KlaroFault codeP0197
MODERATEEngine Oil Temperature Sensor Low
What this code means
Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Low.
P0197 is a generic code: it means the same thing on every make. P0197 belongs to family P01xx — Fuel and air metering. Its page explains how to read a code and groups all its codes by part.
Type of fault
The control unit reads a voltage on this circuit below its expected range. Usual causes: a wire shorted to ground or broken, a corroded or loose connector, or the component itself. Check the wiring and connector before replacing the part — that is where many of these faults turn out to be.
Engine oil temperature sensor
This sensor measures the temperature of the engine oil. The control unit uses it to protect the engine, for example by limiting power when the oil is too hot, to control variable valve timing or, on some cars, to calculate the oil change interval.
What you notice
Usually nothing in driving; sometimes a warning on the dashboard or power limited as a precaution.
How to check it
Check the oil level first, then the sensor's connector, often on the oil filter housing or the sump. Engine warm, Klaro's oil temperature should be close to the coolant temperature, often slightly higher after a long drive.
Watch it live in Klaro
With an OBD2 adapter plugged in, these live readings show the part at work, when your car reports them:
- Engine oil temperature
- Coolant temperature
What to do
Have it checked this week. The car remains usable, but the fault will not clear itself and will fail the roadworthiness test.
Clearing a code switches the light off but repairs nothing: if the fault remains, the code comes back. Clearing a fault code yourself →
How to read this code
- PPowertrain
- 0standardised code
- 1Fuel and air metering
- 97P0197
