Low engine oil or too dirty engine oil can cause the check engine light to be on. It is basically a warning sign to indicate that your engine oil needs to be changed.
So, if your question is, does check engine light come on for oil change, then the answer is, Yes, it is. But it may not be the only reason for the check engine light to come on. Rather it can be caused by many other reasons.
Here in this article, you’ll find most of the reasons why your vehicle’s check engine light may be illuminated. And also there will be solutions too on how you can turn it off again.
does check engine light come on for oil change?
As I’ve mentioned, dirty engine oil or a low amount of engine oil can cause the check engine light to come on. If there is not sufficient oil flow, then the engine light turns on as a warning. It indicates that you need to change the engine oil.
But how can you check if really there is a shortage of engine oil?
It’s a very simple technique. Just pull out your car’s deep stick and check it out. If the wetted area is too low, then the engine oil is not there in enough quantity.
On the other hand, if the deep stick is too dark or dirty, then your engine oil is not clean. So, you should change the oil as soon as possible to get the best performance.
Now, what if your engine oil is enough in amount and also in a good condition, but still the check engine light in on? Well, then maybe it is because of some other reasons.
Let’s see what these can be?
7 common reason for the check engine light for oil change
#1. Loose gas cap
If the gas cap of your oil tank is loose, then it may cause the check engine light to come on.
When the gas cap is loose or damaged, a plethora amount of air gets in. It causes an imperfect air-fuel mixture. So, the oil tank shows a faulty warning by turning the check engine light on.
If this is the reason, then open the gas cap, and check whether it’s completely okay. Then put it back by properly tightening it. Or if the gas cap is damaged, replace it with a new one.
Then go back and start the engine. The check engine light should turn off by now.
#2. Dirty or damaged oxygen sensor
The purpose of an oxygen sensor is to indicate the amount of oxygen that remains unburnt in the exhaust. It is generally located in the exhaust manifold system.
This sensor can be the reason for turning the light on, and then your fuel economy should also indicate that. So, check your fuel economy too besides checking the sensor. If you observe an unexpected decrease in fuel economy, then maybe the oxygen sensor is the cause of the check engine light coming on.
If this sensor is dirty and unable to measure the oxygen amount, then the check engine light may come on. In this case, all you need to do is to clean the sensor properly. And if the sensor is damaged, you should change it quickly.
#3. Overheating
If the check engine light has come on due to engine overheating, there will be some other indication of this situation.
You have to observe the high temperature in the engine gauge. Also, smoke can come out from under the hood. In this situation, you must slow down if you’re driving. Stop the car carefully, and make sure to cool the engine as fast as you can.
In case of emergency, call for help from the nearest one as this can be a severe problem for your car.
#4. Low oil pressure
In case of low oil pressure, not only the check engine light may come on, but also it can cause serious damage to your car.
Because of improper oil change procedure or overfilling, check engine light can come on. Moreover, wear and tear in the engine oil tank can cause this illumination of the check engine light.
In this situation, repair your oil tank immediately.
#5. Faulty catalytic converter
A catalytic converter is used in cars to convert the carbon monoxides into harmless materials before exhaust. So basically, it works as a filter for emission gas.
A worn-out spark plug or a faulty oxygen sensor can cause damage to the catalytic converter. Though it is rare for those who take proper care of their cars and maintain cleanliness, it can be severe if someone neglects this.
So, I’ll recommend checking and regulating it properly. In case you observe any malfunction, try to fix it soon.
#6. A problem in spark plug
A faulty or worn-out spark plug may be the reason for an active check engine light. In modern vehicles, a spark plug can serve up to 1,00,000 miles whereas older ones can serve up to 30-40000 miles.
A damaged or worn-out spark plug is not able to fire the fuel perfectly. Because of misfiring, the combustion doesn’t take place properly. So the engine light may come on as a sign of this.
In this case, change the spark plug. If neglected, it can be very harmful to your car’s engine life.
#7. A problem in the emission system
The emission system is a very important portion of any engine. It ensures that after burning in the engine cylinder, the exhaust gas perfectly exits out.
Not only that, but the exhaust system also ensures emitting less harmful particles into the atmosphere. So, it is very necessary to maintain a perfectly working emission system to ensure the best performance from your car.
If there is any problem in the emission system, then it may cause the illumination of the check engine light.
Is it okay to drive with the check engine light on?
Well, of course, you should not drive if your check engine light has turned on. Though you can drive a few miles in case of emergency, it’s better to ignore it.
As you’ve seen above, it can cause severe damage to many of your car parts- it can be a simple gas cap or a highly expensive catalytic converter. Also, this malfunction affects the main engine too. So, experts or professionals always suggest ignoring driving while your check engine light is on.
Top 5 Check Engine Light Causes and What to Do! >> Check out the video below:
Conclusion
Check engine light is generally an indication of improper functions in any of the parts we’ve discussed here. Sometimes it may be caused for a car’s battery issue. Sometimes a faulty sensor or other parts may be the reason.
Now you should know that besides improper oil change, many other things can cause an active check engine light.
Even after perfect oil changing, still, you are facing this issue, it may be a warning sign for some faults in your car. In this case, don’t neglect this.
Check out the reason and try to fix it as early as possible. Otherwise, your loving car may get severely damaged!
