P0196 on 2017-2023 Jeep Compass 2.4L: Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Fixes

What's Unique About the 2017-2023 Jeep Compass

On the 2.4L MultiAir 'Tigershark' engine used in the Jeep Compass and many other Stellantis vehicles, the Engine Oil Temperature (EOT) sensor is not a separate, screw-in part. It is integrated into the larger oil filter and cooler housing assembly located at the rear of the engine. This design means that a simple sensor failure often requires replacing the entire housing, making the repair more involved and costly than on engines with a separate sensor. This engine platform is also known for excessive oil consumption issues, which can lead to this code if the oil level becomes critically low.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Oil temperature gauge reading is erratic or inaccurate
• Reduced fuel economy
• Engine may enter a reduced power or 'limp' mode
• Intermittent stalling or hesitation at low speeds
• False overheating warnings on the dashboard

Most Likely Causes

1. Failing Engine Oil Temperature (EOT) Sensor 🔴 High Probability The sensor is integrated into the oil filter housing assembly on the 2.4L MultiAir engine, a part that is a common failure point. The entire assembly is made of plastic and is subject to cracking and warping from heat cycles.
   How to confirm: Use an OBD-II scanner to monitor live data. Compare the Engine Oil Temperature (EOT) reading to the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) reading after the vehicle has warmed up for 15-20 minutes. If the EOT reading is stuck low (e.g., -40°F), doesn't change logically with the ECT, or jumps erratically, the sensor is likely bad.
   Typical fix: Replace the entire oil filter/cooler housing assembly, which contains the new sensor. The Mopar part number has been superseded several times, with the latest version being 68105583AG.
   Est. part cost: $100-$250
2. Damaged Wiring or Connector 🟡 Medium Probability The sensor wiring is located at the back of the engine, near the hot exhaust components, and is exposed to high heat and vibration. This can cause wires to become brittle, frayed, or loose over time. Oil leaks from a failing housing can also contaminate the connector pins.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector leading to the oil temperature sensor for any signs of damage, melting, or corrosion. The connector is on the oil filter housing assembly. Check for a secure connection; the yellow locking tab should be fully engaged. A multimeter can be used to check for continuity and shorts in the wiring.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wire or replace the connector pigtail.
   Est. part cost: $15-$40
3. Low or Incorrect Engine Oil 🟡 Medium Probability The 2.4L MultiAir engine is widely known for excessive oil consumption due to piston ring design issues. FCA has issued Technical Service Bulletins (e.g., 09-003-23) and a warranty extension (XB1) for this problem on certain model years. If the oil level is too low, the sensor may not get an accurate reading, triggering a P0196.
   How to confirm: Check the engine oil dipstick on a level surface after the engine has been off for at least 5 minutes. The level should be within the specified range. The oil should be the correct viscosity (SAE 0W-20 full synthetic) and not excessively dirty or sludgy.
   Typical fix: Top off or change the engine oil and filter using the correct full synthetic 0W-20 oil. Monitor the oil level closely between changes.
   Est. part cost: $40-$80

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): This is very rare. All other possibilities, especially the sensor/housing, wiring, and oil level, should be exhaustively ruled out before considering PCM replacement.
• Stuck Open Thermostat: If the engine thermostat is stuck open, the engine may not reach its normal operating temperature. The PCM compares EOT and ECT readings, and if both are illogically low, it can sometimes trigger a P0196. This would typically be accompanied by a lack of cabin heat.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check the engine oil level and condition. Ensure it is full and the correct SAE 0W-20 full synthetic oil is being used. Top off or change if necessary.
2. Connect an OBD-II scanner and check for any other stored codes, particularly P0197, P0198, or P0520.
3. View live data on the scanner. Start the engine from cold and let it warm up. Compare the Engine Oil Temperature (EOT) and Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) readings. They should start near ambient temperature and rise together, with the EOT typically lagging slightly behind the ECT and then stabilizing at a slightly higher temperature. They should be reasonably close after 15-20 minutes of driving.
4. If the EOT reading is stuck (e.g., at -40°F or 250°F) or doesn't rise with the ECT, suspect a sensor or wiring issue.
5. Turn off the engine and locate the EOT sensor connector at the rear of the engine on the oil filter housing assembly.
6. Disconnect the connector. Inspect it and the sensor port for any visible damage, corrosion, oil contamination, or loose pins. Ensure the yellow locking tab is intact.
7. If the wiring looks good, the EOT sensor (as part of the oil filter housing) is the most likely culprit and the entire assembly should be replaced.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Engine Oil Filter and Cooler Housing Assembly (OEM #68105583AG (supersedes 68105583AF, 68105583AE, etc.)) — This assembly contains the integrated Engine Oil Temperature sensor, which is the most common failure point for code P0196 on this engine. The plastic housing is also prone to cracking and leaking.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Dorman
  OEM price range: $180-$250
  Aftermarket price range: $100-$180

