Check Engine Light (CEL) Diagnostics in Westchester, NY

Can an Oil Leak Cause the Check Engine Warning?

Not a Single Cause

The CEL is a single dashboard indicator, but the check engine warning is not triggered by a single cause. There are so many potential underlying factors that a mechanic needs to connect equipment to your vehicle's OBD-II port to obtain a trouble code to point them in the right direction. You can count on the ASE-certified technicians at Ardsley Motors in Ardsley, New York, for accurate malfunction indicator lamp diagnosis and for reputable related repairs.

Worth a Second Look

Some shops/mechanics will tell you that an oil leak will never cause your check engine light to come on, contending that this problem is the culprit behind the oil light alone. While it is indeed true that the oil light exclusively indicates an engine-oil-related problem (low level, insufficient pressure, etc.), it is not true that it can never be behind an illuminated CEL. First, consider the argument made by some that the check engine lamp is triggered only by an electrical issue. That's completely false. For example, a loose gas cap can cause a warning, and it is certainly not an electrical component. Second, an oil leak in certain areas can breach the sealed system, causing your automobile's computer to "think" there is an engine combustion issue. Therefore, it is indeed possible on certain occasions to replicate a CEL illumination with an oil leak. What's more, you should never leave an oil leak unaddressed, even in the absence of a dashboard warning. Leaky crude Fluid can wet and/or corrode other components, eventually leading to trouble. What's more, oil loss that becomes significant and leaves your engine unprotected can definitely lead to problems in the combustion/cylinder area. This, in turn, can trigger the check engine caution as well as be expensive to fix. Therefore, an oil leak related to the CEL always warrants a second look.

CEL Diagnosis and Repair

As you can see, we'll need to check your vehicle to make an accurate diagnosis and plan any necessary repairs. You can feel confident that your vehicle is getting the specialized attention it deserves and that you are being treated fairly. Ardsley Motors is a member of the Automotive Services Association (ASA), serving our area as a dealership alternative since 1985.