Check Engine Light After Oil Change: 10 Causes and Fixes

If you ever considered the check engine light after an oil change as only a warning sign on the vehicle’s dashboard, you are about to rethink the idea.

Check engine light after oil change is a straightforward message from your car’s internal systems, notifying you of potential problems that need to be checked and revised.

This explains why the illumination of the check engine light after an oil change is rather concerning to the drivers.

There are various explanations for this light’s illumination. The illumination of the check engine light after the oil change or after a routine maintenance task can be mostly irritating and disturbing.

Let’s explore the reasons behind this and learn how to react while encountering a lit check engine light after the oil change.

Why the check engine is light important

Modern vehicles are equipped with computer-controlled monitoring systems.

The monitoring systems in your car receive data from many sensors all over the vehicle’s systems.

They are mostly related to the emissions of the engine and they monitor the emissions to control the vehicle’s performance such as air intake pressure, fuel mixture, or coolant temperature.

A potential malfunction within the vehicle’s emission control system can cause the illumination of the check engine light.

This system is responsible for keeping the released pollutants to a minimum and a malfunction here can lead to decreased performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased emissions.

So it is important to keep an eye out for any performance changes and pay attention to the check engine light after an oil change because when the check engine light comes on, it indicates that at least one component of the vehicle’s crucial systems has malfunctioned.

So the illumination of the check engine light after an oil change must be addressed quickly.

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Service light and check engine light: are they different?

The meaning of the light on your dashboard is different depending on your vehicle’s make and model, but distinguishing a service reminder light from the definite check engine light is critical since there are different intentions behind each one’s illumination.

To sum up their function, the check engine light usually indicates probable failures in the car’s systems.

However, the service light naturally shows there is a need for routine maintenance or service intervals.

If you haven’t maintained your car for a long time, the illumination of the service light is likely.

Routine maintenance should include the examination of air filters, cabin filters, and oil changes.

The service light is intended to let you know your car needs maintenance.

But the check engine light is different. Usually showing the outline of an engine, this indicator is meant to warn you about malfunctions and errors in the car’s system.

Paying attention to the check engine light after an oil change is very important since it shows faults within the engine or related components.

10 Causes and Fixes of the Check Engine Light after Oil Change

1. A damaged oil fill cap can cause the check engine light after an oil change

Ensuring that the oil compartment is closed is the oil fill cap’s responsibility, preserving the proper pressure within the engine.

A wrongly installed oil fill cap or a damaged one will result in oil escapes or contamination of the system.

This can lead to impurities or reduced lubrication and over time, engine damage will be a result.

That is why the check engine light after the oil change is triggered to alert you of the following consequences.

How to fix this condition

Turn off the engine right away if you can, and inspect the oil fill cap.

Confirm that the oil fill cap is sealed properly and tight, and seated correctly.

If the oil fill cap seems damaged or worn out, replace the cap and the issue will be addressed

2. Using the wrong type of oil

If you want to avoid the illumination of the check engine light after the oil change, make sure you use the specific type of oil that is suitable for your vehicle’s engine.

Consuming the inappropriate type of oil by the engine can affect the lubrication process.

This results in more friction and possible engine impairment.

It’s essential to always use the manufacturer-recommended oil type for your vehicle and avoid low-quality oil types that are not specifically suggested.

How to fix this condition

If you see a lit check engine light after the oil change, drain the incorrect oil as soon as possible and replace it with the manufacturer-recommended type.

Always ensure you’re using the right oil grade for your vehicle, even if it is more expensive.

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3. Overfilling is another reason behind the check engine light after an oil change

Does it seem like your vehicle can never have too much oil? Well, even if it does, it is untrue.

Overfilling the oil can lead to increased pressure within the engine.

This condition can easily damage the seals, gaskets, and even the engine itself, and it is not good for the vehicle! Therefore, the check engine light after the oil change warns you.

Always make sure that you are adding the correct amount of oil while the oil changes. Too much is just as bad as not enough.

