🪵Chainsaw

E12

STIHL · MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System

STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System E12 Error Fix: Chain Oiler Not Working

The automatic chain oiler fails to deliver oil to the chain, causing increased chain wear and overheating. Triggered by blocked oil passages or faulty oil pump.

High severity2 fixes available

Quick Answer

Error E12 on the STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System means: Chain Oiler Not Working. The top-ranked community fix is “Replace Oil Pump” (hard difficulty, ~60 min, DIY cost: $40-$60). 2 community-ranked fixes available below.

Published February 2026 · 2 fixes · chainsaw

Content is based on manufacturer service documentation, community repair experience, and OEM technical bulletins. Always verify with your owner's manual.Learn about our editorial standards.

Root Cause Analysis

Mechanical WearPrimary

When to Call a Professional

While many chainsaw repairs can be done safely at home, consider hiring a qualified technician if:

This is a high severity error — continued use may cause damage or a safety hazard
The repair involves electrical wiring, gas lines, or refrigerant
You've tried the top-ranked fix and the error persists
You smell gas, see sparking, or notice water leaking
The repair requires specialized tools you don't have
Your appliance is still under manufacturer warranty

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $160-$200.

Other STIHL Models with Error E12

BG 86 C-E Blower

leaf_blower · 2 fixes

BGA 57 Battery Blower

leaf_blower · 2 fixes

BR 600 Backpack Blower

leaf_blower · 2 fixes

FS 56 RC-E Trimmer

string_trimmer · 2 fixes

FS 91 R Trimmer

string_trimmer · 2 fixes

FSA 57 Battery Trimmer

string_trimmer · 2 fixes

MS 180 C-BE Chainsaw

chainsaw · 2 fixes

MS 271 Farm Boss Chainsaw

chainsaw · 2 fixes

MS 362 C-M Chainsaw

chainsaw · 2 fixes

MSA 220 C-B Battery

chainsaw · 2 fixes

Other STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System Error Codes

Ignition Failure

Carburetor Flooded

Air Filter Clogged

Fuel Line Cracked

Chain Brake Stuck

Starter Rope Broken

Clutch Slipping

Chain Dull

People Also Ask About STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System Error E12

What does error code E12 mean on a STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System?

Error code E12 on the STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System means: Chain Oiler Not Working. The automatic chain oiler fails to deliver oil to the chain, causing increased chain wear and overheating. Triggered by blocked oil passages or faulty oil pump.

How do I fix error code E12 on my STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System?

The most successful fix is "Replace Oil Pump" (hard difficulty, ~60 minutes). Estimated DIY cost: $40-$60. HomeMD has 2 community-ranked fixes for this error.

Is error code E12 on a STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System serious?

This error is rated high severity. You should address it promptly — continued use could cause damage or safety concerns.

Can I fix STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System error E12 myself?

Yes — the top-ranked community fix ("Replace Oil Pump") is rated hard difficulty and takes about 60 minutes. Tools needed: Screwdrivers, Pliers.

How much does it cost to repair STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System error E12?

DIY cost: $40-$60. Professional repair typically costs $160-$200. Many homeowners save money by trying the top-ranked community fix first.

What other error codes does the STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System have?

The STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System has 8 other known error codes, including: E01 (Ignition Failure), E02 (Carburetor Flooded), E03 (Air Filter Clogged), E04 (Fuel Line Cracked), E05 (Chain Brake Stuck), and 3 more.

Which other STIHL models have the E12 error?

Error code E12 also appears on 10 other STIHL models: BG 86 C-E Blower, BGA 57 Battery Blower, BR 600 Backpack Blower, FS 56 RC-E Trimmer, FS 91 R Trimmer, FSA 57 Battery Trimmer, and 4 more. The fix may vary by model, so check each model's specific page for tailored repair steps.

What other error codes does the STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System have?

The STIHL MS 250 45.4 cc 2-Stroke Gas Chainsaw with 18" Bar and Anti-Vibration System has 8 other known error codes:

Which other STIHL models have the E12 error?

Error code E12 also appears on 10 other STIHL models:

BG 86 C-E Blower (leaf blower) · 2 fixes
BGA 57 Battery Blower (leaf blower) · 2 fixes
BR 600 Backpack Blower (leaf blower) · 2 fixes
FS 56 RC-E Trimmer (string trimmer) · 2 fixes
FS 91 R Trimmer (string trimmer) · 2 fixes
FSA 57 Battery Trimmer (string trimmer) · 2 fixes
MS 180 C-BE Chainsaw (chainsaw) · 2 fixes
MS 271 Farm Boss Chainsaw (chainsaw) · 2 fixes
MS 362 C-M Chainsaw (chainsaw) · 2 fixes
MSA 220 C-B Battery (chainsaw) · 2 fixes

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