AutoCodesSaturn – P1189 Saturn

P1189 Saturn Code - Engine Oil Pressure Switch Fault

Quick Answer

The low oil pressure sensor is normally closed. Common causes include Faulty Engine Oil Pressure Switch, Engine Oil Pressure Switch harness is open or shorted, Engine Oil Pressure Switch circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P1189 Saturn indicates Engine Oil Pressure Switch Fault.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Engine Oil Pressure Switch, Engine Oil Pressure Switch harness is open or shorted, Engine Oil Pressure Switch circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 2,910
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on May 17, 2019
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Code P1189 Saturn Description

The low oil pressure sensor is normally closed. When oil pressure increases above 1 to 4.5 psi the switch contacts open. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) supplies 12 volts to the oil pressure input circuit. With low oil pressure the 12 volts is pulled low to ground. This diagnostic tests for a open condition of the oil pressure switch circuit. If the engine has been off long enough for engine temperature to drop by 10°C, then a shorted (low oil pressure) condition of the circuit should be observed prior to engine running.
OBDII Code P1189 Saturn - Engine Oil Pressure Switch Fault - AutoCodes.com
P1189 Saturn Code - Engine Oil Pressure Switch Fault

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1189 Saturn?

  • Faulty Engine Oil Pressure Switch
  • Engine Oil Pressure Switch harness is open or shorted
  • Engine Oil Pressure Switch circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1189 Saturn?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1189 Saturn code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P1189 Saturn code?

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P1189 Saturn Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1189 mean on a Saturn?

P1189 indicates an Engine Oil Pressure Switch Fault, meaning the sensor that monitors oil pressure may not be functioning correctly.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P1189 in a Saturn vehicle?

Symptoms may include the oil pressure warning light turning on, erratic oil pressure readings, or engine performance issues such as rough idling.

3. Can driving with code P1189 damage my Saturn engine?

Yes, ignoring this code can lead to engine damage if low oil pressure is the actual issue and not just a faulty switch.

4. What causes code P1189 in Saturn vehicles?

Common causes include a faulty oil pressure switch, damaged wiring or connectors, low oil pressure due to insufficient oil levels, or a failing oil pump.

5. How do I diagnose code P1189 in my Saturn?

Start by checking the oil level, inspecting the oil pressure switch and its wiring, and testing the actual oil pressure with a manual gauge to rule out mechanical issues.

6. Can I fix code P1189 on my Saturn myself?

If you're comfortable working on cars, you can replace the oil pressure switch or repair damaged wiring. However, diagnosing oil pressure issues may require specialized tools.

7. How much does it cost to repair code P1189 in a Saturn?

Replacing the oil pressure switch typically costs $50–$150 for parts and labor, but resolving oil pump issues could range from $300 to $1,000.

8. Does code P1189 mean I need an oil change?

Not necessarily, but you should check your oil level and condition. Dirty or low oil can sometimes trigger this code.

9. Is code P1189 specific to Saturn vehicles?

While P1189 is common in Saturn models, other manufacturers may use a different code for similar oil pressure switch issues.

10. How do I clear code P1189 after repairing my Saturn?

Use an OBDII scanner to clear the code after completing repairs and verifying that the fault is resolved.

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