Powertrain, generic (extended)

P250B Engine Oil Level Sensor Circuit Range/Performance

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modeNo

P250B fires when the oil level sensor answers electrically but its reading is implausible, for instance a level that jumps, stays frozen while the engine runs, or contradicts the value after a stop. Continuous sensors see a lower level in operation than at rest, so the plausibility logic has to account for running state, temperature and inclination. FCA treats P250B on the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia with the 2.0 L turbo (titled there Engine Oil Level Sensor Circuit Performance) as one of several codes corrected by a powertrain reflash, i.e. a logic issue rather than a broken part. Deutz's MD1 list ties P250B to the oil level parameter SPN 98 with a fault-present type. Circuit faults are P250C to P250E, real oil shortage P250F.

Likely causes

Plausibility logic in the engine module too strict, fixed by update (Alfa Romeo)
Sensor element aged or contaminated by sludge
Oil level far outside the calibrated range after a service

Symptoms

  • Oil level message without real oil loss
  • Level display jumps or stays fixed

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€0–400
Time0.3–2 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

oil level sensor

Related codes

P250AP250EP250F

References: static.nhtsa.gov, serdia.deutz.com, hella.com.