Does Check Engine Light Come On For Oil Change: Five Reasons
It often happens that the emergency gauge light on the instrument panel in the interior of an electronically controlled car lights up. In this post, we will address the topic “does check engine light come on for oil change?” Continue reading for a more comprehensive explanation.
If the automobile is started and continues to run, but the check engine light illuminates, it signifies that the ignition was turned on in emergency mode.
Also, during an oil change, the check engine light may illuminate. This is not always the case, as the light may illuminate due to other issues.
Some recent automobile models include a self-diagnosis system, and the mistakes are shown on the information screen. But drivers are not always able to determine why the check engine light came on.
However, this light might appear as a result of a simple, unfastened gas tank top. Also, a recent oil change performed appropriately should not activate the check engine light.
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Does check engine light come on for oil change?
To start the engine, the driver turns on the ignition. If the check engine light blinks, it should not cause concern because it will soon go out. But the lit signal, when the engine is running, indicates irregularities in its operation.
Your vehicle’s oil level must be maintained since low levels might harm your engine. If the oil is black or low, it should be changed right away. An oil life indicator is a sensor in your car that is configured to beep when the oil needs to be changed.
Check the oil using a dipstick to determine if that’s what’s causing the check engine light to illuminate. An oil change is a cheap and simple method to keep your automobile running smoothly.
As electronics have evolved, the check engine light has evolved from a simple malfunction sensor to an alarm with many functions.
Modern engine check engine when flashing reports the following inconsistencies:
- Improper fuel mixture composition.
- Ignition system settings malfunction.
- Dirty engine oil and small or too much oil.
- Oil pressure sensor or O2 sensor failures.
Why did my check engine light come on after I changed?
If your car’s check engine light comes on while driving, there are various possible causes of why the check engine light turns on after an oil change, some of which we will discuss below.
1. Low oil pressure
Remember that a simple oil change should not activate the check engine light. Furthermore, emptying the oil from the automobile engine will reset the low oil pressure indicator.
Remember that an oil change and installing a new filter will not provide enough time for the oil pressure gauge to read accurately.
This will momentarily bring on the check engine light since the automobile “thinks” it is low on oil.
2. The gas cap is not completely screwed in
It may not always be the result of an oil change. After an oil change, some individuals fill up the gas tank and forget to tighten the cap. It might be screwed in the wrong direction or overly loose.
These issues will warn the system, and the check engine light may illuminate.
3. Oxygen Sensor Failure
The oxygen sensor measures how much fuel the vehicle’s engine is burning. In most automobiles, there are two or four oxygen sensors.
Even a little problem with one of them will cause the check engine light to illuminate.
A malfunctioning oxygen sensor can lower fuel efficiency and raise emissions dramatically.
As a result, in addition to verifying the sensor, check the fuel economy. If you notice a rapid decline in fuel efficiency, the oxygen sensor might be the source of the check engine light.
In this instance, all you need to do is thoroughly clean the sensor. If the sensor is damaged, you should replace it as soon as possible.
4. Incorrectly installed oil fill cap
Another possible explanation is an improper or crooked oil filler cap installation. Inspect the oil fill cap and make sure it is installed correctly.
Then start the engine and wait a few minutes to see if the problem goes away by itself. If the cap is broken or damaged, you may need to replace it to turn off the check engine light.
5. Catalytic converter failure
Before exhaust, a catalytic converter in an automobile converts carbon monoxide into harmless chemicals. It functions essentially as an exhaust filter.
It is not a very difficult component, but it is costly to replace. That is why it is critical to properly maintain it. You should change the engine oil on a regular basis and replace the spark plugs if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it OK to drive with check engine light on?
If the engine does not behave abnormally, you may take a short journey, but it is preferable to visit a car service facility, where they will assist you in determining the problem.
If aid is far away, you might try stopping and withdrawing the battery’s negative terminal for a minute or two.
Keep in mind that the minimum range with check engine light illumination is roughly 30 miles. Again, this is the bare minimum – the distance you will almost surely travel. It can exceed 50-60 miles on more expensive vehicles.
What is the most common cause of check engine light?
The check engine light is one of the most well-known signs that there are problems with the vehicle’s condition.
It is intended to alert the driver when one of the vehicle’s systems is malfunctioning. It might be as simple as a loose tank top or a gasoline or engine issue.
The check engine light may merely indicate a catalytic converter failure or other minor malfunction, such as low gasoline quality. Also, the check engine light may illuminate due to the wrong oil change process or too much oil.
Schedule an oil change right away if the oil is dark or too low. If you are unsure about replenishing your car’s oil, take it to a mechanic and have them do it for you.
What would throw a check engine light on?
The check engine light usually illuminates during an oil change because the oil filler cap is backed up or the dipstick is not properly seated.
Many of us have certainly encountered an issue such as the inclusion of the check engine light, which disturbs drivers when it appears on the dashboard of a car.
The causes of the check engine light are listed below:
- Poor fuel quality.
- Loose gas cap.
- Low oil pressure, or wrong oil.
- Incorrectly fitted oil fill cap.
- Excess oil.
- Oxygen sensor is defective.
- The catalytic converter is defective.
Is a solid check engine light serious?
A persistent yellow or orange check engine light on your car may signify a less significant problem, depending on the make and model.
It is, however, an indication that you should schedule an appointment to get the problem diagnosed and remedied. A flashing check engine light indicates that your car should be serviced as soon as possible.
Why is my engine light on but nothing seems wrong?
If nothing seems wrong, you can probably drive the car until you take it to a professional. If the gas cap is a bit loose or the fuel is subpar, the light may illuminate after refueling.
It might also indicate that your catalytic converter requires inspection.
How long can a car run with engine light on?
Even with its yellow hue, the check engine bulb in the instrument cluster shows that the problem happened in general but not very strongly.
If the engine started but the warning light did not go out, it implies that the engine control unit identified a defect in the control or power systems.
Remember that you can drive for approximately 30 miles after the warning light first illuminates.
Summary
The check engine light may illuminate as a result of an oil change or another issue. Remember not to panic if the vehicle’s check engine light comes on. In most cases, the reasons for its activation are not critical.
Now, you should know that in addition to improper engine oil changes, many other things can cause an active check engine light. If you still have this problem after a flawless oil change, it might be a symptom of a problem with your automobile. In this situation, do not disregard it.
Although rare, the check engine light does happen. If you don’t know what’s wrong or what to do, take your car to a professional and have it inspected.
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