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0197 — This code means 'Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Circuit Low' and points to a short to ground in the same circuit.
• P0198 — This code means 'Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Circuit High' and points to an open in the same circuit. Seeing P0196, P0197, or P0198 together strongly suggests a problem with the EOT sensor or its wiring.
• P0520 — This code relates to the 'Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit'. On the 2.4L MultiAir, the oil pressure sensor is also located in the same oil filter housing assembly as the temperature sensor. A failure of the housing or its internal seals can trigger both codes.
🎬 See how to locate and replace the sensor

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• TSB 09-003-23: This TSB, along with the associated XB1 warranty extension, addresses the excessive oil consumption issue common to the 2.4L Tigershark engine. While not directly for P0196, it's highly relevant as low oil is a primary cause. It outlines the dealer's oil consumption test procedure.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Owner Experience with P0196/P0197/P0198: Multiple owners across forums for various vehicles with the 2.4L MultiAir engine report that these codes are almost always resolved by replacing the entire oil filter housing assembly. The repair is considered moderately difficult for a DIYer due to the tight access at the back of the engine. A YouTube video by 'Electrical Car Repair LIVE' demonstrates the location and replacement process on a similar vehicle.
🎬 Watch this step-by-step housing replacement walkthrough

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Excessive Oil Consumption 🔴 High — Very common across all model years with the 2.4L engine. Can start at any mileage. Owners report adding a quart of oil every 1,000-2,000 miles. (Ref: TSB 09-003-23; Warranty Extension XB1)
• Engine Stalling While Driving 🔴 High — Numerous complaints filed with the NHTSA. Often linked to the oil consumption issue causing the engine to shut down at low oil levels, but other causes are also reported.
• MultiAir Actuator ('Brick') Failure 🟠 Medium — Can occur, often manifesting as misfire codes (e.g., P030x) and specific MultiAir solenoid codes (e.g., P1066, P1068). Extremely sensitive to oil level and quality. (Ref: Multiple software update TSBs exist to address overly sensitive diagnostics before replacing the part.)
• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM) 🟠 Medium — Some 2018 models were recalled for a defective voltage regulator chip inside the PCM that could cause a stall. (Ref: NHTSA Recall 18V-332)
• Water Pump Leaks 🟡 Low — The water pump is known to develop coolant leaks, typically before 100,000 miles.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0197 — Often stored alongside P0196; it indicates the Engine Oil Temperature sensor circuit is reading low voltage, typically due to a failing sensor or wiring issue.
• P0198 — A companion code to P0196 indicating high voltage in the EOT sensor circuit, frequently caused by the same integrated sensor failure in the oil filter housing.
• P0520 — Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Circuit fault; often appears with P0196 because both sensors are located on or near the oil filter housing assembly and share similar failure modes.
• P030X — Misfire codes that can occur if low oil levels (a cause of P0196) affect the oil-pressure-sensitive MultiAir actuator system.
• P1066 — A MultiAir solenoid-specific code that may trigger alongside oil temperature codes because the MultiAir system is extremely sensitive to oil quality and level.
• P1068 — Another MultiAir diagnostic code related to solenoid performance that can be triggered by the same oil-related issues that cause P0196.

Frequently Asked Questions