When it comes to our cars, we want to make sure that they are running smoothly and in the best condition possible. This means keeping up on oil changes, tire rotations and other necessary maintenance tasks. Earlier this week I took my car in for an oil change, only to have the check engine light come on after leaving the shop. At first I was worried that I may have done something wrong or that there was a bigger problem with my car. After doing some research, however, I realized that it is actually a common occurrence for the check engine light to come on after an oil change. So don’t panic if you experience the same thing – here’s what you need to know.
What Does The Check Engine Light Mean?
The check engine light is an indicator on your dashboard that alerts you to a problem with your vehicle’s engine. It can be triggered by a number of different things, from a loose gas cap to a more serious issue like a faulty oxygen sensor. In most cases, the light will come on when the car’s computer detects an issue with the emission control system.
Why Is The Check Engine Light On After An Oil Change?
There are a few different reasons why the check engine light might come on after an oil change.
Dipstick Isn’t Seated Correctly
One possibility is that the dipstick wasn’t seated correctly when you checked the oil level. This can cause the computer to think that there’s not enough oil in the engine, which will trigger the check engine light.
Oil Fill Cap Is Installed Incorrectly
As any car owner knows, maintaining a healthy engine is essential to keeping your vehicle running smoothly. One important way to do this is to check the oil level regularly and top it off as needed. However, checking the oil level can be tricky if you don’t know where the dipstick is located or how to correctly put the oil fill cap back on.
If the cap is not put back on correctly, the system will notice that there’s an imbalance of air getting into the system and the Check Engine Light might come on. As a result, it’s important to familiarize yourself with your car’s specific procedure for checking and adding oil. By taking a few minutes to learn this simple task, you can help keep your engine running smoothly for years to come.
Low Oil Pressure
Another reason the check engine light might come on after an oil change is due to low oil pressure. This can happen if the oil filter becomes clogged, preventing the oil from flowing freely through the engine. It can also be caused by using the wrong type of oil or not enough oil. If you’re unsure about what type of oil to use, consult your car’s owner’s manual or ask a mechanic.
If the check engine light comes on after an oil change, the first thing you should do is check the oil level and make sure that it is full. If it is, then you can try resetting the light by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes. If the light comes back on, it’s a good idea to take your car to a mechanic and have it checked out.
Too Much Oil
It is also possible to put too much oil in your car when changing the oil. If this happens, it can cause the check engine light to come on. To fix this, you will need to drain some of the oil out until it reaches the correct level.
Wrong Oil
Many people are unsure about what type of oil to use in their vehicle. However, it is important to use the right oil for optimal performance. All vehicles require a certain type of oil, and if you use a different weight or viscosity, it can cause problems for your vehicle. A common mistake is using 10W-30 when the vehicle needs 5W-30. Excessively viscous oil doesn’t provide enough lubrication, causing the engine to overheat. Using the wrong oil can also lead to oil leaks and engine damage. So next time you’re at the auto store, make sure to pick up the right oil for your car.
Sensor Didn’t Reset
If you’ve recently had your emission system repaired or replaced, the check engine light might come on because the sensor didn’t reset. In order to reset the sensor, you need to drive the car for about 50 miles so that it can properly calibrate. If the light doesn’t go off after this, then there may be a problem with the sensor itself and you should take the car to a mechanic.
Car Needs to Warm Up
Another reason the check engine light might come on is because the car needs to warm up. This is especially common in cold weather. The light will usually go off after a few minutes of driving. If it doesn’t, then there may be a problem with the car’s engine.
Fuel Cap Is Loose
If the check engine light comes on and you haven’t recently changed your oil or performed any other maintenance, the problem might be as simple as a loose fuel cap. The fuel cap keeps gas from evaporating from the tank, and if it’s not sealing properly, it can cause the check engine light to come on. To fix this, simply tighten the fuel cap until it clicks.
How Do You Fix The Problem?
If the check engine light comes on and you’re not sure what the problem is, the best thing to do is take it to a mechanic. They will be able to diagnose the problem and let you know what needs to be done to fix it. In some cases, the problem might be as simple as a loose gas cap or an oil change. However, it’s always best to have a professional take a look at it just to be sure.
How To Reset The Check Engine Light After An Oil Change
If the check engine light comes on after an oil change, you can try resetting it by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes. If that doesn’t work, then take your car to a mechanic and have them check it out.
It is important to keep up with regular maintenance on your vehicle to avoid potential problems down the road. If you’re ever unsure about what to do, consult your car’s owner’s manual or ask a mechanic.
Is It Safe To Drive With The Check Engine Light On?
If the check engine light is on, it’s best to take your car to a mechanic and have them check it out. In some cases, the problem might be something simple like a loose gas cap. However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and have a professional take a look at it.
Why Is My Car Shaking and the Check Engine Light is On?
If your car is shaking and the check engine light is on, it could be a number of different things. It could be something as simple as a loose gas cap, or it could be something more serious like engine damage. If you’re unsure what the problem is, the best thing to do is take your car to a mechanic and have them check it out.
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FAQs About Engine Light On After Oil Change
Can Oil Change Cause Check Engine Light?
If the oil change was not performed properly, it could cause the check engine light to come on. This is because the wrong oil viscosity or weight could be used, which can lead to engine damage. Always make sure to consult your car’s owner’s manual when performing an oil change to ensure that you’re using the right type of oil.
How To Turn Off Check Engine Light After Oil Change?
If the check engine light comes on after an oil change, you can try resetting it by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes. If that doesn’t work, then take your car to a mechanic and have them check it out.
Will Check Engine Light Go Off After Adding Oil?
If the check engine light comes on because the oil level is low, then adding oil should make the light go off. However, if the light is on for another reason, adding oil will not turn it off. Always consult your car’s owner’s manual or a mechanic to diagnose the problem before adding more oil.
Why Is My Engine Light On But Nothing Seems Wrong?
If the engine light is on but nothing seems wrong, it could be a number of different things. It could be something as simple as a loose gas cap, or it could be something more serious like engine damage.
Will Check Engine Light Reset Itself?
In some cases, the check engine light will reset itself. However, if the problem that caused the light to come on is not fixed, it will likely come back on. Always consult your car’s owner’s manual or a mechanic to diagnose the problem before resetting the light.
How Does The Check Engine Light Look?
The check engine light will look like a small light on the dashboard of your car. It may be yellow, orange, or red, and it will usually have an exclamation point in the middle. If the light is on, it means that there is a problem with the car’s engine.
Summary
If you have checked your car’s oil and the check engine light is still on, don’t panic. There are a few possible explanations for this phenomenon. First, it is possible that the mechanic did not reset the light after performing the oil change. Second, it is also possible that there is another problem with your car that needs to be addressed. If you are unsure of what to do, Answerthequestion.net recommend taking your car to a qualified mechanic or dealership for further diagnosis.
