Why does the "check engine" light come on after changing the oil in a 2002 Oldsmobile Alero?

Answer by  chazeloff (324)

It is just a signal light to tell you that you have done something to the vehicle and there should be a button in the glove box to reset the light.

Answer by  kennethjgoodson (4903)

It could be that you have a bad misfire somewhere. It will not just come on because the oil was changed. It means there is something wrong and you can go to Auto Zone and they can put it on the computer for free and let you know what's wrong.

Answer by  lalallalala (180)

It could be a result of air bubbles in the oil, or the change has trigered something new. If it stays on for more than two weeks after the oil change go to your mechanic they can run a test to see if there is a real issue.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

Well this could have been triggered by something that occurred because of the oil change but it could also be an unrelated issue. To know for sure you will need to check the codes. Do this by buying a code reader or by having you local shop or auto parts store read the stored codes.

Answer by  Latin4 (11170)

This happened to me twice. Disconnect the battery cables, and hook them up again it should resets the computer and the light should go out. If not see your mechanic.

Answer by  Ralphie1954 (420)

The problem is caused by the fact that after replacing the oil, the filter is empty and needs a few seconds to fill. This causes the oil pressure light to stay on longer which causes an error code in the computer.

Answer by  bb (674)

the check engine light may be coming on beause of something else connected to the oil change that you did.