature reading.
• Cooling fans occasionally running for no clear reason on some vehicles.
• Usually no clear driving symptoms.

Possible causes4

• Loose or corroded connector terminals.
• Oil leaking into the connector and causing intermittent contact.
• A cracked or chafed wire that breaks contact with vibration.
• Intermittent internal sensor fault (less common).

How to diagnose4

1. Watch the oil temperature reading on a scan tool while gently moving the wiring and connector; a jump when moving it shows where the fault is.
2. Inspect the connector for oil, corrosion or loose terminals.
3. Follow the wiring route looking for chafing against hot or moving parts.
4. Review the freeze frame data to see the conditions when the code set.

How to fix5

1. Clean oil from the connector and fix the source of the leak.
2. Tighten or replace the connector terminals.
3. Repair the damaged wire and secure it along its correct route.
4. Replace the oil temperature sensor if the fault continues with a sound circuit.
5. Clear the codes and watch the reading while driving to confirm it is stable.

Repair cost

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

Cleaning the connector or repairing a wire is usually enough at low cost; the upper end is for a new sensor plus fixing an oil leak if present.

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