P0195 code meaning
Engine Oil Temperature Sensor A Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P01xx codes Check engine light
What P0195 means
The engine oil temperature sensor A is an NTC thermistor fed with 5 V through a resistor: the hotter the oil, the lower the signal voltage. The engine module uses the oil temperature for variable cam timing (Ford disables it with cold oil or a sensor fault), engine protection and the oil life monitor; many engines have no such sensor and use a calculated oil temperature instead. P0195 is the general circuit fault without telling low from high. With analogue sensors most manufacturers use P0197/P0198 instead. The documented use is Ford's 2023 diesels with a digital SENT oil temperature sensor: P0195 is set when the sensor reports a status or data fault for 5 s, while a complete loss of communication is U0667. The module then uses a substitute value (Saab: 100 °C), and functions relying on oil temperature are restricted.
P0195 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0195
- Check engine light on (depending on manufacturer)
- Oil temperature display missing or fixed
- Restricted cam timing, slightly reduced power
- Oil life calculation less accurate
Common causes of P0195
- Most likelyConnector or harness damaged, corroded or oil-soaked
- PossibleSensor faulty internally (electronics fault on SENT sensors)
- Possible5 V reference or ground problem in the sensor circuit
- Less likelyControl module or software
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Engine oil temperature sensorSensor wiring
What each part of P0195 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 1 | Area: fuel and air metering. |
| 95 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0195 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0195
What does P0195 mean?
P0195 means "Engine Oil Temperature Sensor A Circuit". The engine oil temperature sensor A is an NTC thermistor fed with 5 V through a resistor: the hotter the oil, the lower the signal voltage. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0195?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0195 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0195 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0195 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 1.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0195 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.