File: 120-fc252 Page 1 of 3

Fault Code 252

Engine Oil Level - Data Erratic, Intermittent, or Incorrect

CODES REASON EFFECT

Fault Code: 252 Engine Oil Level - Data Erratic, Oil level sensor operation will be disabled.
PID(P), SID(S): Intermittent, or Incorrect. An
SPN: 98 intermittent signal is being
FMI: 2 received from the oil level sensor.
Lamp: Amber
SRT:

ISB4.5, ISB6.7, ISD4.5, and ISD6.7 CM2150 SN - Oil Level Sensor Circuit

Circuit Description:
The oil level sensor will monitor the oil fluid level in the oil pan at key ON. The oil level sensor will not monitor the oil
level after the engine is started or when the engine speed is greater than 0 rpm. During engine key ON, if the oil level
sensor detects a critical low oil level, then the amber CHECK ENGINE lamp will blink for 30 seconds and a fault code will
be logged. If an operator observes a blinking amber CHECK ENGINE lamp at key ON, the operator must check the engine
oil level with the manual dipstick.
The oil level sensor provides the electronic control module (ECM) with a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal. Within
this signal, the oil level sensor transmits the engine oil level reading, oil temperature, and fault code information from
the oil level sensor.

Component Location:
The oil level sensor is located on the left side of the engine on the front part of the dipstick port.

Conditions for Running the Diagnostics:

This diagnostic runs continuously when the keyswitch is in the ON position or when the engine is in operation.

Conditions for Setting the Fault Codes:

A valid PWM message is not received from the oil level sensor within the required time limits at initial key ON.

2008 Cummins Inc., Box 3005, Columbus, IN 47202-3005 U.S.A. Printed from QuickServe Online.
All Rights Reserved. Last Modified: 26-Oct-2009
File: 120-fc252 Page 2 of 3
Action Taken When the Fault Code is Active:
The ECM illuminates the amber CHECK ENGINE light immediately when the diagnostic runs and fails.
The oil level sensor operation will be disabled.

Conditions for Clearing the Fault Code:

The ECM will turn off the amber CHECK ENGINE light and enable oil level sensor operation immediately after a valid
PWM signal is received from the oil level sensor.

Shop Talk:
Possible causes of this fault code include:
The oil level sensor is not receiving power from the ECM. This can be caused by an open circuit in the power supply
or low voltage supplied by the primary engine ECM
Open return circuit on the oil level sensor circuit between the engine ECM and the oil level sensor
Open or short circuit on the oil level sensor signal circuit between the ECM and oil level sensor
A damaged oil level sensor.

Refer to Troubleshooting Fault Code 252.

2008 Cummins Inc., Box 3005, Columbus, IN 47202-3005 U.S.A. Printed from QuickServe Online.
All Rights Reserved. Last Modified: 26-Oct-2009
File: 120-fc252 Page 3 of 3

2008 Cummins Inc., Box 3005, Columbus, IN 47202-3005 U.S.A. Printed from QuickServe Online.
All Rights Reserved. Last Modified: 26-Oct-2009