P0941Generic code

P0941 Code: Hydraulic Oil Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent

The P0941 code means the signal from the hydraulic oil temperature sensor keeps dropping out or jumping. Shifts can turn slower or harsher, mainly on a cold start. The cause is nearly always a loose connection or a damaged wire, found by wiggling the harness.

Severity
Medium
Can I keep driving?
Yes, but with caution
Estimated cost
$40 to $400
Difficulty
Medium
System
Transmission
Applies to
All OBD2 vehicles

Updated Reviewed by Renzo Chacca

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What the P0941 code means

Automated manual transmissions (Opel Easytronic, Fiat Dualogic, Toyota MMT, BMW SMG, Ford Durashift, Volkswagen ASG) and many dual-clutch gearboxes use electric or hydraulic actuators to release the clutch, pick the gear plane (selection) and engage the gear (engagement). The transmission computer watches every actuator through position sensors. The temperature of the hydraulic fluid changes how thick it is, and the computer uses that temperature to adjust the timing of each actuation.

The sensor changes its resistance with temperature and the computer reads the resulting voltage. The P0941 code is an intermittent fault. These dropouts almost always come from a loose connection or a damaged wire.

Without this signal the computer falls back on a fixed value, and shifts can be slower or harsher when the car is cold.

You find an intermittent fault by making it happen. With the engine running and the scan tool in graph mode, move the wiring harness one section at a time, tap the connector gently and, if needed, warm the area with a hair dryer or spray the connector with water. The spot where the reading jumps is where the fault is.

P0941 code symptoms

  • Check engine light on.
  • Shifts that are slower or harsher than normal.

Likely causes of the P0941 code

  1. Loose connector contact. Pins that are loose or pushed back out of the housing.
  2. Wire broken inside the insulation. It opens the circuit when the car vibrates.
  3. Harness rubbing against moving or hot parts.
  4. Sensor with an intermittent fault, often one that shows up only when it heats up.

How to diagnose the P0941 code step by step

  1. Read the sensor value on the scan tool and watch for sudden jumps.
  2. Inspect the connector for corrosion, water or loose pins.
  3. Check the supply and ground with the key on: the reference should be correct and the ground should drop less than 0.1 volt.
  4. Measure the signal with the connector plugged in and see whether it changes with the condition.
  5. Do the wiggle test on the harness with the scan tool in graph mode.
  6. Check continuity of each wire to the computer, which should be under 1 ohm.

How to fix the P0941 code

  • Repair the connector or the wiring.
  • Replace the sensor if the tests confirm it drops out.
  • Correct the real condition if there is one.
  • Clear the P0941 code and verify with a road test.

Technical reference data

  • NTC thermistor: its resistance drops as the fluid gets hotter.
  • Reference values only: check the manufacturer data for your vehicle.

Brand-specific notes

This is where the code is most often found. Many hydraulic systems call for one specific actuator fluid, and the reservoir should be inspected regularly.

P0941 on Opel

Very common on the Opel Easytronic.

P0941 on Fiat

Very common on the Fiat Dualogic.

P0941 on Toyota

Very common on the Toyota MMT.

P0941 on Smart

Very common on Smart cars with this kind of gearbox.

P0941 on BMW

Very common on the BMW SMG.

Frequently asked questions about P0941

Can I drive with a P0941 code?
Yes, with caution. Shifts may be slower or harsher when the signal drops out, but the car normally keeps running.
Does the sensor have to be replaced?
Only if the tests confirm it. The connector and the wiring fail just as often as the sensor does.
What does the hydraulic oil temperature sensor do?
Automated manual transmissions (Opel Easytronic, Fiat Dualogic, Toyota MMT, BMW SMG, Ford Durashift, Volkswagen ASG) and many dual-clutch gearboxes use electric or hydraulic actuators to release the clutch, pick the gear plane (selection) and engage the gear (engagement). The transmission computer watches each actuator with position sensors. The temperature of the hydraulic fluid changes its thickness, and the computer uses it to adjust the timing of each actuation.
How much does it cost to fix P0941?
As a rough guide, between $40 and $400. Most of the cost is the time spent finding the loose spot, then a small connector or wire repair.
What does the P0941 code mean?
It means the oil temperature signal is cutting out or jumping at random. The computer cannot hold a steady reading from the sensor.
Will a P0941 code clear itself?
The light may go out when the fault stops showing, but an intermittent connection usually returns. Find the bad contact or wire instead of just clearing it.

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