Code
P0938
Generic
P — Powertrain
Hydraulic Oil Temperature Sensor Range/Performance
Views:
UK: 18
EN: 47
RU: 26
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Failed or intermittent hydraulic oil temperature sensor
- Open, shorted, or damaged wiring between sensor and control module
- Corroded, loose, or contaminated connector/pins at sensor or module
- Poor sensor ground or missing reference voltage from control module
- Hydraulic oil contamination, excessively low/high fluid level, or trapped air
- Incorrect sensor installed or wrong sensor calibration
Symptoms
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or fault indicator illuminated
- Incorrect or erratic hydraulic/transmission temperature gauge or live data
- Transmission may enter limp mode, shift abnormally, or limit torque
- Stored freeze-frame data showing abnormal temperature or signal
- Possible drivability issues under temperature-sensitive conditions
What to check
- Scan for P0938 and any related codes; record freeze-frame and live data
- Visually inspect sensor harness, connector, and routing for damage or corrosion
- Backprobe sensor connector and measure reference voltage, signal voltage, and ground with key ON
- Measure sensor resistance (if applicable) across defined terminal(s) and compare to expected range
- Compare module-reported hydraulic oil temperature to an independent thermometer probe in the fluid (if accessible)
- Perform wiggle test on harness while watching live data for intermittent changes
Signal parameters
- Reference supply typically 5 V (varies by design); signal expected within 0.1–4.9 V depending on temperature
- Sensor may be NTC thermistor (resistance decreases with higher temperature) or voltage-output type
- Typical resistance ranges can be wide (roughly hundreds of ohms to tens of kilohms depending on design) — consult vehicle data
- Operating temperature detection range commonly -40°C to +150°C (varies by application)
- Expected PCM/TCM hydraulic oil temperature reading should track an external thermometer within a reasonable tolerance (few degrees)
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve codes and live data. Note freeze-frame conditions (engine load, speed, oil temp).
- Visually inspect sensor and harness for damage, corrosion, pin push-out, or oil intrusion. Repair connectors as needed.
- With ignition ON (engine OFF), backprobe connector: verify reference voltage present and good ground. If missing, trace wiring to module.
- Measure sensor signal voltage and compare to expected voltage table for known temperatures. If vehicle documentation gives resistance vs temperature, heat/cool sensor and verify change.
- If signal or resistance out of range, disconnect sensor and measure resistance directly at sensor terminals. If sensor fails known-good test, replace sensor.
- If sensor tests good at connector but signal abnormal at module, perform continuity tests and check for short to power or ground in harness. Repair any wiring faults.
- Verify hydraulic oil level and condition. If oil is severely contaminated or degraded, service fluid and retest sensor behavior.
- After repairs or replacement, clear codes and perform functional test / road test while monitoring live data. Confirm code does not return.
- If wiring and sensor verify good yet code persists, consider module diagnostics or replacement per manufacturer procedures.
Likely causes
- Damaged wiring or connector (moisture/corrosion/wear)
- Defective hydraulic oil temperature sensor
- Missing or weak reference voltage / poor ground at sensor
- Contaminated or overheated hydraulic oil causing sensor reading error
- Faulty transmission control module (after wiring and sensor ruled out)
Fault status
Status
Hydraulic oil temperature sensor circuit — range/performance fault. MIL set when sensor signal is outside expected parameters.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.5 hours
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