Code P0197 engine oil temperature sensor signal too low

Tiny
HANDGUY911
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN
  • 3.6L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 118,597 MILES
Just got done changing out the the coolant valve sensor P0128. Check engine light was still on and after connecting scan tool again came up P0197. Tried to erase the code, said erase successful, but came up with reading of P0197 again and check engine light still on. Can you please help!
Saturday, September 12th, 2020 AT 12:39 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,101 POSTS
Hi,

The new code is related to the engine oil temperature sensor. I suspect you have a scan tool. If it can read live data, disconnect the engine oil temperature sensor and read the sensor voltage. It should be near 5v.

If it is, confirm there is a good connection being made. If so, the sensor is the likely issue.

The oil temperature sensor is located on the oil filter housing. See the attached pic for location.

Let me know if this helps, what you find, or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, September 12th, 2020 AT 7:01 PM
Tiny
HANDGUY911
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
Thank You Joe,

I’m looking at the area that your referring to from the diagram, and I can’t seem to find the right one. Here are some pics. Let me know if it could possibly be one of these.
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Sunday, September 13th, 2020 AT 10:20 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,101 POSTS
It's really hard to tell what I am looking at in the pic. The sensor is under the intake at the rear side of the oil filter housing.

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, September 13th, 2020 AT 8:18 PM
Tiny
HANDGUY911
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
Thank you Joe,

Also is it common on these computer system vehicles when you change out a sensor it will affect the other, since they all kind of work together? Like in this instance.
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Monday, September 14th, 2020 AT 7:43 AM
Tiny
HANDGUY911
  • MEMBER
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Also Joe,

I was told that the same part is used for both sensor. Can you confirm?
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Monday, September 14th, 2020 AT 8:14 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,101 POSTS
Hi,

I have the part number for the oil pressure switch, but there isn't a listing for the oil temperature sensor. I attached the part number for the oil pressure switch. In all honesty, I would think they function differently, so I question if they are the same part.

Let me know.
Joe
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Monday, September 14th, 2020 AT 6:48 PM

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