How to fix this condition

If the oil is overfilled, drain the extra oil to reach the ideal level.

Overfilling the oil tank is going to harm the engine. Keep that in mind and know that it is critical to keep the right amount of oil in the system.

4. A sensor did not reset

Various sensors are helping a vehicle’s system at the same time, monitoring and managing different systems.

If a sensor is unable to reset after the oil change, you can expect the illumination of the check engine light after the oil change.

Now, this might not be because of an issue specifically with the engine, but you have to examine and reset the sensor to guarantee correct readings and avoid future problems as well.

How to fix this condition

First of all, use an OBD reader and check for any existing trouble codes. If there are issues check the engine light after an oil change, the scanner is the way you reset the light.

Remember that if the check engine light after an oil change still bothers you after doing this, consulting a mechanic is the way to go. Ask for their professional help and get your car fixed.

5. Clogged or faulty oil filter

Oil filters are responsible for keeping the oil clean at all times.

They do this by filtering out the contaminants, and if there are any problems with them, they cannot work properly.

If the oil filter becomes faulty or clogged, the oil flow will be restricted, leading to reduced engine performance and potential damage, causing the check engine light after the oil change.

Changing the oil filter regularly ensures that the engine gets clean oil, and clean oil is the key to optimal performance of the engine.

How to fix this condition

If you have any problems with the oil filter, or you know that it is clogged or faulty, just replace the oil filter.

Make sure that you are using a compatible and quality filter in your vehicle or it will be problematic.

Changing the filter regularly can prevent clogs and ensure optimal oil flow which means that your vehicle will not experience a lit check engine light after an oil change because of the faulty oil filter.

6. Damaged oil pan

The engine oil is stored in the oil pan in your vehicle. A damaged oil pan can lead to oil leaks, which can then trigger the check engine light after the oil change.

Timely and periodic checks of the oil pan can help you recognize any possible impairments or wear in this component. This way the oil pan stays intact and works properly.

How to fix this condition

Check the oil pan any look for any visible damage regularly and if there is a lit check engine light after the oil change, make sure to check the oil pan as well.

Signs of damage or leaks can guide you if you need replacement or repair.

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7. Oil contamination

Various reasons, including a blown head gasket, water ingress, or degraded oil can all result in contaminated oil.

If the oil is contaminated, your vehicle’s engine cannot be lubricated effectively and therefore it triggers the check engine light after the oil change.

Increased wear and potential damage to the engine are consequences of oil contamination.

If you want to avoid this issue, keep changing your vehicle’s oil regularly and use quality oil all the time to prevent contamination.

How to fix this condition

Is the oil contaminated? Once you make sure of that, drain the contaminated oil as soon as possible and replace it with quality oil that is suitable for your vehicle.

It is essential to find the source of contamination (like a blown head gasket) and address it.

8. Malfunctioning oxygen sensor

Measuring the amount of unburnt oxygen in the exhaust system of the vehicle is the main function of this sensor.

The oxygen sensor and certain problems within this sensor can trigger the check engine light after the oil change.

The engine’s air-fuel mixture is strongly affected by a faulty sensor.

This situation can consequently affect the engine’s performance and increase emissions.

If you need to make sure that the oxygen sensor keeps functioning properly, regular inspections are the solution.

How to fix this condition

OBD scanners are the best way to confirm the oxygen sensor’s malfunction.

Changing the oxygen sensor to a new and compatible one might be necessary if it is broken. Pay attention to your vehicle’s make and model.

9. Disconnected or damaged wiring

The wires that are connected to sensors or other components might accidentally get damaged or disconnected during an oil change.

This can especially happen if the process is done by someone unfamiliar with the vehicle’s specific design.

These wires are essential in transmitting data and guaranteeing that the vehicle’s systems communicate well with each other.

If they get disrupted, this can lead to the illumination of the check engine light after the oil change.

How to fix this condition

If the wiring around the oil change area is disrupted, issues can happen.

Make sure that all connections are protected and stable and that there’s no visible damage to the wires.

