Does Check Engine Light Come On For Oil Change? (Explained!)

Almost all drivers have experienced having an active check engine light. They would experience this incident at least once in their lives, so this makes a significant discussion. Let us learn more.

So does the check engine light come on for an oil change? The answer is yes, check engine light would come on for oil change.

Having a check engine light on is a first warning sign of possible vehicle damage. It is also a warning that you need to have your vehicle checked soon. With that, this article will discuss check engine lights and if the check engine light would come on if you needed an oil change.

So the check engine light is the first sign that would tell you that your car needs an oil change. If your oil is dirty or the fuel flow is not adequate, it can cause it to shut off, and you might be driving your vehicle, and then you notice that your check engine light is illuminated. It can cause panic and anxiety because this sign tells you something wrong with your vehicle.

The reason can be major or minor, but you need to check first. And before you do that, you are already panicking. However, this is not something that would always mean danger.

The cause can be straightforward and minor. So with that, this article will be addressing this matter. If you want to learn more, stay and continue reading. Let us start!

Table of Contents

Does Check Engine Light Come On For Oil Change?

A check engine light that is illuminated is the first sign telling you that your vehicle will need an oil change. This will be activated if your oil is filthy and there is not enough flowing throughout your engine.

Therefore, you need to know if this is the cause of your check engine light. To do that, you can check the condition of your oil by using a dipstick. If the dipstick is dark, low, or color back, you need to change the oil.

Will My Check Engine Light Come On If I’m Overdue For An Oil Change?

Your engine will be running smoothly even if you do not change your oil as often as you should have or even if your vehicle exceeds your set speed limit. But yes, you check if the engine light will come on if you need an oil change.

So if you see that the check engine light is turning on, the first thing you can do is check if you need an oil change. This is one of the most common reasons why your check engine light will come on.

What Other Light Will Come On If I Need An Oil Change?

There is an oil change indicator light. It is an orange check oil light.

This is a simple reminder that you need to change the oil in your vehicle. So if you see this light, you need to have your oil changed.

What Are The Most Common Reasons For Check Engine Light?

There are plenty of reasons why your check engine light would come on. Below are five reasons why your check engine light would come on.

1. You Might Need To Replace Your Oxygen Sensor

An oxygen sensor is a common cause of a check engine light. The sensor can be found in the emission control system of your vehicle. It is a standard on all vehicles manufactured after the year 1980.

The oxygen sensors will make sure that your engine is burning an exact and correct amount of fuel and running on optimum and peak performance. It will also work together with your catalytic converter so that you can keep your emissions in check. Over time, your oxygen sensor 02 sensors can be covered in oil ash.

This will reduce the ability to monitor the fuel or the fuel system and the oxygen mix in your engine. It can also malfunction and cause the check engine light to illuminate. Your air conditioning system can also get damaged. You need to repair your oxygen sensor and head to a local auto repair shop.

It might cost you 200 bucks for the labor and the parts. You can also do the replacement on your own. You can purchase a 02 sensor online, and your owner’s manual has detailed instructions on how to replace your oxygen sensor.

2. Your Gas Cap Might Be Loose Or Faulty

Having a loose gas cap can cause your check engine light to illuminate. You might have a slightly loose gas cap or a damaged gas cap, and this will cause chaos in your vehicle’s emission system. This is because of the fuel vapor leaking out of your gas tank.

This can cause a decreased efficiency of your vehicle. This is just simple to fix. First, you have to check your gas cap.

Check for any loose gas cap. If it is, tighten it to see if your check engine light will turn off. If your gas cap is damaged, it is not a problem.

You can head to an auto repair shop. You can have it for about five dollars to ten dollars.

3. You Might Have A Failing Catalytic Converter

A catalytic converter reduces the emissions made by your vehicle. They do this by converting carbon monoxide and other dangerous gasses into harmless compounds. Most of the catalytic converters are suitable for the entire lifetime of your vehicle.

They can also last for about three hundred thousand kilometers. It is also possible that it is the source of your check engine light. Suppose there is any noticeably deteriorated fuel efficiency, or there might be a strange smell, or you might notice a decrease in your performance.

In that case, you might have to change your catalytic converter after inspection. The repair is not cheap, though, because most catalytic converters can cost up to two thousand dollars. It cannot be done by yourself because you need expertise in changing it.

4. You Might Replace Your Mass Airflow Sensor

If you do not have regular service on your air filter, your mass airflow can be at risk. The same thing goes to your exhaust system. This sensor will help your vehicle’s computer inject a sufficient amount of fuel into your engine.

This will deliver an increase in your vehicle’s efficiency and performance. If you do not replace your air filter, the mass airflow sensor will start to malfunction, giving you the wrong information. This can then lead to your vehicle stalling, poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.

You have to change your vehicle’s air filter at least once every year. The repair is also simple. But it can get pricey.

The average cost for the mass airflow sensor is about two hundred dollars. After that, you can get a mechanic to repair it.

5. You Might Have Faulty Spark Plugs

A spark plug can last for about seventy-five thousand to two hundred thousand kilometers. But this will depend on the manufacture date of your vehicle. A spark plug can seal the combustion chamber.

This will give the spark that will ignite the fuel in your vehicle’s engine. If your spark plug is bad or broken, the wires will start to misfire.

However, what is good is that spark plugs are just cheap, and you can just easily replace them. They are just about ten dollars, and you can repair them by yourself.

Summary

In summary, drivers wanted to know if their check engine light would come on after an oil change. If you’re due for an oil change, your check engine light does come on.

This is because it will remind you to do an oil change. However, there are other reasons why your check engine light would come on.

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