Like other warning lights, the check engine light warns drivers of a problem with their cars. However, if the light comes on after a tire change, a problem may have developed during the tire changing process.
Low pressure on tires and damaged ABS are among the possible causes the check engine light may illuminate after a tire change. The vehicle computer may have detected a problem after the repair, flagging it as an error. However, get a mechanic to diagnose the vehicle or use a scan tool.
The article lists various reasons that may cause the check engine light to come on after a tire change. Read on to learn more, including other possible reasons this light may illuminate.
Why Check Engine Light May Come On After Tire Change? [3 Common Causes]
I usually consider the check engine light to be the most important thing in a vehicle. This is because it tells the well-being of vital car parts like the engine and transmission. However, when this light illuminates after a repair, it may be related to it.
For this instance, the tire change may be responsible if the check engine light comes on. This is the same case with the check engine light after changing spark plugs in a vehicle.
Following are the possible reasons the engine light may illuminate after a tire change.
Car Computer Error
One of the reasons the check engine light may come on is if you installed bigger tires than the previous ones. The vehicle computer, which manages various systems in the vehicle, may detect that change and flag it as an error.
Various system calibrations, like the stability control system calibration, rely on tire sizes. If one or several tires are larger than the previously used, this system can cause the car computer to report an error.
Besides affecting the car’s computer, differently sized tires can also confuse the car’s speedometer causing force readings. The speedometer will show a slower speed than the vehicle is traveling on.
Solution
I prefer to replace the tires with the exact size. Consider changing the tires with the tires of the same size as the ones you replaced to avoid these problems
Also, during maintenance, change all the tires rather than just one. The reason is to keep the wear even and threads similar, preventing these problems.
Low-Pressure Tires
Low tire pressure can also cause the check engine light to illuminate. The light is usually triggered if the recently installed tire or tires have less than the minimum acceptable pressure.
Solutions
Consult your user manual to learn the required tire pressure, usually between 30 and 35 psi for most passenger vehicles. I usually prefer keeping the tires well pressured to ensure they wear evenly and I get a better fuel economy.
You may need to check the tires for puncture if you had previously used and stored them. Observe the various steps in how to store tires and ensure they remain safe during the period.
Damaged ABS
Various earlier-generation vehicles don’t have the anti-lock braking system (ABS) light, and any error instead triggers the check engine light. During installation, you or the mechanic installing the tires may have bumped on these sensors damaging them and causing the light to illuminate.
Also, the check engine light may come on if the new tires are of different sizes, which can damage the ABS.
Solutions
Get a mechanic to check the antilock braking system sensors and replace any that were damaged during the tire change. If the new tires’ size caused the sensor problems, you may have to replace them.
Diagnosing the Causes of The Engine Light Coming On After Tire Change for ABS
The several problems discussed above may not be the cause of your engine light illuminating. Therefore, you have to determine the problem and provide the solution. You can check for the obvious ones, like a loose gas cap, and fix it then wait for the light to go off.
You should use an OBD2 scanner to determine the exact problems by getting the error codes stored in the ECU. The tool is easy to use, and available in most online and local car part stores.
Also, various car parts stores offer free diagnosis, like AutoZone, which uses the free Fix Finder service. You can visit these stores for a free diagnosis if you don’t have the scan tool with you.
However, if you have the scan tool, follow the steps below to scan;
Step 1. Locate the OBD2 port on your vehicle and connect the port to the scan tool
Step 2. Consult the scan tool’s instructions to know whether you need to turn the vehicle on before scanning. If so, turn the ignition on.
Step 3. Press scan to start scanning. Some scan tools may automatically begin scanning.
Step 4. Read codes to determine the problem and fix it. Common ABS-related fault code you can expect include;
- C0060 – Front left ABS solenoid 1 circuit malfunction
- C0065 – Front left ABS solenoid 2 circuit malfunction
- C0070 – Front right ABS solenoid 1 circuit malfunction
- C0075 – Front right ABS solenoid 2 circuit malfunction
- C0080 – Rear left ABS solenoid 1 circuit malfunction
- C0085 – Rear left ABS solenoid 2 circuit malfunction
- C0090 – Rear right ABS solenoid 1 circuit malfunction
- C0095 – Rear right ABS solenoid 2 circuit malfunction
In most cases, after fixing the problem, the light automatically turns off. Mostly this happens after more than 10 cycles of turning on and driving the car. You can also use the scan tool to clear the light.
However, disconnect the battery for about two minutes if the engine light is still on.
People Also Ask
Here are some frequently asked queries by people about the check engine light coming on after tire changing.
Can I Turn the Check Engine Light If It Comes on After Tire Change?
It’s possible to reset the check engine light using a scan tool or disconnect the battery for about two minutes. However, the light will likely go off if the problem that caused the engine light to illuminate is not fixed yet.
Can Faulty Tires Cause the Check Engine Light to Illuminate?
Low-pressure tires can cause the engine light to illuminate. If you recently installed the tires, check the rims if they are bent and losing air. Consult your user manual to learn the ideal tire pressure for your vehicle and inflate it.
End Notes
If the engine light comes on immediately after a tire change, it is most likely related. It could be due to a damaged ABS sensor or low tire pressure in the new tires. However, there may be other unrelated causes that can be determined by diagnostic testing.
To address the issue, you can get a mechanic to diagnose the problem and fix it. However, you can use a scan tool to determine the problem and reset the light.
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