P0298 OBD-II Trouble Code: Engine Oil Over Temperature Condition

Our certified mechanics come to you · Get a fair and transparent estimate upfront


Cost of diagnosing the P0298 code

P0298 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Engine Oil Over Temperature Condition". This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation. Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office to perform the Check Engine Light diagnostic for $154.99 . Once we are able to diagnose the problem, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $50.0 off as a credit towards the repair. All our repairs are backed by our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.

Cars Estimate* Credit towards follow-up repair Earliest Availability
Ford $154.99 $50.0
Toyota $154.99 $50.0
BMW $164.99 $50.0

*Estimates may vary by market

SCHEDULE P0298 DIAGNOSTIC Get a fair and transparent estimate upfront

P0298 code definition

The P0298 code is stored when the PCM detects that the engine is or has recently overheated, according to a signal from the engine oil temperature sensor.

What the P0298 code means

During engine operation, the engine oil temperature sensor is used by the PCM to ensure that the engine is operating without getting too hot. Operating a vehicle when it is overheating can lead to major engine failure, so this is a very important function of the PCM. If the engine oil temperature sensor indicates that the engine oil is too hot (and therefore, the engine is too hot), the PCM will store the P0298 code.

What causes the P0298 code?

If an engine is overheating, the most likely cause is a low engine coolant level. However, faulty cooling fans, cracked cylinder heads, a faulty thermostat, or a faulty radiator can all cause an engine to overheat.

If the code was stored when the engine had not overheated, it could be due to another cause, such as:

  • Faulty coolant temperature sensor
  • Open or shorted electrical components
  • Faulty PCM

These possible causes are very rare, and none of these parts should be replaced without first testing for the most likely causes leading to an engine overheating.

What are the symptoms of the P0298 code?

There may be no symptoms at all beyond the illumination of the Check Engine Light; however, in many cases, there will be smoke coming from the engine; the engine may make “burping” or “ticking” noises; or the engine may be disabled entirely if the vehicle model includes certain safety features.

How does a mechanic diagnose the P0298 code?

After an OBD-II scanner detects the P0298 code, the mechanic should begin with a chemical block test. This test can help provide a comparison reading, so that after the mechanic replaces any components (such as the thermostat, water pump, radiator, etc.), the reading can be checked again to ensure that the repair fixed the issue.

After this data is gathered, the mechanic should begin using a cooling system pressure tester to find a coolant leak. If this coolant leak is not found, then the mechanic should continue testing other components, such as the thermostat, cooling fan, or radiator, until they find the component that is not giving a voltage reading within the manufacturer’s specifications.

After any repair is attempted, the mechanic should be sure to clear the code from the PCM and retest the system, to be sure that the repair actually fixed the issue.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P0298 code

Most of the time, common misdiagnoses with the P0298 code come from replacing parts without performing a thorough system check. For example: many technicians will replace leaking cooling system components, instead of checking the entire cooling system for issues. While these parts likely needed the replacement, a full system check can reveal underlying issues that will ruin the replacement components the same way they did the leaking components.

How serious is the P0298 code?

If the P0298 code is being detected, the vehicle must be repaired as soon as possible. This code represents a very serious issue that can lead to unsafe driving conditions, or to major engine failure if left unchecked.

What repairs can fix the P0298 code?

There are many steps that a technician will likely have to follow in order to fully address a P0298 code detection. They include:

Need help with a P0298 code?

YourMechanic offers certified mobile mechanics who will come to your home or office to diagnose and repair your vehicle. Get a quote and book an appointment online or speak to a service advisor at 1-800-701-6230.

Check Engine Light
trouble codes
P0298

No more waiting rooms! Our mechanics will come to you to diagnose and fix the P0298 code.

SCHEDULE P0298 DIAGNOSTIC
Get a $50 credit for the follow-up repair

Recent Check Engine Light is on Inspection reviews

Excellent Rating

(8600)

Rating Summary
8017
273
65
46
199
8017
273
65
46
199
 at YourMechanic

Brandon

9 years of experience
133 reviews
Brandon
9 years of experience
Ford Escort L4-2.0L - Check Engine Light is on - Nashville, Tennessee
Brandon showed up ahead of schedule, was very personable and diagnosed my problems. He also scheduled my next appointments which will be with him.
 at YourMechanic

William

23 years of experience
33 reviews
William
23 years of experience
Lexus IS250 V6-2.5L - Check Engine Light is on - Mableton, Georgia
Arrived early which was great. William was courteous, and attentive to the issue. Even though it took several attempts I'm so happy he was determined to fix it and he did!
 at YourMechanic

Dan

40 years of experience
1080 reviews
Dan
40 years of experience
Plymouth Grand Voyager - Check Engine Light is on - Lawrenceville, Georgia
Mr. Dan Barber was quite patient, courteous and quite knowledgeable. From my observation, Mr. Barber appears to be quite professional.
 at YourMechanic

Christopher

9 years of experience
120 reviews
Christopher
9 years of experience
Ford Fiesta L4-1.6L - Check Engine Light is on - Smyrna, Georgia
Chris communicated with us each step of the way up until his arrival. He listened well, was knowledgeable, and was prepared. He took the time to diagnose the problem, explained the what, why and how and provided a solution. I would definitely recommend him and will use him again.


More related articles

P0800 OBD-II Trouble Code: Transfer Case Control System (MIL Request)
P0800 P0800 code definition Transfer Case Control System (MIL Request) What the P0800 code means P0800 is an OBD-II generic code that the engine control module (ECM) got an input from the transfer case control module (TCCM) to turn on...
P2729 OBD-II Trouble Code: Pressure Control Solenoid E Control Circuit Low
P2729 means a solenoid has malfunctioned due to a failing transmission, faulty sensors or solenoids, low fluid levels or electrical issues
P0753 OBD-II Trouble Code: Shift Solenoid A Electrical/1-2 Shift Solenoid Circuit Electrical
P0753 code means that the PCM has detected an electrical abnormality within the transmission shift solenoid A often due too an faulty shift solenoid.

Related questions

My horn won't work
The horn being inoperative could be from either the steering wheel clock spring, or the horn assembly. Both have been known to cause the problem you described. The Check Engine Light could be on for a sensor problem, or a...
I just replaced my brake master cylinder and the brakes still feel soft. What do I need to do after I replace the master cylinder
From what you've described you will have to bleed your brakes (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-does-it-mean-to-bleed-your-brakes). Also, I believe you may have a leak (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-fluid-is-leaking-inspection) in one of the lines. You may want to use a wrench and tighten the lines a little more....
Remanufactured engine running lean
Since you are using a cold air intake and most likely an air filter that is oil sprayed on it. These air filters are known to pass some of the oil that is put on it and will contaminate the...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com