Check Engine Light After Oil Change – How to Fix

Regular oil changes are essential. It is possible that your oil level was low, the oil fill cap wasn’t properly fitted, or the dipstick isn’t properly seated.

Learn more about the engine light and its uses.

What does your check engine light mean?

You will find the check engine light (also known as the MIL, Malfunction indicator lamp) on your dashboard. It can be either red or yellow and has the words “Check” or “Service Engine”, depending on which brand you have. The check engine light will turn on or flash, depending on the brand. 

Verify Engine Light On Check Engine Light Flashing

Minor problems are likely to be found if the check engine lamp is on. You can drive your car to the nearest service station and have the problem diagnosed. This will avoid any serious damage. If the check engine lamp flashes, it means that the engine is having problems.

The engine check lamp is vital for diagnosing engine problems. It should be seen and ignored. The engine check light will come on when you are unable to drive the vehicle. We will discuss the causes of the checkengine light in this article.

Causes of check engine light after oil change

The oil cap must be removed, the old oil must be drained and the new oil added. The check engine light will usually turn on if you change the oil wrongly or use the wrong oil. Sometimes you may see white smoke after changing the oil Your vehicle.

Also, the oil takes some time to settle in the engine passages. This allows for proper oil pressure. Once the oil sensor detects oil pressure, there is a possibility that the check engine lamp will go out.

Your check engine light could have come on after an oil change.

1. Incorrect Installation of Oil Filler Cap

If the oil filler cap has not been installed correctly, the engine check light will be illuminated. Oil must be contained in the oil filler cap to prevent it from leaking. The oil filler caps also prevent contaminants from entering the tank. If you see oil filler cap leaking This can lead to a check engine light. You should not overtighten the oil filler capThis could damage seals.

2. Dipstick is not correctly placed

To check the oil level in your engine, a dipstick is useful. no oil spotted on the dipstickIt is refilled. If the dipstick isn’t properly seated inside the tube, air can get into the oil tank. Push the dipstick in from the right side. This can cause engine internal damage, including damage to cylinder walls and pistons.

3. Excessive oil in the engine

The check engine light will likely be illuminated if there is too much oil in your engine. Over-oiling can put pressure on the oil filler cap and cause foaming. Overfilled oil even by a quarT, can lead to an oil leak, tailpipe smoke or misfire. Don’t fill your oil reservoir to the maximum limit.

4. Low Oil Pressure

The oil tank will take some time to settle after you have put new oil in it. The oil pressure gauge will show low oil pressure after you have emptied the old oil. After the oil pressure sensor has detected the oil level, the checklight will turn off. Incorrect oil pressure readings will result in the bouncy oil pressure gauge Your check engine light may also illuminate if the oil pressure is too low. Sometimes, oil pressure can cause the oil light to blink.

5. Use of the Incorrect Oil Viscosity

It is crucial to use the correct viscosity oil for your engine. For high temperatures, high viscosity oil should be used. However, low-viscosity oil should be used for colder temperatures. A wrong viscosity oil could cause engine lubrication issues and lighten the check engine light.

How do I turn off the check engine light after an oil change?

You should not ignore the check engine light. It is impossible to fix the problem that causes the check engine light on.

You can, however, reset the check engine lamp if all is well.

Method 1:

1. Turn the ignition on and wait for the dashboard lights fully to illuminate.
2. You should press the gas for at least three times, each time for at most five seconds.
3. To check if the check engine light has turned off or on, turn the engine on.

Method 2

1. Turn the ignition on and wait for the dashboard lights to turn on.
2. Locate the “reset” button between the speedometer and the tachometer.
3. Press the “reset” button repeatedly until the check engine lamp blinks. 

FAQs about Check Engine Light after Oil Change

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Conclusion

If the check engine light turns on, it means that something was not done properly when changing the oil. It is possible that you have not properly reinstalled or replaced the oil cap/dipstick. You may also have an oil tank that is too full or used incorrect oil.

Before you start your car, check that the problem is resolved. If your check engine light won’t turn on, make sure you reset it. If the check engine light doesn’t turn off after the reset, take it to the mechanic.