P250E – Engine Oil Level Sensor Circuit Intermittent / Irregular

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 P250E fault code may include:

  • The 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 P250E 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 fuse link (if applicable)
  • Faulty PCM

What are the troubleshooting steps for P250E?

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 a lot of 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 integrate several 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 does not show obvious defects such as scraping, rubbing, bare wires, or burns. 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 fuse link is incorporated into the circuit.

Advanced Steps

Advanced steps become very vehicle-specific and require appropriate advanced equipment to operate 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 appropriate sequence to follow to help you make 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 short-circuited and must be repaired or replaced. A continuity test from the PCM to the chassis will confirm the service level of the ground straps and wires. The presence of resistance indicates a loose connection or possible corrosion.

What are the common repairs for this code?

  • Replacement or cleaning of the engine oil level sensor
  • Changing the oil and filter
  • Cleaning corrosion from connectors
  • Repairing or replacing faulty wiring
  • Replacing a blown fuse or fuse link (if applicable)
  • Repairing or replacing faulty ground straps
  • Replacement of the PCM

Common Mistake

Replacing the engine oil level sensor when there is faulty wiring or connections causes the PCM to set this code.
I hope the information in this article has been helpful in guiding you in the right direction to correct the issue with the engine oil level sensor circuit error code. This article is strictly informational, and the technical data and service bulletins specific to your vehicle should always take priority.

P2510 – ECM/PCM Power Relay Sense Circuit Range/Performance

P2510 Possible Causes

  • Faulty ECM/PCM power relay
  • ECM/PCM power relay circuit is open or shorted
  • Poor electrical connection in ECM/PCM power relay circuit

How to Fix Code P2510

Check the “Possible Causes” listed above. Visually inspect the wiring harness and related connectors. Check for damaged components and look for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector pins.

Possible Symptoms

Illuminated engine light (or service engine soon warning light)

P2510 Meaning

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM)/Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the voltage of the ECM/PCM power relay. The ECM/PCM sets the OBDII code when the ECM/PCM power relay is outside factory specifications.

P2511 – Intermittent ECM/PCM Power Relay Sensing Circuit

P2511 Possible Causes

  • Faulty ECM/PCM power relay
  • ECM/PCM power relay wiring harness is open or short-circuited
  • Poor electrical connection in the ECM/PCM power relay circuit

How to Fix Code P2511

Check the “Possible Causes” listed above. Visually inspect the wiring harness and related connectors. Check for damaged components and look for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector pins.

Possible Symptoms

Engine light on (or service engine soon warning light)

P2511 Meaning

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM)/Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the voltage of the ECM/PCM power relay. The ECM/PCM sets the OBDII code set when the ECM/PCM power relay is outside factory specifications.

P2512 – Event Data Recorder Request Circuit / Open

P2512 Possible Causes

  • Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
  • Powertrain Control Module (PCM) harness is open or shorted
  • Poor electrical connection in Powertrain Control Module (PCM) circuit
  • Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software needs updating

How to Fix Code P2512

Check the “Possible Causes” listed above. Visually inspect the related wiring harness and connectors. Look for damaged components and check for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector pins.

Possible Symptoms

Illuminated engine light (or service engine soon warning light)

P2512 Meaning

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors PCM communication with other control units (e.g., Transmission Control Unit, ABS Control Unit). The PCM sets the OBDII code when it fails to communicate with other control units, either due to software or electrical issues (e.g., broken wires or loose connection).

P2513 – Low Event Data Recorder Request Circuit

P2513 Possible Causes

  • Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
  • Powertrain Control Module (PCM) harness is open or shorted
  • Poor electrical connection in Powertrain Control Module (PCM) circuit
  • Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software update needed

How to Fix Code P2513

Check the “Possible Causes” listed above. Visually inspect the related wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and look for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector pins.

