What is the P0196 fault code What is the Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Range (EOT)/Performance Failure description? How can I fix P0196 fault? What are the causes and symptoms of the P0196 error code?
What is the P0196 fault code? What does it all mean?
The engine oil temp (EOT), which is measured by the powertrain control modules (PCM), is used to monitor the engine’s oil temperature. This information is used to calculate fuel quality, timing of injection and operation of glow plugs. The reference voltage to the PCM is usually 5 volts for the EOT sensor. The EOT sensor’s internal resistance will change with engine oil temperature and send a return signal to the PCM. The EOT sensor is a type negative temperature coefficient (NTC), thermistor. The temperature of the oil is an inverse function of the internal resistance. The voltage signal drops as the engine oil temperature increases. It also decreases when the oil temperature falls. For diagnostic purposes, the signal from the sensor can be compared to other sensors such as the intake oil temperature (IAT), and the engine coolant (ECT) sensors. A code P0196 is set if the PCM detects a performance problem with the engine oil temperature sensor or detects that the voltage signal is outside the manufacturer-specified range.
P0196 fault codes can be found on many vehicles, including those made by Ford, Nissan and Volkswagen as well as Chrysler, Dodge Jaguar, Toyota and Mercedes.
What causes the P0196 Fault code?
Here are some reasons why P0196 should be set.
- – Defective engine oil temperature sensor
- – Broken wires, connectors, or open or shorted issues in the engine oil temperature sensor circuit
- – Engine cooling system malfunctions
- – Use the vehicle aggressively and at high speeds
- – Use the vehicle with a heavy load and on steep slopes constantly
- – Defective PCM (rarely)
What are the P0196 Malfunction Code Symptoms
These symptoms may be present if you own a vehicle that has the P0196 code.
- – Illumination at the check engine lights
- – Engine overheating
- – Setting fault codes for engine coolant temperature
How to Fix the P0196 Fault Code
First, check the condition of the engine. Then, look at the cooling system to see if there are any signs of heat buildup. The EOT sensor should also be checked if the engine oil looks clean and is in good condition.
There are several repairs that can resolve the P0196 fault code.
- – Repairing a defective engine oil temperature sensor
- – Repairing broken wires, connectors and open or short circuits to an engine oil temperature sensor circuit
- – Repair any cooling system malfunction
- – Repairing a damaged PCM (rarely).
How serious is the P0196 Fault code?
The severity of P0196 is moderate. This code may be used in conjunction with coolant temperature codes. This could cause engine damage and overheating. This code should be addressed as soon as possible.
Code P0196 is very close to code P0195. They do have some subtle differences. Both codes are repaired the same way.
