P0197
Engine Oil Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low
Engine sensors
Generic OBD-II
Low
What it means
P0197 means the engine oil temperature sensor is sending an abnormally low signal — usually a wiring short to ground or a failed sensor, not the oil actually being cold. It's a signal fault, so the engine runs and drives normally; the main effect is an inaccurate oil-temperature reading and, on some vehicles, minor changes to cooling-fan or performance logic.
Low
Can I keep driving? Yes — this is a temperature-sensor signal fault, not an actual engine problem; the car drives normally, though an oil-temperature gauge may read wrong.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Inaccurate oil temperature reading or gauge, if equipped
- Possible minor effect on cooling-fan or performance logic
Common causes
Most likely first
- Engine oil temperature sensor signal shorted to groundLikely
- Faulty oil temperature sensorCommon
- Corroded or damaged wiring or connector in the circuitCommon
- Faulty ECM/PCM (rare)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and check the oil temperature reading against actual engine temperature on a scan tool.
- Inspect the sensor connector and wiring for a short to ground or damage.
- Replace the sensor if it reads implausibly low with good wiring.
- Clear and retest; consider the ECM only as a last resort.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0197?+
Yes. This is a signal fault on the oil-temperature sensor, not an actual overheating problem, so the car drives normally — just don't trust the oil-temperature reading until it's fixed.
Can I just clear P0197?+
It returns because the ECM keeps seeing the low signal. The sensor or its wiring has to be repaired.
Related codes
Often seen with P0197
Read & clear P0197 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX