Resetting the oil change light is an easy process that can be done in your own driveway in just a few minutes. Knowing how to reset this light can save you time and money by allowing you to monitor your own oil life instead of relying on oil change intervals recommended by mechanics.
Page Contents
What is the oil change light?
Most modern vehicles have an oil change reminder light, commonly called a maintenance reminder, oil life monitor, or change engine oil soon light. This light is programmed to come on after a certain mileage or time interval has passed since your last oil change.
The system does not actually detect the condition of your oil. It bases the oil change interval on engine operating conditions and driving habits. Things like frequent short trips, stop-and-go driving, and operation in extreme hot or cold temperatures can cause the light to come on more frequently.
Why reset the oil change light?
If you change your own oil, you probably want to reset the light yourself to match when you actually complete the oil change. This allows you to keep better track of your vehicle’s needs and not rely solely on the factory-programmed interval.
Resetting also allows you to take advantage of oil life monitors that alert you when the calculated oil life drops below 10% or 15%. This gives you ample warning to get an oil change before you run too low on oil life.
Some other good reasons to reset the light include:
- You used synthetic oil, which lasts longer than conventional oil
- You want to change oil more or less frequently than the programmed interval
- You performed an oil change yourself and want the light to match your actual oil change schedule
- You had engine repairs that required an early oil change
- The dealership reset the light after an oil change but it came back on soon after
How to reset oil change light – general steps
The exact reset procedure varies by vehicle make and model. But the general process on most vehicles includes:
- Turn the ignition to the ON or RUN position without starting the engine
- Locate the oil change reset button, stick, or hole. Consult your owner’s manual if you cannot find it.
- Fully press and release the reset button or stick the reset tool into the hole. This may need to be done more than once.
- Turn the key to the OFF position and then start the engine to test that the light reset worked.
The reset buttons and tools can be found behind panels, under the dashboard, steering column, or glove box on most vehicles. Some common locations include:
- Turn signal/wiper stalk – Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura
- Glove box – Ford, Lincoln, Mercury
- Steering wheel – Chevy, GM vehicles
- Instrument panel – Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep
- Driver’s door – Mazda, Infiniti, Nissan
For vehicles without a dedicated reset button, there is often a hole you stick the reset tool into. The tool may be a simple paper clip, pin, or small hex wrench depending on the vehicle.
Reset procedures by vehicle make
Below are details on how to reset the oil change light for some popular vehicle makes and models:
Toyota and Lexus
Turn the ignition to ON and press the TRIP button repeatedly until the maintenance message appears. Press and hold the button until the message resets.
Honda and Acura
Turn the ignition to ON but do not start the engine. Locate the reset button on the steering column. Press and hold the button until the indicator resets.
Ford, Lincoln and Mercury
Turn the ignition to ON but do not start. Fully push the reset button on the glove box and release. Repeat 2-3 times until the light resets.
GM vehicles
Turn key to ON position without starting. Locate reset button near steering wheel. Press and hold for 5 seconds until oil light resets.
Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep
Turn ignition switch to ON position but do not start. Press and hold trip odometer reset button until maintenance light blinks and resets.
| Make | Reset Procedure |
|---|---|
| Toyota | Press and hold TRIP button |
| Honda | Press and hold button on steering column |
| Ford | Press reset button on glove box |
| GM | Press and hold reset button by steering wheel |
| Chrysler | Press and hold trip odometer reset |
Tips for resetting oil change light
Follow these tips for a smooth oil change light reset process:
- Consult your owner’s manual to find the location of the reset button/tool for your specific vehicle make and model.
- Perform the reset procedure with the engine off to avoid any issues.
- You may need to press the reset button or hold it for 5-10 seconds to complete the reset.
- Turn the ignition fully off and then start the engine to verify the light reset correctly.
- Make sure your dashboard oil change indicator shows 100% or reads full oil life after the reset.
- Write down your car’s mileage and date when you reset the light to track when your next oil change is due.
What if the oil light won’t reset?
If you cannot get the maintenance light to reset, here are some things to try:
- Make sure you press and hold the button for long enough – try holding for up to 10 seconds.
- Turn the ignition off and back on, then try the reset again.
- Ensure your battery is fully charged.
- Check that you have the correct reset button or tool location for your vehicle.
- Refer to your owner’s manual for the proper reset procedure.
- Disconnect your battery for 15 minutes to reset the computer, then try again.
- Have your vehicle serviced if the light remains on after multiple reset attempts.
Conclusion
Understanding how to reset your vehicle’s oil change reminder light is important for monitoring your own vehicle maintenance and getting the most out of your oil changes. Make sure to consult your owner’s manual to find the correct reset procedure. With the right info, you can easily handle oil light resets yourself and save time and money on unnecessary oil changes.