Will getting oil change make my check engine light go away?

unlikely the oil change is gonna turn off the cel. some places will scan codes for free so you can figure out whats wrong. or a cheap codes reader from the parts store would be a good thing to have.

 

If something temporary like that was the problem, then the light will not go out immediately when the problem is fixed. The light will stay on for several on-off cycles before eventually clearing.

 

Hmm...
I think you correctly surmise that your focus needs to be on the upcoming test.
Therefore why do anything that "could" become a distraction?

I know this is Prius Chat, but your life is your life and The Prius is just a vehicle.

I kinda assume that if you are "locking yourself in" to study hard, then you won't be doing a lot of driving anyway.

Lock yourself in, study hard, drive as little as possible, pass the exam and THEN go get an oil change and worry about what might be causing the check engine light.

The vehicular problems no matter how potentially simple or complicated can wait.

 

And very simple answer. Take a look at the dipstick!

Only if the oil is critically low (well below the low mark on the stick) would it be likely to cause an "check engine" warning.

 

Pull the stick.
If the oil volume is significantly low, then just top it off.
If not then put tape over the CEL for the 2 weeks that you'll be boning up for the dissertation.
As stated above, you shouldn't be driving very much during this time anyway.
(be sure and let us know how it goes.)

 

Is this a "check engine" light or "maintenance req" light? At 5000 miles, the maintenance light should be lit as a reminder for the oil change.

 

Yeah...but he needs to concentrate on the test. IF he checks the dipstick and for some reason it is abnormally low...that gives him a distraction he doesn't need right now.

I say put everything on hold...that you can put on hold until after the test.

As long as this upcoming test isn't tied to driving a whole lot in the next few weeks. Keep the Prius parked and study.

 

if the gas cap was not tight, that's your problem, and you're good to go. hit the books! edit, missed your post, have them look at the leak, leaks are not normal. however i would check the oil level before driving. what mileage was your last oil change?

 

That does change the equation a bit.

Because you don't want to risk permanent or increasing damage to your car.

When you say "a drip" a drip of what?
Water, Oil?

I hesitate to say this, but I have a horrible history with Firestone. Maybe it was just an isolated incident, but I vowed I would never take a vehicle to them ever again.

In short...doing work without my authorization.

 

And what if he needs to scratch his arse. Should he put that off until after the test too?

Pulling the dipstick and taking a look would have taken the OP less time than to post this thread!

If the oil is ok then that's one distraction out of the way, he knows that there's no need for the larger distraction of going for an oil change. If on the other hand the oil is critically low then that actually saves him from the enormous distraction that seizing the engine in his Prius would be at this time.

 

Sometime I get drips of condensation from the aircon condenser after I've shut down the car. Put your hand under and catch a drop if you see it again. It's pretty easy to distinguish oil from water once you have a drop in your hand.

Get them to check all the coolant levels (in the actual radiator and not just in the expansion tank) when you take it in.

 

I disagree. I've had plenty of Prii roll into my shop with only a quart of oil in them and the check engine light off.

 

What if it is LESS than a quart ?
And why is the OP seemingly totally ignoring the advice that he check the oil level ??
I think next semester should include "Auto Maintenance 101".

 

if its less than a quart its already gonna be knocking its brains out.
but you got to be a complete idiot if you don't check your oil level sometimes.

 

Running critically low on oil can definitely cause the engine to overheat, and this does indeed cause an engine check light condition.

So is that the consensus here guys. Never look at the dipstick under any circumstances, even if the check engine light is on? I guess I must just be weird or something, because I never realised that taking 60 seconds to pull the stick and take a look was that much of a drama.