Fault code P253F is called “Engine Oil Deteriorated” but in different programs it may be called differently. This fault designation applies to all vehicles equipped with OBD-II.
Technical description and explained code P253F
OBD-II trouble code P253F is a generic code defined as “engine oil deterioration”. It is set when the powertrain control module (PCM) detects that the engine oil change interval has been exceeded. Or the engine oil quality has deteriorated to the point where it needs to be replaced.
In vehicles equipped with engine oil life monitoring systems, the PCM uses different strategies and parameters to determine the remaining life. Typically, the least sophisticated systems simply count the mileage since the last oil change and reset the counter.
More sophisticated systems typically use information such as the number of engine starts and other parameters, including total distance traveled. Average temperature and humidity, average engine load, and the number of times the engine has been run with the throttle fully open can also be taken into account.
In practice, the rate of deterioration of an engine oil depends on many factors, such as oil oxidation and the effects of high engine temperatures on additives. This is followed by the combined effects of corrosive acids and the effect of oil dilution by unburned fuel that seeps into the oil.
All major car manufacturers recommend changing the engine oil at least once a year. Even if the distance traveled is significantly less than recommended.
When the PCM detects or determines that the engine oil has little remaining life, it sets code P253F. A warning light on the instrument cluster will then illuminate.
Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions
The main signal that an error P253F has occurred is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is also known as the CheckEngine Light.
It can also be warning signs such as:
- The “Check engine” control lamp on the control panel will light up (the code will be recorded in the memory as a fault).
- Oil check message.
- Low oil pressure.
- Bad engine start.
Error P253F related to oil quality is considered an average error, but it is recommended to eliminate it as soon as possible. Insufficient or poor-quality lubrication can cause irreversible internal engine damage.
Factors that can cause this error code
The error code P253F can mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:
- Oil quality sensor is defective.
- The oil life monitor needs to be reset.
- Oil change interval exceeded.
- Low engine oil level.
- Low oil quality.
- Excessive oil degradation due to engine overheating.
- Use of unsuitable oil.
- Presence of contaminants, such as metal wear particles.
- Sometimes the cause is a faulty PCM module.
How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P253F
Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P253F:
- Read all data and stored error codes, using an OBD-II scanner.
- Clear the codes and check if error code P253F appears again.
- Check the level and condition of the engine oil. If necessary, replace the oil along with the filter.
- Test the engine oil pressure.
- Inspect the oil quality sensor.
- Check the sensor with a digital multimeter, and replace it if necessary.
- Pay attention to mechanical wear on the engine. Physically check the oil pressure with a mechanical oil pressure gauge.
Diagnose and repair of problems
Check that the oil level is at the proper level, that it is not diluted with fuel or coolant, and that it is not of a thick, tarry consistency. If necessary, refill or replace the oil before proceeding with further diagnosis.
Perform a thorough visual inspection of the wiring to look for damaged, burned, disconnected, shorted, or corroded wires and connectors. If necessary, repair, clear code P253F and re-scan the system to see if the code returns.
Check the wiring with a multimeter
After no visible damage is found, check the oil quality sensor for resistance, ground and reference voltage. Compare all readings with those in the manual. If necessary, replace the wiring to ensure that all readings are in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
Remember to disconnect the oil quality sensor from the PCM during resistance and continuity checks to prevent damage to the controller.
Oil pressure check
It is necessary to make sure that the oil pressure is within the range specified by the manufacturer, this can be done by attaching a pressure gauge to the engine. Using a scanner is not recommended because the scanner uses the same information as the PCM.
The PCM and the scan tool may indicate an oil pressure condition that is based on incorrect data.
It may take a few seconds for the gauge to record a reading, but after about ten seconds it should stabilize. Record the reading and compare it to the value in the manual.
Allow the engine to warm up, watching the gauge reading. As the engine warms up, there may be a slight drop in pressure indicated by the pressure gauge. But oil pressure should not drop below the minimum specified value when the engine is at operating temperature.
Oil pressure readings that fall below the acceptable lower limits indicate excessive wear or other mechanical problems inside the engine. In this case, simply replacing the oil quality sensor will not solve error P253F.
On which vehicles does this problem occur most frequently
Fault code P253F can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:
- Chevrolet (Captiva)
- Ford (Kuga, Mondeo, Transit)
- Infiniti (QX70)
- Mazda
- Nissan (Qashqai, X-Trail)
- Opel (Combo, Corsa, Vivaro)
- Renault (Clio, Duster, Koleos, Megane)
- Vauxhall
Fault code P253F can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P250A, P250B, P250C, P250D, P250E, P250F, P252A, P252B, P252C, P252D, P252E, P252F.
