What is the P0197 fault code What is the description for Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Low malfunction? How can I fix P0197 fault code What are the symptoms and causes for the P0197 fault code
What is the P0197 Fault code? What does it signify?
A code P0197 is set if the powertrain control module (PCM) detects that the voltage signal from the engine oil temperature (EOT) sensor drops below the manufacturer-specified limit. This could be caused either by engine oil short circuits or engine overheating.
The engine oil temperature (EOT), sensor is used by the PCM to monitor the engine oils temperature. This information is used to calculate fuel quality, timing of injection and glow plug operation. The PCM usually sends the EOT sensor a reference voltage of five volts. 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 oil temperature is directly proportional to the sensor’s internal resistance. The voltage signal is proportional to the temperature of the oil. If the temperature of the engine oil rises, it decreases. 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. The PCM sets the P0197 code when it detects the voltage signal from engine oil temperature sensor falling below the specified parameters.
P0197 fault codes can be found on vehicles of all makes and models, including but not limited to: Ford, Nissan, Infiniti (including Infiniti), Volkswagen, Chrysler, Jaguars, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz, Jeep, Subaru, Subaru, and Audi.
What is the P0197 Fault Code?
Here are some reasons why P0197 should be set.
- – Defective engine oil temperature sensor
- – Damaged wires and connectors.
- – Engine cooling system malfunctions
- – Driving aggressively at high revs and using the vehicle aggressively
- – Use the vehicle on steep and heavily loaded slopes
- – Defective PCM (rarely)
What are the symptoms of P0197 Fault code?
You may experience the following symptoms if your vehicle has a P0197 code:
- – Illumination for the check engine light
- – Engine overheating
- – High engine oil temperatures
- – Set fault codes in relation to engine coolant temperature
How to Fix the P0197 Fault Code
The first thing to do is check the condition of your engine. Also, make sure you test the cooling system for any signs of heat buildup. The EOT sensor should only be used if the engine oil is clean and in good condition.
The following repairs may be able to resolve the P0197 fault code:
- – Repairing broken wires, connectors and open or short circuits to an engine oil temperature sensor circuit
- – How to replace a defective engine oil temperature sensor
- – Repair any cooling system malfunction
- – Removing a defective PCM (rarely).
How serious is the P0197 Fault code?
The severity of P0197 is moderate. In some cases, this code is combined with the coolant temperatures codes. This could lead to engine overheating and damage. It is a good idea that you address this code as soon possible.
