How to Turn Off a "Change Oil" Light
by Robert RussellThe oil light is a safety device intended to protect your car. It is part of an electric system that considers a number of variables in calculating the time to change the oil in the engine. Most people think that mileage is the sole criteria to consider when determining the time to change the oil. While this is an important factor it is a mistake to rely on it alone. You may need to change the oil although you have not driven 3,000 miles since the last oil change. Variables such as the type of driving and temperature affect the engine as well. When it is functioning properly the oil light will come on when you turn the key to start. The light will go off once you turn the engine on. If the light comes on and stays on this may mean two things: The engine needs oil or the oil light needs to be reset.
Step 1
Check the oil. The light is a warning signal that you are low on oil or that the oil is not flowing properly. If the oil level is fine then the issue may be a reset button. Two different methods will allow you to reset the oil light.
Step 2
Turn the key to the on position. Do not turn the engine on. Press the accelerator pedal down three times in a five-second period. Turn the engine on. If the oil light goes off you have successfully reset the oil light. If it stays on you need to try the second method.
Step 3
Find the fuse box. This should be under the dash in between the steering wheel and the door. Open the fuse box and look for the reset button. Press the button until you hearing a beeping sound. It will beep three times. The oil light should be reset. Turn the engine and see if the oil light goes off. If the oil light stays it still has not been successfully reset.
Step 4
Read the manual. The two methods above are the two most common ways of resetting the oil light. Your car may have additional options to try. If none of the methods resets the oil light then there is a different problem such as a non-functioning oil sensor. At this point you need to see a mechanic.
References
Writer Bio
Robert Russell began writing online professionally in 2010. He holds a Ph.D. in philosophy and is currently working on a book project exploring the relationship between art, entertainment and culture. He is the guitar player for the nationally touring cajun/zydeco band Creole Stomp. Russell travels with his laptop and writes many of his articles on the road between gigs.
