P253F Engine Oil Deteriorated
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Engine Oil Deteriorated
What does that mean?
This is a generic powertrain diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and applies to many OBD-II vehicles (1996-newer). That may include but is not limited to vehicles from Ford, Vauxhall, Mazda, Nissan, Renault, etc. Although generic, the exact repair steps may vary depending on year, make, model and powertrain configuration.
OBD-II trouble code P253F is associated with the engine oil quality. Specifically, this code indicates that the engine oil's quality is degraded to the point where it requires changing.
Mazda has this to say about the code:
The PCM calculates the traveled distance and the number of days used after reset, and determines the engine oil deterioration.
The PCM determines engine oil deterioration by the traveled distance of the vehicle or if the number of days used exceeds the specified value, and stores a DTC.
Some vehicles use what's called an oil life monitor (OLM) The vehicle may use an oil quality sensor or a strategy that counts the time the engine has been running (hours) and the distance driven. The vehicle's main computer called a PCM powertrain control module uses that information to determine when the oil is degraded beyond a safe limit. This OLM will tell the driver that an oil change is due at a determined interval.
You may see the check engine / service engine lamp illuminated. In addition, you may also have a warning message stating "Oil Change Due" or something similar.
What is the severity of this DTC?
The severity of this code is moderate because insufficient lubrication can cause permanent damage internally to the engine.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P253F trouble code may include:
Engine may not crank over Low oil pressure gauge reading Service engine soon light illuminated Check engine light illuminated Check Oil message on instrument clusterWhat are some of the common causes of the code?
Causes for this P253F code may include:
Low engine oil level Poor quality oil Oil life monitor needs to be reset Defective PCM strategyWhat are some P253F troubleshooting steps?
In the case of this code, the first thing to do would be to check the level and condition of the engine's oil. If it doesn't look fresh and new, change it and the oil filter.
If the oil does look new and fresh then it is possible that the oil life monitor (OLM) may not have been reset when the oil was changed last. If that's the case, you may need to reset the OLM and clear this trouble code.
If you receive this code and you have fresh oil and filter, and the oil life monitor is reset, then it's possible that the vehicle's PCM may need to be recalibrated. That is not a DIY friendly task. Check for service bulletins that apply to your year / make / model / engine before proceeding with any recalibration steps.
FYI: we are aware of a Mazda service bulletin R020/14 that specifically addresses this code.
Hopefully, the information in this article has been helpful to point you in the right direction to correct the problem with your deteriorated oil trouble code. This article is strictly informational and the specific technical data and service bulletins for your vehicle should always take priority.
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