P0298 code meaning
Engine Oil Over Temperature
What P0298 means
P0298 is a protection code: engine oil temperature – from its own sensor, often combined with the oil level sensor, or modelled – has exceeded the protection limit. Saab's 3.0 diesel limits injection quantity when the oil stays at 135 °C or more for over 10 s, until it cools down; a heavy-duty bus engine warns in two stages and then derates. Ford stores the code without the warning light, in line with CARB's exemption for overheat protection. Usual causes are high load in heat, cooling problems, a clogged oil cooler or stuck oil thermostat, and occasionally a sensor reading too high.
P0298 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0298
- Reduced power, quantity limited
- Oil temperature warning
- Usually no check engine light
Common causes of P0298
- Most likelyHigh load in heat (trailer, mountain pass, stop-and-go)
- PossibleCooling or fan problem (clogged radiator, fan, thermostat, low coolant)
- PossibleOil cooler clogged or oil thermostat stuck
- PossibleOil temperature or level sensor reading too high
- Less likelyLow oil level or wrong oil
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Engine oil temperature sensorOil coolerCooling system
What each part of P0298 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 2 | Area: fuel and air metering (injector circuit). |
| 98 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0298 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 P0298
What does P0298 mean?
P0298 means "Engine Oil Over Temperature". P0298 is a protection code: engine oil temperature – from its own sensor, often combined with the oil level sensor, or modelled – has exceeded the protection limit. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0298?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0298 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0298 fail an emissions test?
P0298 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is P0298 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0298 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.