Symptoms

Possible

Illuminated engine light (or service engine soon warning light)

P2513 Meaning

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors PCM communication with other control units (e.g., transmission control unit, ABS control unit). The PCM sets the OBDII code when it fails to communicate with other control units, either due to software or electrical issues (e.g., broken wires or loose connection).

P2514 – High Event Data Recorder Request Circuit

P2514 Possible Causes

  • Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
  • Powertrain Control Module (PCM) harness is open or shorted
  • Poor electrical connection in Powertrain Control Module (PCM) circuit
  • Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software update needed

How to Fix Code P2514

Check the “Possible Causes” listed above. Visually inspect the related wiring harness and connectors. Look for damaged components and check for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector pins.

Possible Symptoms

Illuminated engine light (or service engine soon warning light)

P2514 Meaning

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors PCM communication with other control units (e.g., transmission control unit, ABS control unit). The PCM sets the OBDII code when it fails to communicate with other control units, either due to software or electrical issues (e.g., broken wires or loose connection).

P2515 – Malfunction in Refrigerant Pressure Sensor B A/C Circuit

How serious is this DTC?

In my opinion, the severity of any CVC-related code will be quite low. In this case, pressurized refrigerant is involved, so it might be more of an urgent issue. Who knows, a refrigerant leak could be causing this code, and a refrigerant leak is certainly a hazard, so make sure you have some basic knowledge of refrigerant safety before attempting any kind of repair on the air conditioning system.

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P2515 diagnostic code may include:

  • Inaccurate temperatures from the fan air
  • Limited HVAC usage
  • Erratic/fluctuating fan air temperature
  • Air conditioning compressor not engaging when needed
  • HVAC system operating abnormally

What are some common causes of the code?

Causes of this P2515 transmission code may include:

  • Faulty or damaged A/C refrigerant pressure sensor
  • Leak in the air conditioning refrigerant pressure sensor
  • Low or incorrect refrigerant pressures/level
  • Damaged wire(s) (open, short to +, short to -, etc.)
  • Damaged connector
  • ECC (Electronic Climate Control) or BCM (Body Control Module) issue
  • Poor connections

What are the diagnostic and troubleshooting steps for P2515?

Before starting the troubleshooting process for any malfunction, you should look up the technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the specific vehicle by year, model, and transmission. This step can save you time and money during diagnosis and repair!

Basic Step #1

Depending on the tools/knowledge you have access to, you can easily check the operation of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensors. The two simple ways to do this are: 1. Depending on the capabilities and limitations of your OBD reader/scan tool, you may be able to monitor refrigerant pressures and other desired values while the system is running to check sensor functionality. 2. If you have a set of A/C manifold gauges, you can monitor pressures mechanically and compare them with the specific desired values from your manufacturer.

TIP: If you have no experience with refrigerant, I would not recommend diving into pressure testing, so make sure you’re not in over your head here; refrigerant is an environmental hazard, so it’s not something to play around with.

Basic Step #2

Test the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor. As I mentioned earlier, most of the time, this sensor is a 3-wire pressure transducer. That said, testing it will involve testing between the pins and recording your results. The desired values for this test vary significantly between manufacturers, temperatures, sensor type, etc., so make sure your information is accurate.

NOTE: Make sure to use the appropriate test pins with your multimeter when testing pins/connectors. A damaged pin or connector could cause future intermittent electrical gremlins that are hard to find.

Basic Step #3

Check the wiring. Sometimes these sensors will be mounted on an air conditioning pressure line or near a line connection, so the harness will be routed accordingly. I have personally seen these sensors damaged by moving parts under the hood because the line wasn’t properly secured. Make sure the sensor is in good physical condition and the line is properly attached.

P2516 – Refrigerant Pressure Sensor B A/C Circuit Range / Performance

How serious is this DTC?

In my opinion, the severity of any HVAC-related code will be quite low. In this case, pressurized refrigerant is involved, so it might be more of an urgent issue. Who knows, a refrigerant leak could be causing this code, and a refrigerant leak is certainly a hazard, so make sure you have some basic knowledge of refrigerant safety before attempting any kind of repair on the air conditioning system.