Address the disconnected wires by reconnecting them.

If you find some damaged wires during the inspection, replacing the wiring or consulting a mechanic before this can lead to some major problems is necessary.

The check engine light after the oil change needs to be addressed properly if you do not want your vehicle’s engine to become problematic.

10. Engine overheating

The oil change itself is not going to raise your vehicle’s engine temperature. If the oil is not doing its job properly, then it might lead to engine overheating which can trigger the check engine light after the oil change.

This issue happens when the oil is unable to lubricate the engine components effectively.

Less lubrication means more friction and of course, more heat.

An overheating engine can easily be damaged significantly and hence, the check engine light after the oil change is a sign to let you know if there are such problems.

How to fix this condition

You should check the coolant levels and make sure the radiator is operative and it is not problematic.

If the coolant levels and radiator are both fine, then the engine overheating is caused by issues relating to the vehicle’s oil.

You should use the right type of oil all the time, and the oil must have no contamination in it.

If the oil is not specifically made for your engine, it can cause trouble.

Contaminations can do so as well.

Make sure the oil has these two conditions and if not, it is time to seek professional help.

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Resetting the check engine light after the oil change

Resetting the check engine light after an oil change can be quite challenging.

The check engine light, also known as the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), is a signal from the car’s engine computer notifying you of a potential issue.

When you see a lit check engine light after an oil change, it’s essential to understand the cause and address it properly.

Once the root problem is resolved, you might want to reset the check engine light. Here’s how:

What are the required tools and equipment for resetting the check engine light after an oil change?

The first required item for this job has been mentioned in the article: you primarily need an Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) reader (scanner) such as the Kobra OBD scanner.

This tool is almost necessary and if you do not own one, we recommend taking your car to a mechanic because this tool is very helpful for diagnosing and then fixing car-related issues.

This tool helps you extract the error code, and analyze and clear them.

This is a very practical tool that helps a lot with diagnosing the lit check engine light after the oil change.

You should take certain steps to reset the illuminated check engine light after the oil change:

Find the OBD port on your dashboard

Look for the OBD port. It is probably located on the lower part of the driver side’s dashboard, right above the driver’s foot area

You need to find it and if you cannot locate it there, then you probably need to remove a fuse box door to access it, but it is still there.

Referring to the car’s manual that the manufacturer has provided is the best way to know the whereabouts of this port.

Plug the OBD scanner

The OBD reader must be plugged into the port as the next step. Now press the ‘enter’ button on the OBD scanner and turn it on.

Wait for the Codes to be displayed

The OBD scanner will scan the engine for the stored trouble codes that the car’s ECU has found. The error codes are stored as soon as the vehicle’s ECU finds a problem and right before the check engine light is illuminated.

The OBD scanner starts looking for codes and once it is finished scanning, it will display all the existing error codes.

You can ask a professional mechanic to interpret the codes or search online.

The vehicle’s manual is another valid way to find out the meaning of each error code when the OBD system triggers the check engine light after the oil change.

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Reset the codes

There is a scroll button that you will need to use to highlight the error codes if you want to reset them.

Once you have selected them all, just press ‘enter’ and the scanner will erase all the chosen trouble codes.

Erasing the error codes is a good way to reset the check engine light after the oil change, but keep in mind that if the problems are not addressed properly and your car’s engine is at risk of any harm, the check engine light will come back on.

So we recommend you address the problems before resetting the check engine light.

Restart the car

The last step is to turn the check engine light off if the issues are addressed. If it is still on and it did not turn off immediately, restarting the vehicle sounds like a good idea.

By restarting your car you allow the system to reboot and refresh.

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Can I fix the check engine light after the oil change myself?

Consulting a mechanic is always the easiest and also the safest way of fixing any issues relating to your car.

Addressing many minor issues is easy and doable for most people if they know the basics of vehicle repair skills.

They would not need any professional skills or expertise and can be done by you, but aimless tampering can lead to further problems, which might make you want to let the professionals do it.

