Many car owners feel confused when they see the "Change Oil Light" illuminated on the dashboard. They wonder whether it indicates a low oil level or if the vehicle is reminding them of a necessary maintenance. Also, they are unsure how to reset the indicator light.
This article will explain the meaning of the "Change Oil Light", analyze the main reasons for the oil light to come on, and provide guidance on how to reset the indicator. Additionally, we will share how to use ANCEL automotive diagnostic tools to accurately pinpoint problems.
What is the Change Oil Light?
The Change Oil Light is a warning light on the vehicle's dashboard that indicates whether the engine oil pressure is normal. If the Change Oil Light comes on, it suggests that there may be an issue with the engine oil pressure, reminding the car owner to change the oil or perform oil maintenance.
This Maintenance Light is usually an orange or yellow oil can - shaped symbol or shows as "OIL". Its function is to prompt the car owner to carry out routine maintenance. The triggering reasons may include the expiration of the oil life (usually between 5,000 and 10,000 miles) or the vehicle reaching the preset maintenance cycle. Moreover, if the indicator light was not reset correctly after the last oil change, the Change Oil Light may come on prematurely.
When the Change Oil Light comes on, it is necessary to check the oil condition as soon as possible and arrange for an oil change (it is recommended to handle it within 1 - 2 weeks). After changing the oil, don't forget to reset the indicator light. If you're not sure how to do it, you can use ANCEL's OBD2 scanner to reset it with one click, which is time - saving and convenient.
What is the The Oil Pressure Light?
The The Oil Pressure Light is another warning light on the vehicle's dashboard, used to indicate an abnormal engine oil pressure. If the The Oil Pressure Light comes on, it means the oil pressure is either too low or too high.
This Oil Pressure Warning Light is usually a red oil can - shaped symbol with wavy lines below (resembling "oil dripping from an oil can"). The triggering reasons may be an excessively low or high engine oil pressure, or it could be a sensor malfunction.
When the The Oil Pressure Light comes on, it indicates that the vehicle's oil pressure is abnormal and may cause damage to the engine. You should immediately turn off the engine and stop the vehicle. The specific steps are as follows:
Find a safe place to park.
Wait for the engine to cool down, usually about 10 - 15 minutes.
Open the vehicle's engine hood and locate the dipstick marked with "OIL" or with a distinct handle. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and re - insert it. Then pull it out again. Under normal circumstances, the oil level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick. If the oil level is below the minimum mark, it indicates that the oil level is insufficient, which may be the reason for the The Oil Pressure Light to come on. At this time, only timely oil addition is required.
If the warning light is still on after adding oil, it is recommended to drive the car to a nearby repair shop and let a professional mechanic check the vehicle. Do not attempt to continue driving the vehicle to avoid serious engine damage. Continuing to drive may lead to severe malfunctions such as excessive wear of internal engine components, cylinder scoring, and bearing burnout, which will incur high repair costs.
Usually, a yellow or green oil can - shaped symbol or shows as "OIL"
Usually red oil can.
Triggering Reasons
Expiration of oil life or reaching the maintenance cycle
Abnormal oil pressure (too low or too high)
Urgency
Medium, it is recommended to change the oil as soon as possible
High, immediate parking and inspection are required
Solutions
Change the oil and reset the indicator light
Check the oil level, pressure sensor, or system problems
When to Change the Oil?
Oil plays a lubricating role in the engine. Besides lubrication, oil also has a cleaning function. As a car owner, it is essential to change the oil regularly. But do you know what the oil change cycle is related to? In fact, the oil change cycle is related to many factors, such as the type of oil, the vehicle's operating environment, and driving habits.
Type of Oil: Oil is mainly divided into mineral oil, semi - synthetic oil, and fully synthetic oil. Mineral oil is refined from petroleum, with relatively basic performance. It is recommended to change it every 5,000 miles or so. Semi - synthetic oil is made by adding synthetic additives to mineral oil, with improved performance, and its change cycle is about 7,500 miles. Fully synthetic oil uses chemical synthesis technology, has more excellent lubricity, stability, and wear - resistance, and its change cycle can be extended to 10,000 miles or even longer. Specifically, it is necessary to refer to the vehicle's user manual.
