Engine Check Light On After Oil Change
One event that shouldn’t activate your check engine light is a correctly conducted recent oil change. Oil changes are crucial maintenance procedures for your vehicle, but they shouldn’t cause your check engine light to illuminate. If you observe the light after an oil change, it implies the presence of a different issue requiring attention.
One of the most common problems car owners face is a broken engine. If you have had your car serviced recently and noticed an engine check light on, here are a few things to check:
1) Is the oil level correct?
A low oil level can cause the engine to misfire and emit that dreaded engine check light. Make sure you are topping off your car’s oil regularly!
2) Are the filters clean?
Dirty filters can cause problems with your engine, including decreased fuel economy and emissions. Check your filter levels and replace them as needed.
3) Is the coolant level correct?
Over time, warm coolant can seep into the cylinders and cause knocking or other performance issues.
Ensure your coolant is at the right temperature and regularly check its levels.
4) Have you checked for any mechanical issues?
Simple repairs like replacing a belt or pulley can often fix underlying mechanical problems causing the engine check light to come on. Do not hesitate to get help from a mechanic if you are unsure what to do!
What Is The Engine Check Light?
If your car has oil change check engine light, there may be something wrong with the engine. The light may come on after your oil changes, or it could mean that something is causing the engine to run poorly. If you have a problem with your car’s engine, you should take it in for a check.
How to Fix the Engine Check Light
If you have recently had your Engine Check Light come on, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem. One potential solution is replacing the oil filter. If the engine check light has already been on for an extended period, it might be best to replace it. However, if you can solve the problem before replacement is necessary, that would be the ideal solution.
Here are some tips to check if you can fix your engine before coming to that point:
Check Your Engine Oil Levels
Ensure your engine oil levels are at or above baseline levels, as this will help reduce the chances of experiencing premature failure in your engine due to a lack of lubrication. Baseline levels may vary depending on the make and model of the car, but typically they should be between 3/4ths and 1 quart (1 liter). If your car falls below these levels, adding more oil will not solve the issue and might even create more problems.
Check Tire Pressure
Tire pressure affects how well your car’s suspension functions, and when it’s low, it can cause additional wear and tear on other components, such as brakes, fuel lines, and pistons. A good rule of thumb is to inflate your tires to about 30 psi (2 bar). However, this number may differ depending on the make and model of the car.
Check Air Filter
An air filter cleans the air passing through it by trapping dirt, dust, pollen, and others.
What To Do If The Engine Check Light Comes On Again
If your engine check light comes on after an oil change, it may be because of an issue with the oil. Follow these steps to resolve the issue:
| Step |
Procedure
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| 1 |
Unhook the negative battery cable to detach the engine from its ancillary components, thus eliminating the risk of unexpected sparks or combustion.
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| 2 |
Extract all oil filters, oil cooler tubes, and any potential impediments present in the engine system. Furthermore, remove any loose elements like bolts and screws within the system.
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| 3 |
Dispense a quart of fresh engine oil into the pickup tube and commence the engine operation until it reaches its maximum throttle, a process that usually spans 4-5 minutes. After this, conduct a thorough leak inspection. If no leaks are identified, reassemble all the parts referred to in Step 2 and reconnect the battery cable.
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| 4 |
Ignite the engine and maneuver the vehicle at a minimal speed (approximately 5 mph) until a complete stoplight or stop sign is reached. Ideally, the check light should cease illumination upon complete halt; if not, maintain the low-speed driving until it does extinguish.
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Causes of Engine Light On After Oil Change And What To Do About Them
A few different things can cause the engine check light to come on after an oil change. The most common is a sealant used in the oil change not being flushed out properly. If the sealant gets stuck in the engine, it will cause an error code to be set, and the check light will come on.
Another common cause of the engine check light coming on after an oil change is dirty air filters. Over time, dirt and dust can build up inside the air filter, and when the car starts, it will cause the check engine light to come on.
To remedy this, cleaning your car’s air filters regularly is essential. Finally, a clogged fuel injector is one of the most common causes of the engine check light coming on after an oil change.
When this happens, gas will not flow through the injector properly and will cause an error code to be set. In most cases, cleaning out the fuel injector will resolve and prevent further problems.
How To Clear The Engine Check Light
If your car has an engine check light, it means there is an engine issue. You should immediately clear the engine check light to keep your car running smoothly. There are a few ways to do this.
The first way is to use a mechanics vacuum cleaner. This method uses suction to remove any debris or oil causing the light to come on.
The second way is to use a can of compressed air. Spray around the light and wait a few minutes for the dust to settle. Once it has, use a vacuum cleaner to clean up the area.
The third way is to use a chemical called acetic acid. This method is best used if you don’t have access to a vacuum cleaner or a can of compressed air. Pour some acids into a container and place the light near it. Wait until the light goes out, and then clean up the area.
When Should You Check The Engine Light?
The best time to check the engine light is when you first notice it. If the light comes on after your oil change, something may be wrong with your car’s engine.
How To Fix The Engine Check Light
If your car’s engine check light comes on after you have done an oil change, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot and fix the issue. First, ensure the oil filter is installed correctly in the engine. Second, ensure all of the engine’s oil passages are clear.
If either of these two things is incorrect, debris may be blocking the oil passage, which will cause the check light to come on. Finally, if all of these checks are okay and the check light persists, it may be time for a new engine.
Am I Using The Wrong Type Of Oil?
When you take your car in for an oil change, the mechanic will most likely use a type of oil recommended by the manufacturer. However, other types of oils can be used in a car engine. If you are not sure which kind of oil to use, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic.