Now if you have tried the above steps and failed, or if you are just not certain about the origin of the problem, consult a professional mechanic.

What does it cost to fix the triggered check engine light after the oil change?

Diagnostic costs and repair decisions are always an important concern for car owners, and it is very important to be aware of potential costs associated with diagnostics and repairs.

Preventing unnecessary expenses is a very important step and the professional mechanics should inform you about all the alternatives and consequences of each decision.

This way you can make informed decisions based on professional advice and ensure the vehicle’s longevity.

When the OBD system triggers the check engine light after the oil change, you must find the source and diagnose the problem.

The cost of fixing the illuminated check engine light after the oil change in 2023 may vary due to the professional mechanic’s wages and the vehicle’s make and model, and it largely depends on the source of the problem.

But if you need to replace major and expensive components, the cost will be very high.

The average repair cost to replace a bad catalytic converter is now around $1,313.46 and you will need to pay about $242.34 if the oxygen sensor needs replacing. Other possible expenses are:

• Inspect for loose fuel cap and tighten or replace: $24.84

• Replace ignition coil(s) and spark plug(s): $392.65

• Replace mass airflow sensor: $303.61

• Replace evaporative emissions (EVAP) canister purge control valve: $137.47

• Replace ignition coil(s): $213.70

• Replace fuel injector(s): $423.71

• Replace thermostat: $238.58

• Reprogram powertrain control module (PCM): $109.22

The cost of fixing the problems that caused the illumination of the check engine light after the oil change varies and these numbers are only approximate estimates.

The real cost of fixing the check engine light after an oil change can differ based on the make and model of the vehicle, the region where you are fixing your car, and the precise mechanic or dealership costs.

Many issues trigger the check engine light after an oil change and getting a professional diagnosis can be very helpful in detecting and identifying the exact issue behind its illumination.

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Is it safe to clear the malfunction logs from the car’s engine computer after the oil change?

When your car is signaling a problem, you need long-term solutions.

Simply resetting the check engine light cannot resolve the underlying causes and issues.

Modern vehicles log malfunctions within the engine’s computer and clearing these logs without resolving the issue can lead to recurring problems and potential long-term damage.

So try diagnosing the car and seek professional help for that. After you find the source of the lit check engine light after the oil change, address it properly and fix the issues.

Only then, reset the check engine light.

Takeaway

The check engine light is the indicator of the vehicle’s OBD system. This indicator is a source of stress and concern for many people when it is illuminated, but is also essential in ensuring your car’s health.

If you notice a lit check engine light after an oil change, understanding its triggers and knowing how to address them is the only available solution to avoid unnecessary future expenses and keep your car in the best condition.

If you want to ensure a smooth and safe drive, consider regular maintenance, use the right products for your vehicle, and be attentive. These things can prevent most issues. So make sure to pay enough attention to the check engine light after an oil change and also, all the time.

FAQs

• Why did my check engine light come on after an oil change?

The origin of this issue can be very different. Many things from simple oversights to more complex issues can be behind the check engine light after an oil change. You can always consult a professional and let them identify the exact underlying cause and address it.

• Is it safe to drive with the check engine light on?

Maybe it would not harm the vehicle instantly, but addressing the vehicle’s problems that cause the check engine light after an oil change is the best choice to avoid further damage.

• How long does it take for the check engine light to reset?

This question cannot be simply explained and answered. The underlying issue that triggered the check engine light after the oil change determines this because to reset the check engine light after an oil change, you need to address the issues first and thus resetting the check engine light would take a few driving cycles after fixing the problem.

• Can a faulty oil filter cause the check engine light to come on?

If the vehicle’s oil filter is clogged, it leads to restricted oil flow. This situation results in probable engine damage and therefore triggers the check engine light to inform the driver. So yes, a faulty oil filter can trigger the check engine light after an oil change.

• How often should I change my oil to prevent engine issues?

Changing the car’s oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles keeps the engine running smoothly and lubricates the components accurately.