Theory Of Operation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Dodge Avenger and 2013 Chrysler 200. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The oil temperature sensor is a variable resistor that measures the temperature of the engine oil. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) supplies a 5 Volt reference and a ground to the sensors low reference signal circuit. When the oil temperature is low, the sensor resistance is high. When the oil temperature is high, the sensor resistance is low.