Your Car Needs an Oil Change An illuminated check engine light is the first warning sign that your vehicle needs an oil change. It can activate because the oil is too dirty or when there’s not enough flowing throughout the engine.
What does it mean when the Check Engine light comes on?
When the check engine light comes on after an oil change, it means that there is a brand-new issue you have to deal with. Luckily, I know a lot about the issues that appear after an oil change, and I’ll tell you how to fix them. Why would my check engine light come on after an oil change?
Why does my engine light come on after an oil change?
If you notice the light after an oil change, something else is wrong. Your mechanic has the necessary parts to run tests and get to the bottom of what’s wrong. Five of the most common things we see from check engine lights are:
How do I know if my oil level is low?
If the oil level is low, the oil can warning light will automatically illuminate, not the check engine light. The oil pressure/ low oil level light is displayed as a red oil can. The check engine light is usually an amber horizontal block with a fan on its left side.
Does the Check Engine light turn off when the sensor is reset?
If the Check Engine Light is on to alert you to the service that’s needed, the oil change would automatically shut it off when the sensor is reset. However, not all cars have a sensor that resets on its own. If the sensor doesn’t reset, you might still see the Check Engine Light or Service Engine warning.
Does oil light mean low oil?
What does it mean when the oil light comes on? When the oil light on your dashboard comes on, it might mean your vehicle has low oil pressure. This drop in oil pressure could be a sign of a few things: you are low on oil, your oil is dirty, or you have an oil leak.
What does the oil pressure light mean on a car?
The oil pressure light is used to show up on your dashboard if the oil pressure in your car is too low or too high. Very low oil pressure or no oil pressure at all can actually wreck your engine within just a few seconds, and it is, therefore, important to take this light very seriously and not ignoring it.
What are the signs of low oil pressure?
Here is a more detailed list of the signs of low oil pressure to look for: 1. Oil pressure light on dashboard The first thing you will notice if your car has low oil pressure is the warning light on your dashboard. The oil pressure sensor is live-monitoring the oil pressure all the time when the engine is running.
What does a yellow oil can light mean?
If you see a yellow oil can light on your dashboard, it means that your oil pressure is light. This can also be recognized if the oil pressure light appears while you are turning your car. This means the oil is pressed to the engine’s side, and if the oil level is low – the oil pump will suck air instead.
Why is my engine oil light not coming on?
If the old oil filter would not permit oil flow, the light will turn off when you start the engine with a new filter and oil pressure should return to normal. If the oil light does not come back on and the oil pressure gauge reads properly then the issue is resolved. If the light comes back on, turn the engine off immediately.
What does yellow check engine light mean?
In some cars, a yellow check engine light means there is a problem that needs to be investigated and a red or flashing light means there is a serious problem and you need to stop right away. Your gauges will help you to determine problems like overheating and low oil pressure.
Is check engine light serious?
The reasons for a check engine light turning on can range from something minor like a loose gas cap to something more serious like a faulty catalytic converter. It could even be a sign of internal engine failure. Ignoring the problem can turn a potentially quick fix into a costly and time-consuming repair.
How long can you drive with check engine light on?
50 to 100 miles
How long can you drive with the check engine light on? Once you see the check engine light, it is safe to drive with the light on for 50 to 100 miles. This is because if the issue is with the sensors, then this will buy some time for it to reset, turning the check engine light off.
How long does the Check Engine light stay on?
The check engine light stays on for up to 20 drive cycles after you fix the problem. After completing 10 to 20 drive cycles, the check engine light should come off if you have fixed the problem. Sometimes, an error code is stored in the memory of the engine’s computer.
Can you drive a car with a check engine light on?
If check engine light illuminates on the dashboard and is not red or flashing, you can drive the car safely as long as you have already checked the oil level and its pressure, serpentine belt, coolant, transmission fluid and battery, and your engine is not overheating.
What to do when check engine light comes on?
The first thing you do when the check engine light comes on is observing the car’s behavior. Check if it is cluttering, has reduced power, or having any unusual sound. If you notice nothing strange, you can drive your car until you get it checked by an expert.
What happens if the Check Engine light flashes?
The rule of thumb is that if the check engine light is flashing, you can’t keep driving the car. It’s an emergency. Often it indicates an engine misfire. If you keep driving, you will likely cause irreversible damage, mostly to the (expensive) catalytic converter. Don’t risk that expense – have your car towed to a certified mechanic for repair.
Can low oil cause check engine light?
Low oil pressure is a common cause of a check engine light turning on, and it can seriously interfere with your car’s performance.
Why is my Check Engine light on?
There are a number of things that can make your check engine light come on, but low oil is not one of them. It’s possible that you might have low oil in your engine and another issue causing your check engine light to come on – but while they might be related, low oil is not why your light is on.
How do I know if my car has low oil pressure?
The first thing you will notice if your car has low oil pressure is the warning light on your dashboard. The oil pressure sensor is live-monitoring the oil pressure all the time when the engine is running. If the oil pressure gets too low or too high, it will light up the oil pressure light.
Is low oil pressure bad for your engine?