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P2516 diagnostic code may include:

  • Inaccurate temperatures from the fan air
  • Limited HVAC operation
  • Erratic/fluctuating fan air temperature
  • Air conditioning compressor not engaging when needed
  • HVAC system operating abnormally

What are some common causes of the code?

Causes

of this P2516 transmission code may include:

  • Faulty or damaged A/C refrigerant pressure sensor
  • Leak in the air conditioning refrigerant pressure sensor
  • Low or incorrect refrigerant pressures/level
  • Damaged wire(s) (open, short to +, short to -, etc.)
  • Damaged connector
  • ECC (Electronic Climate Control) or BCM (Body Control Module) issue
  • Poor connections

What are the diagnostic and troubleshooting steps for P2516?

Before starting the troubleshooting process for any malfunction, you should look up the technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the specific vehicle by year, model, and transmission. This step can save you time and money during diagnosis and repair!

Basic Step #1

Depending on the tools/knowledge you have access to, you can easily check the operation of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensors. The two simple ways to do this are: 1. Depending on the capabilities and limitations of your OBD reader/scan tool, you may be able to monitor refrigerant pressures and other desired values while the system is running to check sensor functionality. 2. If you have a set of A/C manifold gauges, you can monitor pressures mechanically and compare the pressures with the specific desired values from your manufacturer.

TIP: If you have no experience with refrigerant, I would not recommend diving into pressure testing, so make sure you’re not in over your head here; refrigerant is an environmental hazard, so it’s not something to play around with.

Basic Step #2

Test the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor. As I mentioned earlier, most of the time, this sensor is a 3-wire pressure transducer. That said, testing it will involve testing between the pins and recording your results. The desired values for this test vary significantly between manufacturers, temperatures, sensor type, etc., so make sure your information is accurate.

NOTE: Make sure to use the appropriate test pins with your multimeter when testing pins/connectors. A damaged pin or connector could cause future intermittent electrical gremlins that are hard to find.

Basic Step #3

Check the wiring. Sometimes these sensors will be mounted on an air conditioning pressure line or near a line connection, so the harness will be routed accordingly. I have personally seen these sensors damaged by moving parts under the hood because the line wasn’t properly secured. Make sure the sensor is in good physical condition and the line is properly attached.

P2517 – Low A/C Refrigerant Pressure Sensor B Circuit

How serious is this DTC?

In my opinion, the severity of any HVAC-related code will be quite low. In this case, pressurized refrigerant is involved, so it might be more of an urgent issue. Who knows, a refrigerant leak could be causing this code, and a refrigerant leak is certainly a hazard, so make sure you have some basic knowledge of refrigerant safety before attempting any kind of repair on the air conditioning system.

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P2517 diagnostic code may include:

  • Inaccurate temperatures from the fan air
  • Limited HVAC usage
  • Erratic/fluctuating fan air temperature
  • Air conditioning compressor not engaging when needed
  • HVAC system operating abnormally

What are some common causes of the code?

Causes of this P2517 transmission code may include:

  • Faulty or damaged A/C refrigerant pressure sensor
  • Leak in the air conditioning refrigerant pressure sensor
  • Low or incorrect refrigerant pressures/level
  • Damaged wire(s) (open, short to +, short to -, etc.)
  • Damaged connector
  • ECC (Electronic Climate Control) or BCM (Body Control Module) issue
  • Poor connections

What are the diagnostic and troubleshooting steps for P2517?

Before starting the troubleshooting process for any malfunction, you should look up the technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the specific vehicle by year, model, and transmission. This step can save you time and money during diagnosis and repair!

