How to Reset the Oil Light After an Oil Change

Each automotive manufacturer– Honda, Chevrolet, GMC, Chrysler, to name a few– has its own process for resetting the oil change light. But, rest assured, the general procedure is the same for most cars and a simple DIY at home. Check your owner’s manual for specific vehicle information on how to complete an oil light reset.

Do not reset the engine light unless you have actually changed the oil. The dashboard light acts as an oil life indicator. So, resetting the warning light without changing the oil may cause you to miss an oil change. Without an accurate oil change indicator, resulting low oil levels and oil pressure can ultimately damage your engine.

Things You'll Need:

• Car manual
• Make, model and year of car
• Flashlight (optional)
• Car keys

1. Turn the car's systems on, but leave the engine off

Turn the car's systems on, but leave the engine off. Typically, this requires turning the key part-way in the ignition, without turning it enough to start the engine, or lightly pressing the start button.

2. Locate the "Reset" button or stick, which is typically located on the dashboard or steering wheel, near the speedometer and fuel gauge.

Locate the "Reset" button or stick, which is typically located on the dashboard or steering wheel, near the speedometer and fuel gauge. If you don't see a "Reset" button on the dashboard, it's probably under the hood. If necessary, consult your manual, or contact the manufacturer's customer service department.

3. Turn the ignition off, wait a few moments, and then start the engine.

Turn the ignition off, wait a few moments, and then start the engine. Look at the dash to see if the maintenance light is still flashing or lit. If so, repeat the reset process.

If the light is still lit after three reset attempts, contact a manufacturer or dealership service center. A faulty light may be covered by your warranty, or you may just need to learn the correct reset procedure for your vehicle. If you can't reach the manufacturer, you can call a local mechanic, who will probably be willing to tell you how to reset the oil light, provided you know the car's make, model and year.

Tip

The oil lights on some car models cannot be reset by hand, because they are located inside the car's computer. It usually takes a special tool to reset these oil lights. If your car is one of these models, the manual should indicate whether it is possible to reset the oil light manually. If not, a mechanic will be able to reset the light for you.

Video: How to Reset Maintenance Required Light

Helpful comments from the video:

• As always, I appreciate your videos so much. I looked at the description and reset the light faster than I could type this comment. You are a gem, thanks for your contribution to everyone and allowing people with no skills to get stuff done, themselves! Earn everything, you’ve earned it all.
• I want to see more videos of simple stuff like this because you make it so easy. Other people make videos like this and it takes them 3 minutes to explain what you did in one minute. They also make it confusing sometimes. Awesome work ChrisFix
• If I was sitting in my car and wanted to shut off my service light, this video would be my go-to video because of how fast and easy it was!
• Thank you for being brief and to the point. Easy tutorial!