VOLVO
ECM-253F - Oil dilution
System
Engine Control Module (ECM)
Volvo models this fault code applies to
Applies to the following models:
4 modelsC30 (2007–2013), C70 (2006–2013), S40 (2004–2013), V50 (2004–2013)
What does this fault code mean?
Internal calculations let the ECM judge the oil's condition. If the oil is of poor quality the code is stored, often because it has been diluted by fuel. The code can also be a consequence of another fault, so the root cause must be found.
Possible causes
- Engine oil of poor quality, often diluted by fuel
- Repeated interrupted soot burn-offs in the particulate filter, often because the engine is never run warm for long enough
- A fault detected by another diagnostic function
- A simpler fault, such as a small air leak
What you can do
- 1Change the engine oil, since the code says the oil quality is too poor
- 2Have a workshop reset the control module's internal quality counter after the oil change, otherwise the code will return
- 3If the code came shortly after the last oil change, look for faults such as a small air leak, and for short trips with a cold engine
- 4Drive the car a longer stretch with the engine warm, so the soot in the particulate filter can finish burning off
- 5Have a workshop with diagnostic equipment check that the soot combustion has been completed and that no other faults are present
Symptoms you may notice1
- Yellow warning symbol and text message in the display
What the fault can affect1
- Requests for soot combustion in the diesel particulate filter are blocked
General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.