Low oil pressure is terrible for any car engine, and if the oil pressure gets too low, it can damage your engine with permanent damage within seconds. Low oil pressure will in most cases show up at idle first when the engine oil is hot. This is because the oil pressure is always lowest at idle and it gets even lower when the engine is warm.
What to do if your car engine has a low oil level?
When you notice that your car engine has a low oil level, don’t use it any further, especially if the car shop is far away, you can call a tow car to help you. It is much safer for you and your vehicle. If you hear that your car engine creates a strange smell, it is caused by a low oil level.
Can check engine light mean too much oil?
If the engine is running rough or your check engine light illuminates, the cause may be excess oil contacting the spark plugs and causing a misfire.
Does the Check Engine light mean I need an oil change?
Yes, the check engine light might mean you need an oil change. The check engine light on a car is usually because of one of three problems: a loose gas cap, a problem with the emission control system, or a lack of oil.
Why does my engine light not go off?
The high oil pressure will cause oil to be forced through gaskets, causing oil leaks and your engine to run rough. If the problem isn’t rectified, the light won’t go off on its own, and you could cause major engine damage. It’s an easy check, dip the oil and take a reading.
What happens if you put too much oil in your engine?
Also, too much oil can make it harder to start your engine or disrupt the way your car drives. If there is an excessive amount of engine oil in the crankcase, it can also cause oil to leak out. This can be a fire hazard and is something you will want to avoid.
Can a dirty oil filter cause check engine light?
Dirty and abrasive oil can have disastrous implications for the engine which is why a clogged oil filter also triggers the check engine light.
Can a bad oil filter cause a check engine light?
Yes. A bad oil filter can cause problems with the camshaft timing or hydraulic valve, which can cause performance problems. But in this case, you will most likely see a check engine light on your dashboard, as well. Magnus is the owner and main author of Mechanicbase.
Why does my check engine light come on?
And if your car is already moving and you have this problem, then maintaining speed can be difficult. When a car has this problem, it’s often engine or drivetrain related, so your check engine light might come on as well. It would be wise to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible and get the problem solved.
How do I know if my fuel filter is dirty?
These filters keep the fuel and air entering your engine clean, which allows your motor to burn gasoline properly. If the filters become dirty, your fuel system sensors will alert the ECU and illuminate the dreaded check engine light. Some signs that one of these filters is clogged are: How is this problem resolved?
Do you need an oil filter in your car?
The only way to keep these contaminants from harming engine components is to have an oil filter which can prevent them from entering the engine in the first place. The engine depends on the filter just as much as it depends on the oil itself. If you had no oil filter in your vehicle, the contaminants would build up rather quickly inside the engine.
What is a healthy car oil level?
Insert the dipstick into the tube slowly and push it all the way down. Now withdraw it and look closely at the tip, which should have oil on it. If the level of the oil is between the two lines, your vehicle has enough oil. If it’s at the low mark or below, it’s time to add a quart.
How much oil does a car engine need?
The amount of oil car engines require is roughly between 4 and 8 litres. This differs greatly between vehicles, though generally: Four-cylinder engines need around 4.5 litres of oil. Six-cylinder engines use around 5.5 litres of oil. Eight-cylinder engines require between 4.5 to 7.5 litres.
How often should I Check my engine oil level?
It is very important to check the oil level regularly to prevent engine damage. Wait until the car engine has been turned off for at least 30 minutes to get an accurate reading. If the oil level is under minimum, you can risk serious damage to your engine. Don’t over-fill your oil either.
How much oil is too much?
It depends on how much above max. You can read what happens when the oil level is excessive here. Make sure the oil level is actually increasing. Hot oil expands and will show you a higher reading, which is why usually oil level is checked when the engine is cold.
How do I know if my engine oil is high?
Make sure the oil level is actually increasing. Hot oil expands and will show you a higher reading, which is why usually oil level is checked when the engine is cold. If it really is increasing, on diesels this is usually caused by fuel getting into the oil, as you suspected.
Why is my BMW check engine light on?
BMW Check Engine Light Flashing Distinctive acknowledged reasons for a Check Engine Light are faulty emissions control part, dirty mass airflow sensor, damaged oxygen sensor, faulty head gasket, a malfunction with the fuel injection system, or defective spark plugs to name a few.
Why is MY BMW check engine light on the dashboard?
So, let’s begin. A bad sensor is one of the most common reasons why you are getting a BMW check engine light on the dashboard in your BMW. This is the case because the sensors are directly connected with the PCM and the PCM needs the sensors in proper working order to give the engine the right instructions.
What does a yellow warning light mean on a car?
However, in the majority of cases, it will be a yellow warning light on your dashboard. Typically this icon will be shaped like a car engine. Additionally, there is often the word “check” under the car engine icon. Now that you know what to look for, it is important to understand that this light is part of the onboard diagnostics system.
What does a battery light mean on a BMW?
If you see this light, it usually means your battery is on the way out, though there could simply be a faulty connection. It typically looks like a rectangle with a + and – sign, though it can also say “battery.” This is a general warning about your brakes, not specific to your BMW’s antilock brake system.
