Technical Description of OBD-II Trouble Code
Engine Oil Deteriorated
What does that signify?
This is a generic powertrain diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that is applicable to many OBD-II vehicles (1996-newer). This includes vehicles from Ford, Vauxhall, Mazda, Nissan, Renault, and others. Although it is a generic code, the specific repair steps may vary depending on the year, make, model, and powertrain configuration.
OBD-II trouble code P253F is related to the quality of the engine oil. Specifically, this code indicates that the engine oil has degraded to the point where it needs to be changed.
Mazda provides the following information about the code:
The PCM calculates the distance traveled and the number of days used since the last reset, and determines the deterioration of the engine oil.
The PCM determines the deterioration of the engine oil based on the distance traveled by the vehicle or if the number of days used exceeds the specified value, and stores a DTC.
Some vehicles use an oil life monitor (OLM) that utilizes an oil quality sensor or a strategy that counts the running time of the engine (in hours) and the distance driven. The vehicle’s main computer, known as the PCM (powertrain control module), uses this information to determine when the oil has degraded beyond a safe limit. The OLM will notify the driver when an oil change is due at a predetermined interval.
You may notice that the check engine/service engine lamp is illuminated. Additionally, you may receive 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 internal damage to the engine.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P253F trouble code may include:
What are some of the common causes of the code?
Causes for this P253F code may include:
What 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 oil. If it does not appear fresh and new, it should be changed along with the oil filter.
If the oil does appear fresh and new, it is possible that the oil life monitor (OLM) was not reset during the last oil change. If that is the case, the OLM may need to be reset in order to clear this trouble code.
If you receive this code and you have fresh oil and a filter, and the oil life monitor has been reset, it is possible that the vehicle’s PCM may need to be recalibrated. However, this is not a task that can be easily done by oneself. Before proceeding with any recalibration steps, check for service bulletins that apply to your specific year, make, model, and engine.
It is worth noting that there is a Mazda service bulletin R020/14 that specifically addresses this code.
We hope that the information provided in this article has been helpful in guiding you towards resolving the issue with your deteriorated oil trouble code. Please remember that specific technical data and service bulletins for your vehicle should always take precedence.
