P0195 is a generic OBD-II powertrain fault code that means Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Malfunction. The ECM/PCM has detected a problem with the engine oil temperature sensor circuit or its electrical signal.
P0195 may be encountered on applicable vehicles such as Ford, Nissan, Opel, and Land Rover. The exact sensor location, wiring configuration, connector pinout, sensor characteristics, and diagnostic strategy can vary by engine and model year.
Fault Code Description
P0195 = Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Malfunction.
Code type: Generic OBD-II Powertrain Code.
Likely fault location: Engine oil temperature sensor, sensor signal circuit, wiring harness, electrical connector, sensor ground, reference-voltage circuit, or the engine oil temperature measurement system.
The engine oil temperature sensor provides the ECM/PCM with information about the temperature of the engine oil. The control module can use this information for engine management, fuel control, thermal management, and other strategies depending on the vehicle.
P0195 does not automatically prove that the oil temperature sensor itself has failed. Wiring problems, connector corrosion, an open circuit, a short circuit, poor electrical connections, or an implausible sensor signal can also cause the code.
What Does P0195 Mean?
P0195 means that the ECM/PCM has detected a malfunction in the engine oil temperature sensor circuit.
The sensor is commonly a temperature-sensitive resistor. As engine oil temperature changes, the electrical resistance of the sensor changes, allowing the control module to calculate oil temperature.
If the signal is outside the expected range, does not change correctly, or the circuit becomes electrically open or shorted, the ECM/PCM may store P0195.
Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Location
The engine oil temperature sensor may be installed in the engine block, oil pan, oil filter housing, lubrication circuit, or another location where it can accurately monitor engine oil temperature.
On applicable Ford, Nissan, Opel, and Land Rover vehicles, the exact location varies according to the engine and model year.
Always confirm the exact sensor location and connector pinout using vehicle-specific service information before testing or removing the sensor.
Symptoms of P0195
- Check Engine Light.
- Incorrect engine oil temperature reading.
- Incorrect or missing oil temperature data on a scan tool.
- Engine performance changes in some cases.
- Reduced fuel economy.
- Cold-start or warm-up drivability problems in some applications.
- Cooling or thermal-management strategy changes.
- Stored engine-control fault codes.
- Possible reduced engine performance depending on the vehicle.
Common Causes of P0195
- Faulty engine oil temperature sensor.
- Open circuit in the sensor wiring.
- Short circuit in the sensor wiring.
- Damaged sensor signal wire.
- Corroded or loose electrical connector.
- Water or oil contamination inside the connector.
- Poor terminal tension.
- Incorrect sensor reference voltage where applicable.
- Poor sensor ground where applicable.
- Damaged wiring near the engine.
- Incorrect sensor resistance.
- Engine oil temperature reading outside the expected range.
- Rarely, an ECM/PCM fault.
How to Fix P0195
1. Scan the Vehicle
Use a professional scan tool to confirm P0195 and check for additional engine temperature, oil temperature, sensor, wiring, or engine-control codes.
Record the freeze-frame data before clearing the code. Engine RPM, coolant temperature, oil temperature, load, and other available parameters can help identify the conditions under which the fault was detected.
2. Check Engine Oil Temperature Live Data
Monitor the engine oil temperature PID with the scan tool if the vehicle provides this parameter.
Compare the reported oil temperature with the engine coolant temperature and ambient temperature when the engine is cold. A completely implausible reading can indicate a sensor or circuit problem.
3. Inspect the Oil Temperature Sensor Connector
Inspect the sensor connector for corrosion, loose terminals, damaged pins, oil contamination, water intrusion, broken locking tabs, or poor terminal tension.
4. Check Sensor Resistance
If specified by the manufacturer, measure the resistance of the oil temperature sensor and compare it with the manufacturer's temperature-versus-resistance specifications.
Do not assume that all engine oil temperature sensors use the same resistance values. Specifications vary by sensor and vehicle.
