Is my engine light on because I let the car go 5K without an oil change, or because I hit a parking divider?

Question

I have a 2003 Dodge Caravan. I was overdue for an oil change -- it had been 5,000 miles since the last one -- and the car started running a little rough, but I decided to push it three more days so I could get it done over the weekend.

Then yesterday morning I was leaving work and ran over a parking divider. There was a big thunk, but the car looked fine from the outside, so I headed home. About 30 seconds later, as I turned out of the parking lot, my engine light came on.

Could I have damaged the car when I ran over the divider, or is the light on because I have damage from letting the oil change go? The car drove home from work (about half a mile) just fine, but the engine light stayed on even after I added two quarts of oil and cranked it again last night.

I should have mentioned that there is no leak. I added the oil last night, and there's no puddle as of this morning, and the dipstick says MAX.

Answer 1

the clue here is youre engine was running ruff before you hit the divider
that will set a missfire code by its self it takes a while for it to set
you need to fix the misfire thain the light can be turned back off 5000 miles on an oil chainge wont hurt the car that is where the dealer owners manuel says to do it anyway

Answer 2

The engine light comes on when the computer registers a problem with the engine. Going 5K without an oil change should not have caused any problem, although I am not sure how you got to be 2 quarts low in that time. Running over a divider should not have damaged the engine in any way that the computer would have registered a problem. It is possible that by running over the divider you cracked the oil pan, the reserve tank where your oil sits when it isn't running through the engine, but this would leave an oil stain wherever you park.

Advanced Auto and Auto Zone have free diagnostics for the check engine light. They can tell you exactly what is wrong, even if you don't understand the lingo. :) (I have never had them tell me anything in english, just mechanic jargon.) Once you know what is causing the light you can decide if you want to have a mechanic fix it right away or let it run for a little while. The light tells you there is a problem that needs to be fixed. The problem may be big or small. The diagnostic check will tell you what type of problem it is and the person doing the diagnostic should be able to tell you if you need to rush to a mechanic or wait.

Answer 3

You were low on oil, have dealer check the under carriage for the leaks, you may have damage the oil-pan, and oil may be leaking out.

If it is so then check oil level before stating and then if low add it to full and drive around the block, then park it a dry spot then after 1/2 hour or so move it and see if you see any oil on the parked area. Check the level again if low have it towed to a place to fix the leak. Do not drive you can damage the engine may cost $5000/- to fix.

Check the manual, you need oil change every 7500 miles I believe, some new oils can go for 15000 miles.

Take it to a deal I think it is under warranty and Insurance can also cover it if you ran over some obstruction on the road, Find out and check with the agent if more then the deductible.

It may be worth the claim or may not be worth the claim.

Answer 4

You should change oil AND filter every three to six thousand miles. The problem with not doing it is that oil gets dirty, even with a filter and the combustion process contaminates the oil with acid. Let it go long enough and the filter clogs so there is no filtration of dirt and metal particles and the acid builds to the level that it eats away engine components leading to early engine failure. If you are having to add oil frequently then you either have a leaky gasket somewhere or the acid and dirt have worn components to the point that your engine is burning oil. If you see a bluish smoke coming from your exhaust you are burning oil.

Answer 5

When you added two quarts of oil I hope that it was low. If it was not low you could blow your oil seals.

You really need to get the oil changed soon!!!!!

This could be your problem but not necessarily. It is the cheapest way to find out. Either way you need an oil change NOW!!

After the oil change if it does not go out disconnect the battery for a minute to reset the engine computer then hook it back up. Start the car, it may take two attempts while the computer adjust itself, and see if goes out.

If it does not go out take it to your local auto parts store and see if they will help you figure it out.

Answer 6

I believe it might need oil change but the Engine Light come on, it should be something else. Take it down to AutoZone and they do free computer check and tell you what is wrong. ALWAYS CHANGE THE OIL EVERY 3,000 miles no matter what. It can be major problem...

Answer 7

Actually the engine light may not have anything to do with your little accicent with the divider. Best way to tell is to run up to your local AutoZone and have the engine diagnostic run on your vehicle for free to tell exactly what it is on for. Also, on many newer vehicles they do monitor how many miles go on your vehicle between oil changes. So definitly have it hooked up.

Answer 8

Get the computers stored code read. Sounds like you damaged something under the vehicle! Cars can easily go 5K between changes. Best to you! ;-)=

Answer 9

Hey maybe you should take it to an auto electrician for a check. It could be that you have jolted a connection loose on the alternator or somewhere else. Worth a try.

Answer 10

the fact u put 2 qts oil in it means one of two things...1...oil is leaking out bottom.......2..you dont take care of ur car...either way take in in,,,check oil before u go...if none dont drive it...