Jeep Check Engine Light On After Oil Change – How To Fix?
The check engine light in your Jeep may come on after an oil change for a few reasons.
Quick Answer: Any time you have your oil changed, the mechanic will reset the computer in your Jeep. This can cause the check engine light to come on. In addition, if the oil filter was not installed properly or if the wrong oil filter was used, this could also trigger the check engine light.
Let’s dig into a little more detail about each of these potential causes for the check engine light coming on after an oil change.
Jeep Check Engine Light After Oil Change – Causes & Fixes
So, how do you know if your Jeep check engine light is on after an oil change? There are a few things that can cause this, and we’ll go over the most common causes.
The dipstick isn’t Placed Correctly
A check engine light can come on for a variety of reasons, some as simple as a loose gas cap. However, if the light comes on after you’ve recently changed your oil, it could be because the dipstick isn’t seated correctly.
When you change your own oil, it’s important to make sure that the dipstick is inserted all the way back into its housing before checking the level. If it’s not seated properly, the engine will register an incorrect oil level and trigger the check engine light.
To fix this, simply remove the dipstick and reinsert it until it seats firmly in the housing. Then recheck your oil level and reset the check engine light if necessary.
Incorrect installation of oil fill cap
The importance of regular oil changes for your Jeep cannot be understated. Not only does fresh oil keep your engine clean and running smoothly, but it also helps to prevent expensive repairs down the road. That’s why it’s so important to make sure the oil fill cap is installed correctly after each oil change.
If the oil fill cap is not installed correctly, it can cause the check engine light to come on. This is because the pressure in the oil system will not be correct, and the engine will not be getting the proper lubrication.
The proper way to install the oil cap is by screwing it on until it is snug. Do not over-tighten it as this can strip the threads and cause a leak. If you are unsure of how tight to make it, consult your owner’s manual or ask a mechanic. Once the oil cap is installed correctly, the check engine light should turn off.
Oil pressure is low
The check engine light will come on if the oil pressure sensor detects that the oil pressure has fallen below a certain threshold.
The wrong viscosity of oil can cause low oil pressure, which will trigger the check engine light. The perfect oil pressure for your Jeep engine is between 5 and 25 psi. If the oil pressure falls too low, it can cause extensive damage to your engine.
Make sure to use the correct viscosity oil for your Jeep model.
With an OBD2 scanner, you can reset the check engine light if the problem was temporary low oil pressure.
Sometimes system takes time to realize the oil has been changed, so it couldn’t detect the pressure instantly. So the light may go away on its own after an hour or day.
You May Put Too Much Oil
The pressure of too much oil in the system can cause the Jeep check engine light to turn on. The pressure sensor is located in the oil filter housing. If you change your own oil, be sure to check the level and add oil if needed. Overfilling the oil can cause this problem. You may need to have the system flushed to remove the excess oil.
The steps to remove the excess oil:
- Park the Jeep on level ground and turn off the engine.
- Place a drain pan under the oil filter housing to catch the oil.
- Remove the oil fill cap and unscrew the housing cap with an oil filter wrench.
- Allow the oil to drain into the pan.
Wrong Oil
That’s one of the most common oil-change mistakes people make. If you didn’t put in the right oil, or if you didn’t put in enough oil, that can trigger the check engine light. Also, if the oil filter wasn’t installed correctly, that could cause the problems which i already mentioned above.
All vehicles are required to use an oil viscosity or weight that’s specified by the automaker. For example, 5W-30 oil is required for most late-model vehicles sold in cold-weather states. In warm-weather states, the required oil typically is 20W-50. You also may see such designations as 10W-40 and 0W-20, which are designed for special applications.
So, what to do if you put the wrong oil?
The best thing to do would be to get an oil change as soon as possible. If you can’t get to a shop right away, then check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations. You might be able to drive for a short distance without doing any damage, but it’s better to err on the side of caution and get the oil changed as soon as you can.
Sensor May Didn’t Reset
In case you don’t know about sensor resetting, it is a process of setting the sensor back to its default or “normal” operating mode. This is done after an oil change to ensure that the new oil is being monitored correctly.
If the sensor doesn’t reset, it can cause the check engine light to come on after an oil change. This usually happens because the new oil isn’t being monitored correctly, and the computer thinks something is wrong.
There are a few things you can do to reset the sensor:
- Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual. This is the best way to ensure that you’re doing it correctly.
- Take it to a professional. They will have the right tools and equipment to reset the sensor properly.
- Use a code reader or scan tool. This can be done at home, but you’ll need to purchase the tool first.
Engine Misfire
A misfire is when the engine doesn’t fire correctly. This can be caused by a number of things, such as a dirty spark plug or a problem with the ignition system. If you have a misfire, it will usually trigger the check engine light. However, it’s always best to get the problem diagnosed by a professional to be sure.