How Does the Check Engine Light Look?
If your car has an engine check light, it means the car’s computer detects an issue with one of the engine’s components. This could be anything from a missed spark plug to a broken valve cover gasket. In most cases, fixing the problem will require a few simple repairs. However, if the engine check light indicates a more severe issue, then you may need to take your car to a mechanic for a full tune-up.
Why Check Engine Light ON After Oil Change?
Changing your vehicle’s oil is a regular maintenance activity ideally undertaken every 3,000 miles. One of the most crucial aspects of an oil change involves monitoring the engine’s oil pressure.
Should the oil pressure dip below a specific level, it could indicate a potential engine complication. In instances when your local mechanic highlights an active engine check light, it becomes vital to understand the possible underlying causes.
One such issue could be a damaged head gasket, a common problem that might cause coolant to seep onto the heated exhaust manifold, triggering the engine check light.
Alternatively, the problem could stem from your oil pan or timing chain near your car’s crankshaft. If either of these components malfunctions, it can inflict serious harm to your engine, resulting in the engine check light illuminating.
Upon observing that your engine check light has been activated post-service, seeking a mechanic’s evaluation is crucial. By doing so, you can avert further potential damage and expedite your vehicle’s return to operation.
The illumination of an engine check light in your vehicle indicates the presence of an engine issue.
It could be a relatively simple problem, such as a leaky sealant or a contaminated air filter. Yet, it is invariably advisable to have the light inspected by a technician to ascertain that all is functioning as it should.
How to Reset the Engine Check Light On After Oil Change
If your check engine light on after oil change, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem. One common cause of the check engine light coming on after an oil change is a blockage in one of the oil filters.
To clear the filter, your mechanic may need to use a unique tool called an “oil sump pick-up tube.” If the engine check light comes on after an oil change, but the car runs fine, it may be due to debris in the oil.
To clean out this debris, your mechanic may need to use a different cleaning fluid called “foaming agent.”
Should You DIY or Use A Mechanic?
If you own a car, there is a good chance that, at some point, you’ll need to take it to a mechanic for an oil change or other tune-up. But is it worth getting your hands dirty by doing the work yourself, or should you call in the pros? Here is what you need to know…
The Pros and Cons Of DIY Oil Changes
Conducting your own oil changes carries its share of advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, a solid understanding of automobile mechanics and possession of the necessary tools can make DIY oil changes a straightforward process.
Furthermore, you can save money, given that mechanics often levy additional charges for tasks like installing new spark plugs or changing filters.
Nevertheless, there are potential downsides as well. If you lack familiarity with car engines, errors can quickly arise, leading to complications.
Moreover, infrequent self-performed oil changes or significant repairs conducted while your car is still under warranty could potentially escalate your long-term expenditure, surpassing what you would have spent had you initially approached a mechanic.
Therefore, it’s imperative to carefully evaluate these advantages and disadvantages before determining if DIY oil changes align with your situation and skills.
How to Check Engine Oil Level
If your car has an engine check light, it is a good idea to check the oil level every time you change it. Checking the oil level can help you avoid costly repairs down the road.
First, remove the oil cap and pour a few drops into the engine to check the oil level. The level should be between 3/4 and 1 inch (2-3 cm) below the top of the crankcase. If it is lower than that, add more oil. Be sure to replace the oil cap once you finish checking the level.
How Long Can You Drive With Check Engine Light On?
If your check engine light is on, you should immediately take your car to a mechanic. Driving your vehicle while the check engine light remains illuminated can lead to profound complications within your car’s engine. Post an oil change, the persistence of the light might be due to technicians’ inability to pinpoint and rectify the underlying issue, causing the indicator to remain active.
Will Check Engine Light Go off By Itself?
If your car has an engine check light, it will usually stay on after you have done an oil change. This is because the oil and other debris in the engine can block some of the sensors that tell the computer to turn off the light. If this happens, you must take your car in for a diagnostic check.
FAQs
Below are the frequently asked questions for check engine light after oil change. Let’s dig dep to know more.
Can oil change cause check engine light?
The check engine light may come on after an oil change because of the filter getting clogged. If the oil level is too low, the pressure in the engine may be too high and cause the air filters to get clogged.
Can too much oil Make your check engine light come on?
If you have an engine check light on after a regular oil change, your engine will likely get too much oil. The oil should be checked and changed every 3,000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first. If your car is older, the manufacturer may have recommended changing the oil more often.
How long until check engine light clears?
If your car has an “engine check light,” it means there is something wrong with the engine. The light may stay on for a while or go off after a while. It all depends on how serious the problem is. If you are unsure what the light means, take your car to a mechanic.
Will the check engine light reset itself?
If you have a check engine light on and your car has been serviced recently, the mechanic might reset the light. Many service technicians mistakenly believe that resetting the light will fix the problem. In most cases, more work must be done to find and fix the underlying issue. If you are concerned about your car’s health, bringing it in for further inspection might be best.
What is the most common problem when the check engine light comes on?
TA dirty air filter is the most common problem when the check engine light comes on. The air filter catches dust, bits of metal, and other debris that can clog up the engine’s throttle bodies and valves. Over time, this can cause the engine to run poorly or fail altogether. If you are experiencing any problems with your car that seem related to the check engine light, be sure to have it checked out by a mechanic.
Conclusion
If your Engine Check Light on after oil change you have just completed an oil change, it might be a good idea to schedule a diagnostic inspection with your mechanic. Checking the oil and other fluids levels can help identify any issues needing fixing before the car returns to the road.