Basic Step #1

Depending on the tools/knowledge you have access to, you can easily check the operation of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensors. The two simple ways to do this are: 1. Depending on the capabilities and limitations of your OBD reader/scan tool, you may be able to monitor refrigerant pressures and other desired values while the system is running to check sensor functionality. 2. If you have a set of A/C manifold gauges, you can monitor pressures mechanically and compare the pressures with the specific desired values from your manufacturer.

TIP: If you have no experience with refrigerant, I would not recommend diving into pressure testing, so make sure you’re not in over your head here; refrigerant is an environmental hazard, so it’s not something to play around with.

Basic Step #2

Test the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor. As I mentioned earlier, most of the time, this sensor is a 3-wire pressure transducer. That said, testing it will involve testing between the pins and recording your results. The desired values for this test vary significantly between manufacturers, temperatures, sensor type, etc., so make sure your information is accurate.

NOTE: Make sure to use the appropriate test pins with your multimeter when testing pins/connectors. A damaged pin or connector could cause future intermittent electrical gremlins that are hard to find.

Basic Step #3

Check the wiring. Sometimes these sensors will be mounted on an air conditioning pressure line or near a line connection, so the harness will be routed accordingly. I have personally seen these sensors damaged by moving parts under the hood because the line was not properly secured. Make sure the sensor is in good physical condition and the line is properly attached.

P2518 – A/C Refrigerant Pressure High Sensor B Circuit

How serious is this DTC?

In my opinion, the severity of any HVAC-related code will be quite low. In this case, pressurized refrigerant is involved, so it might be more of an urgent issue. Who knows, a refrigerant leak could be causing this code, and a refrigerant leak is certainly a hazard, so make sure you have some basic knowledge of refrigerant safety before attempting any kind of repair on the air conditioning system.

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P2518 diagnostic code may include:

  • Inaccurate temperatures from the fan air
  • Limited HVAC use
  • Erratic/fluctuating fan air temperature
  • Air conditioning compressor not engaging when needed
  • HVAC system operating abnormally

What are some common causes of the code?

Causes of this P2518 transmission code may include:

  • Faulty or damaged A/C refrigerant pressure sensor
  • Leak in the air conditioning refrigerant pressure sensor
  • Low or incorrect refrigerant pressures/level
  • Damaged wire(s) (open, short to +, short to -, etc.)
  • Damaged connector
  • ECC (Electronic Climate Control) or BCM (Body Control Module) issue
  • Poor connections

What are the diagnostic and troubleshooting steps for P2518?

Before starting the troubleshooting process for any malfunction, you should look up the technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the specific vehicle by year, model, and transmission. This step can save you time and money during diagnosis and repair!

Basic Step #1

Depending on the tools/knowledge you have access to, you can easily check the operation of the A/C refrigerant pressure sensors. The two simple ways to do this are: 1. Depending on the capabilities and limitations of your OBD reader/scan tool, you may be able to monitor refrigerant pressures and other desired values while the system is running to check sensor functionality. 2. If you have a set of A/C manifold gauges, you can monitor pressures mechanically and compare the pressures with the specific desired values from your manufacturer.

TIP: If you have no experience with refrigerant, I would not recommend diving into pressure testing, so make sure you’re not in over your head here; refrigerant is an environmental hazard, so it’s not something to play around with.

Basic Step #2

Test the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor. As I mentioned earlier, most of the time, this sensor is a 3-wire pressure transducer. That said, testing it will involve testing between the pins and recording your results. The desired values for this test vary significantly between manufacturers, temperatures, sensor type, etc., so make sure your information is accurate.

NOTE: Make sure to use the appropriate test pins with your multimeter when testing pins/connectors. A damaged pin or connector could cause future intermittent electrical gremlins that are hard to find.

Basic Step #3

Check the wiring. Sometimes these sensors will be mounted on an air conditioning pressure line or near a line connection, so the harness will be routed accordingly. I have personally seen these sensors damaged by moving parts under the hood because the line was not properly secured. Make sure the sensor is in good physical condition and the line is properly attached.