How severe is this DTC?
The severity of this code is serious and requires immediate attention. Insufficient lubrication or oil pressure can damage internal engine components very quickly.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P250D fault code may include:
- Engine may not start
- Oil pressure gauge reading
- Service engine soon light
- Check engine light on
What are some common causes of the code?
Causes of this P250D code may include:
- Faulty oil level sensor
- Dirty or clogged oil pressure sensor
- Low engine oil level
- Engine oil level too high
- Faulty or damaged wiring
- Corroded, damaged, or loose connector
- Faulty fuse or fusible link (if applicable)
- Faulty PCM
What are the troubleshooting steps for P250D?
The first step in troubleshooting any malfunction is to search for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the specific vehicle by year, model, and powertrain. In some circumstances, this can save you significant time in the long run by pointing you in the right direction.
The second step is to check the engine oil condition and confirm it is maintained at the appropriate level. Then locate all components associated with the engine oil level sensor circuit and look for obvious physical damage. Based on the specific vehicle, this circuit may incorporate multiple components, including the oil pressure sensor, switches, fault indicators, an oil pressure gauge, and the PCM. Perform a thorough visual inspection to check that the associated wiring shows no obvious defects such as scraping, rubbing, bare wires, or burn marks. Next, check connectors and connections for security, corrosion, and damaged pins. This process should include all wiring connectors and connections to all components, including the PCM. Consult vehicle-specific technical data to check the oil level safety circuit configuration and see if a fuse or fusible link is incorporated into the circuit.
Advanced Steps
Advanced steps become very vehicle-specific and require appropriate advanced equipment to perform accurately. These procedures require a digital multimeter and vehicle-specific technical references. In this situation, an oil pressure gauge can facilitate the troubleshooting process.
Voltage Checks
Reference voltage and acceptable ranges may vary depending on the specific vehicle and circuit configuration. Specific technical data will include troubleshooting charts and the proper sequence to follow to help you establish an accurate diagnosis.
If this process identifies the absence of a power source or ground, continuity tests may be required to verify the integrity of the wiring, connectors, and other components. Continuity tests should always be performed with the power disconnected from the circuit, and normal readings for wiring and connections should be 0 ohms of resistance. Resistance or lack of continuity is an indication of faulty wiring that is open or shorted and must be repaired or replaced. A PCM-to-chassis continuity test will confirm the service level of ground straps and wires. The presence of resistance indicates a loose connection or possible corrosion.
What are the common repairs for this code?
- Replacing or cleaning the engine oil level sensor
- Changing oil and filter
- Cleaning corrosion from connectors
- Repairing or replacing faulty wiring
- Replacing a blown fuse or fusible link (if applicable)
- Repairing or replacing faulty ground straps
- Replacing the PCM
Common Mistake
- Replacing the engine oil level sensor when faulty wiring or connections are causing the PCM to set this code.
- I hope the information in this article has been helpful in pointing you in the right direction to fix the issue with the engine oil level sensor circuit error code. This article is strictly informational, and your vehicle’s specific technical data and service bulletins should always take priority.