CEL Light - Oil Change?

[NViejeP]

So I'm 500 miles over 3000 miles which means I should be due for an oil change. However, I know plenty of people that change at 5000 miles and even 7000 miles.

However, I started up my car tonight to go out to dinner, and I noticed my Engine light came on. Could this be the oil? I was planning on just going to Penzzoil to get it changed, but I'm worried the CEL is something else so I might have to take it to my mechanic.

Could the oil be the cause of the CEL?

 

[4rnr4me]

I'm like WAY overdue on my oil change...and my CEL came on for something else, I REALLY doubt its your oil...run the code and throw it at us

 

[sbbamafan]

The 'Maint' maintenance light comes on for oil changes. If it is really the Check Engine light, you have some other problem. Everything that makes the CEL come on is related to emissions and smog control. Some of these issues affect drivability, some don't. Could be something as simple as not tightening the the gas cap enough or it could be a bad sensor, etc. As someone else said, assuming it is the CEL, run the code and see.

 

[Baba Booey]

Some auto parts stores such as Autozone and Advanced Auto Parts will check your code for free. The dealer usually charges $70 or more to run the code.

I had a parts store run a code for me several years ago on my Subaru and it came back with a code that could've indicated a loose gas cap. However, my cap was tight, and so I bought a new cap for $8 (the car has very high mileage).

The parts store reset the CEL, I put on the new cap, and that took care of the problem. Haven't had a CEL since.

 

[NViejeP]

Okay so heres the deal.

The light next to the gas meter with CHECK under it is on. I'm over 500 miles over my oil change.

What should I do? Will Kragens run the code for me for free?

 

[NViejeP]

Well, I decided to drive to the bank today, but before starting the car I tightened the gas cap just in case. And I start up the car and theres no CEL.

So I guess that could be the problem. But does the CEL often go off and than back on by any chance?