What causes abnormal engine noise after an oil change?
2 Answers
The reasons for abnormal engine noise after an oil change are: 1. Overfilling of engine oil; 2. Using oil with inappropriate viscosity. The procedure for changing engine oil is: 1. Start the engine to warm up and bring the transmission to operating temperature; 2. Remove the drain bolt to collect the old oil from the transmission; 3. After draining the old oil completely, remove the oil pan to replace the transmission filter; 4. Reinstall the oil pan and tighten the drain plug; 5. Add new transmission oil; 6. Start the vehicle and shift through all gears; 7. Check the automatic transmission fluid level and adjust if necessary. Precautions for oil change include: 1. Perform the change when the engine is warm to ensure complete drainage of old oil; 2. Add the correct amount of new oil; 3. After adding oil, start the engine to check for leaks, then run the engine for 3 minutes to confirm the oil level reaches the normal mark.
I just changed the oil and the engine started making strange noises. I have experience with this—it's usually caused by improper installation. For example, if the oil filter isn't tightened properly, air can get in, creating bubbles that prevent the oil from pumping smoothly, resulting in a knocking sound when starting the engine. Or, if the oil level is too low, insufficient lubrication can cause friction noises during piston movement. Last week, I changed the oil myself, and the filter leaked oil—I had to add some fresh oil to stop the noise. My advice is to first check the dipstick to ensure the oil level is correct, typically between the two marked lines. One important reminder: don’t delay fixing this issue, as unstable oil pressure can wear out components and potentially ruin the engine. It’s best to have a professional take a look as soon as possible.
