Engine Oil Level — Data Valid But Below Normal Operational Range — Most Sever...
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FAULT CODE 253
Engine Oil Level — Data Valid But Below Normal
Operational Range — Most Severe Level
Overview
CODE REASON EFFECT
Fault Code: 253 Engine Oil Level — Data Valid But Below The engine may derate.
PID: P98 Normal Operational Range — Most Possible low oil pressure,
SPN: 98 Severe Level. Very low oil level has been possible severe engine
FMI: 1 detected by the oil level sensor. damage.
LAMP: Red
SRT:
Circuit: Engine Oil Level Sensor.
Circuit Description
An algorithm in the ECM calibration monitors engine oil level while the ECM is keyed on
and no engine speed is detected. If the engine oil level falls below a certain threshold, the
ECM will activate Fault 253.
Component Location
The engine oil level sensor is located on the engine oil dipstick, on the air intake side of the
engine. Refer to Procedure 100-002 (Engine Diagrams) in section E for further details on
dipstick location.
Shop Talk
If inactive counts of Fault 253 are logged in the ECM, it could be possible that the engine
was running or keyed on while tilted at an angle severe enough to cause this fault to be
triggered.
Other causes of fault code 253 may include:
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z The engine may not have been filled to proper capacity during the most recent oil
change
z External engine oil leaks (oil leaking onto the ground)
z Internal engine oil leaks (oil leaking into the fuel system or cooling system)
z High engine oil consumption/power cylinder failure (check for abnormally high blowby
when the engine is loaded).
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Information:
z The ECM illuminates the appropriate amber or red fault lamp when the diagnostic
runs and fails
z The ECM turns off the appropriate fault lamp when the diagnostic runs and passes.
Cautions and Warnings
CAUTION
To reduce the possibility of damaging a new ECM, all other active fault
codes must be investigated prior to replacing the ECM.
CAUTION
To reduce the possibility of pin and harness damage, use the following
test leads when taking a measurement:
Part Number 3822758 - male Deutsch/AMP/Metri-Pack test lead
Part Number 3822917 - female Deutsch/AMP/Metri-Pack test lead.
Troubleshooting Steps
STEPS SPECIFICATIONS
STEP 1. Check the fault codes.
STEP 1A. Read the fault codes Fault Code 253 active?
STEP 2. Clear the fault codes.
STEP 2A. Disable the fault codes. Fault Code 253 inactive?
STEP 2B. Clear the inactive fault All fault codes cleared?
codes.
Guided Step 1 - Check the fault codes.
Guided Step 1A - Read the fault codes
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Conditions
z Connect INSITE™ electronic
service tool.
z Turn keyswitch ON.
z Engine oil temperature near
ambient temperature.
z Make sure the vehicle is parked on
level ground.
Action
Read the fault codes.
z Use INSITE™ to read the fault
codes.
Fault Code 253 active? Fault Code 253 active?
YES NO
Low engine lubricating oil level has been No Repair
detected.
Add engine lubricating oil to the engine.
Refer to Procedure 007-037.
Go to 2A Go to 2A
Guided Step 2 - Clear the fault codes
Guided Step 2A - Disable the fault codes.
Conditions
z Turn keyswitch OFF.
z Wait 30 seconds, and then turn the
keyswitch on.
z Connect INSITE™ electronic
service tool.
Action
Determine if fault 253 is inactive.
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Use INSITE™ to determine if fault 253 is
inactive.
Is fault 253 inactive? Is fault 253 inactive?
YES NO
No Repair Troubleshooting procedures need to be
repeated from the beginning. A failure
mode should have been detected.
Go to 2B Go to 1A
Guided Step 2B - Clear the inactive fault codes.
Conditions
z Connect all components
z Connect INSITE™ electronic
service tool
z Turn keyswitch ON.
Action
Clear the inactive fault codes.
z Erase the inactive fault codes
using INSITE™.
All fault codes cleared? All fault codes cleared?
YES NO
No Repair No Repair
Repair complete. Appropriate troubleshooting steps.
Last Modified: 02-Jun-2005
Copyright© 2005
Cummins, Inc.
All rights reserved
10:42:57 2007-07-20