Vehicle Operating Environment: For frequent short - distance driving (less than 5 miles), high - temperature/cold environments, towing heavy loads, and dusty road conditions, the cycle needs to be shortened to 50% - 70% of the standard value.
In addition to the above factors, with the help of modern automotive diagnostic tools, one can more accurately determine the right time to change the oil. For example, ANCEL's OBD2 Scanner offers an oil reset function. By connecting the scanner to the OBDII port of the vehicle, it can read the vehicle's real - time data stream, helping car owners monitor the oil condition and the engine's health in real - time, thus avoiding unnecessary maintenance. Specifically, this type of tool can read the percentage of oil life. When it shows "30% remaining", it means that it's time to consider changing the oil. It can also monitor key data such as oil pressure and engine temperature in real - time. Based on these data, it can determine whether the oil can still function properly, avoiding premature or delayed oil changes, ensuring the engine's performance while saving on maintenance costs.
ANCEL BZ700 Professional OBD2 Code Reader Smart Car Diagnostic Scan Tool $109.99
Without stepping on the brake, place the ignition switch in the ON/RUN position (do not start the engine).
Slowly press and release the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
Turn off the ignition switch. If the indicator light is still on after starting, repeat the operation.
Button Combination Method (for some Honda, Buick, Volkswagen models):
Press and hold the SET/SEL/RESET button while turning the ignition switch to the ON position.
Keep holding the button until the indicator light is reset (for example, for Honda, it needs to be held for more than 3 seconds, and for Buick, it needs to be combined with the brake pedal).
Some models need to enter the "Oil Life" option through the instrument menu and long - press the confirmation key.
One - Click Reset with ANCEL OBD2 Scanner: ANCEL OBD2 Scanner provides a one - click reset function, suitable for models that cannot be reset manually. Just connect the device, select the "Reset Oil Light" option, confirm to complete, and it will automatically generate a maintenance record.
Why Does the Change Oil Light Still Remain On?
Improper Reset Operation: After changing the oil, if the change oil light is not reset correctly according to the proper steps and methods, the maintenance system cannot receive the signal that the maintenance has been completed, and the change oil light will remain on.
Environmental Factors: In some extremely cold or hot environments, the performance of the oil may be affected, causing abnormal parameters such as oil pressure, which can make the change oil light come on. For example, in cold weather, the oil viscosity increases and its fluidity deteriorates, which may cause a temporary increase or decrease in oil pressure, triggering the change oil light.
Oil - Related Problems (Low Oil Level, Poor Oil Quality, Clogged Oil Filter): Insufficient oil, poor - quality oil, and a clogged oil filter can all cause the change oil light to come on.
How to Prevent the Oil Light from Coming On?
Refuel on time and don't wait until the oil runs out completely.
Maintain good driving habits, avoid sudden accelerations and sudden brakes, and pay attention to the vehicle's load.
Use professional diagnostic tools such as ANCEL OBD2 scanner. This tool can quickly read fault codes (such as P0522, P0523, etc.) to help you quickly locate potential problems. In this way, you can more timely and accurately detect vehicle hidden dangers.
How long can I drive with the oil light on?
Can I drive when the oil fault light is on? We will analyze this question in detail according to different situations.
Situation
Discovery Time
Manifestation
Response Measures
First
After starting
The oil pressure indicator light comes on
Don't ignore it. First, check the dipstick to see if the oil level is normal. If the level is low, add oil that meets the specifications. If the cause is unknown and the light remains on, you need to go to the nearest professional repair shop for a comprehensive inspection as soon as possible.
Second
During driving
The oil alarm light comes on
Stay calm, find a safe place to stop, check the dipstick to see if the oil level is normal, and add oil if necessary. If there are no obvious abnormalities during driving, drive slowly at a low speed to the nearest 4S store or professional maintenance institution for inspection. Pay attention to driving slowly.
Third
During driving
The oil alarm light comes on, and the vehicle can drive normally but has abnormal symptoms such as shaking and weak acceleration
It is not recommended to continue driving. Immediately call a professional towing service and have the vehicle towed to a professional maintenance facility for a comprehensive inspection.
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