P0198 - Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Sensor 'A'' Circuit High
System
Powertrain (Engine & Gearbox)
Technical Description
The control module has detected a fault in the Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Sensor 'A'' Circuit High (P0198). The signal is above the upper threshold, typically from an open circuit, poor connection, or a short to battery voltage.
Multimeter Test Points & Nominal Values
| Test Point / Component | Measurement | Nominal Target Range | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Sensor 'A'' Circuit High – Signal Voltage | Voltage (V) | > 4.80 V (fault state) | Ignition ON, connector engaged |
| 5 V Reference Voltage | Voltage (V) | 4.95 - 5.05 V | Ignition ON at sensor connector |
| Sensor Ground Voltage Drop | Voltage (V) | < 0.05 V (< 50 mV) | Under load to chassis ground |
| Signal Wire Continuity | Resistance (Ω) | < 0.5 Ω (Open = OL) | Disconnected harness between sensor and ECM |
Ignition ON, connector engaged
Ignition ON at sensor connector
Under load to chassis ground
Disconnected harness between sensor and ECM
Oscilloscope Waveform Analysis
100 ms/div, 1 V/divPossible Causes
Open circuit on signal wire, spread terminal pin, or short to power feed at Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Sensor 'A'' Circuit High
Channel A:Verify dedicated wiring pins and signal pair for circuit A against the schematic.
Chafed or pinched wiring harness along the signal path to Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Sensor 'A'' Circuit High
Poor ground connection or excessive voltage drop (> 0.1 V) at the ground point for Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Sensor 'A'' Circuit High
Defective internal output driver or reference circuit in the control module for Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Sensor 'A'' Circuit High
Symptoms
Recommended Solution
Compare signal voltage and resistance between circuit A and companion circuit B at module connector.
Measure signal terminal voltage with ignition ON and sensor unplugged to determine if ECM pull-up is active or harness is shorted to 12V.
Verify loaded supply voltage and harness terminal pins at Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Sensor 'A'' Circuit High.
Check circuit continuity and ground-side voltage drop (< 0.05 V) for Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Sensor 'A'' Circuit High.
Unplug the sensor:the signal must swing to a known rail. Replace the sensor or repair the wiring based on the result.
Mechanic's Tip
Always run a loaded voltage-drop test on the sensor ground with ignition ON. A drop above 0.1 V shifts the whole signal and tricks the module into setting sensor codes on a good sensor.