5. Check the Sensor Circuit
Use the vehicle-specific wiring diagram to identify the sensor signal, reference voltage, and ground circuits where applicable.
Check for open circuits, short circuits, excessive resistance, damaged insulation, and intermittent electrical connections.
6. Verify the Sensor Signal
Monitor the sensor signal while the engine temperature changes. The signal should change in a predictable manner according to the sensor design and manufacturer's specifications.
A signal that remains fixed, suddenly drops out, or changes in an implausible manner should be investigated.
7. Inspect Engine Oil Condition
Check the engine oil level and condition. Extremely abnormal oil conditions can affect temperature measurements and may indicate a separate lubrication-system problem.
Do not diagnose P0195 solely from oil condition; the electrical sensor circuit must still be tested.
P0195 Diagnostic Signal Flow
P0195 OBD Live Data
OBD live data can help determine whether the oil temperature sensor is reporting a plausible temperature.
When the engine is cold, the oil temperature reading should generally be reasonably consistent with other available temperature readings such as ambient temperature and coolant temperature, depending on the vehicle and operating conditions.
As the engine warms up, the oil temperature should normally change gradually rather than remaining fixed or suddenly jumping to an implausible value.
P0195 Ford
On applicable Ford vehicles, P0195 indicates a malfunction involving the engine oil temperature sensor circuit.
Diagnosis should include the oil temperature sensor, connector, wiring, signal circuit, reference voltage or ground where applicable, and scan-tool oil temperature data.
The exact sensor location and diagnostic procedure depend on the Ford engine and model year.
P0195 Nissan
On applicable Nissan vehicles, P0195 indicates a malfunction in the engine oil temperature sensor circuit.
Check the sensor, connector, wiring, electrical signal, and available oil temperature live data. Nissan engine configurations can differ, so the correct service information should be used for sensor specifications and pin identification.
P0195 Opel
On applicable Opel vehicles, P0195 indicates a malfunction involving the engine oil temperature sensor circuit.
Inspect the sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, damaged terminals, open circuits, short circuits, and poor connections. Compare the oil temperature reading with expected operating conditions.
P0195 Land Rover
On applicable Land Rover vehicles, P0195 indicates a malfunction in the engine oil temperature sensor circuit.
Diagnosis should include the oil temperature sensor, connector, wiring harness, sensor signal, and scan-tool data. The exact procedure varies according to the Land Rover engine and model year.
P0195 vs P0196
P0195 indicates an engine oil temperature sensor circuit malfunction, while P0196 indicates an engine oil temperature sensor range or performance problem.
P0195 vs P0197
P0197 indicates a low input from the engine oil temperature sensor circuit, while P0195 is a general sensor circuit malfunction code.
P0195 vs P0198
P0198 indicates a high input from the engine oil temperature sensor circuit, while P0195 indicates a general malfunction of the sensor circuit.
Is P0195 Serious?
P0195 should be diagnosed rather than ignored.
The engine oil temperature signal can be used by the ECM/PCM for engine-management and thermal-control strategies. An incorrect temperature signal can therefore affect vehicle operation depending on the system design.
If the engine is overheating, oil pressure is abnormal, the engine is running poorly, or warning lights indicate a serious engine problem, the vehicle should be inspected before continued driving.
Can I Drive With P0195?
Limited driving may be possible if the engine is operating normally and there are no additional serious warning signs. However, P0195 should be diagnosed as soon as possible.
Avoid continued driving if the vehicle has abnormal oil pressure, severe overheating, major engine-performance problems, or other signs of a lubrication-system fault.
P0195 Repair Cost
- Electrical diagnosis: approximately $50–$150+.
- Wiring or connector repair: approximately $50–$300+.
- Engine oil temperature sensor: approximately $80–$300+ depending on vehicle.
- Additional engine oil or lubrication-system repair: approximately $100–$1,000+ depending on the actual problem.
- ECM/PCM-related repair: potentially considerably more.
These are general estimates only. Actual repair costs vary according to the vehicle, engine, parts prices, labor rate, and failed component.
Common Repair Mistakes
Replacing the Sensor Without Testing the Circuit
Do not replace the oil temperature sensor immediately after finding P0195. An open wire, short circuit, damaged connector, or poor terminal connection can produce the same code.
Assuming the Engine Oil Temperature Is Actually Too High
P0195 is a sensor circuit malfunction code. It does not automatically prove that the engine oil is overheating.
Using Incorrect Resistance Specifications
Temperature sensors can have different resistance characteristics. Always use the correct manufacturer specification for the specific engine and sensor.
Ignoring the Connector
Oil, moisture, corrosion, and heat can affect electrical connectors. Inspect the connector carefully before replacing the sensor.
Using the Wrong Pinout
Engine oil temperature sensor wiring differs between Ford, Nissan, Opel, Land Rover, and different engine generations. Always verify the connector pinout before applying test voltage.
Related Codes
- P0195 – Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Malfunction
- P0196 – Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Range/Performance
- P0197 – Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Low Input
- P0198 – Engine Oil Temperature Sensor High Input
- P0199 – Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Intermittent
FAQ About P0195
What does P0195 mean?
P0195 means Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Malfunction. The ECM/PCM has detected a problem with the engine oil temperature sensor circuit or its electrical signal.
How do I fix P0195?
Start by checking the oil temperature sensor, connector, wiring, sensor resistance, reference voltage or ground where applicable, and OBD live data. Replace the sensor only after confirming that the circuit is operating correctly.
What is the most common cause of P0195?
Possible causes include a defective engine oil temperature sensor, damaged wiring, an open or shorted circuit, corroded connector terminals, poor electrical contact, or an incorrect sensor signal.
Can a bad oil temperature sensor cause P0195?
Yes. A defective engine oil temperature sensor can cause P0195. However, the wiring and connector should also be tested before replacing the sensor.
Where is the P0195 sensor located?
The engine oil temperature sensor may be located in or near the engine block, oil pan, oil filter housing, or lubrication circuit. The exact location depends on the engine.
What does P0195 mean on Ford?
On applicable Ford vehicles, P0195 indicates a malfunction involving the engine oil temperature sensor circuit. The exact diagnostic procedure depends on the engine and model year.
What does P0195 mean on Nissan?
On applicable Nissan vehicles, P0195 indicates a malfunction involving the engine oil temperature sensor circuit. Check the sensor, wiring, connector, and available oil temperature data.
What does P0195 mean on Opel?
On applicable Opel vehicles, P0195 indicates a malfunction in the engine oil temperature sensor circuit. Inspect the sensor, connector, wiring, and sensor signal.
What does P0195 mean on Land Rover?
On applicable Land Rover vehicles, P0195 indicates a malfunction involving the engine oil temperature sensor circuit. The exact diagnostic procedure depends on the engine and model year.
What is the difference between P0195 and P0196?
P0195 indicates an engine oil temperature sensor circuit malfunction, while P0196 indicates a range or performance problem with the sensor.
What is the difference between P0195 and P0199?
P0199 specifically indicates an intermittent engine oil temperature sensor circuit condition, while P0195 is a general engine oil temperature sensor malfunction code.
Final Result
P0195 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code meaning Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Malfunction.
The most reliable diagnosis is to inspect the engine oil temperature sensor, connector, wiring, sensor resistance, electrical signal, and OBD live data before replacing parts.
P0195 does not automatically mean that the engine oil is too hot. It primarily indicates a problem with the oil temperature sensor circuit or its signal.
On applicable Ford, Nissan, Opel, and Land Rover vehicles, the exact sensor configuration, wiring, sensor specifications, and diagnostic thresholds can vary by engine and model year. Always use the correct manufacturer service information for the final diagnosis.