Your car has been serviced correctly, and your mechanic has changed the oil, but the oil light indicator still appears on the dashboard. Don’t panic.
Other drivers also experience the same problem, but what most drivers or car owners do not understand is that the oil dashboard warning lights serve as a reminder that your vehicle is due for an oil change, but once the oil has been replaced, the light doesn’t always go off automatically. You need to reset it.
In this guide, we will expose every method on how to rest an oil light in any car.
The oil light indicator is easy to reset once an oil change is done, but sometimes it depends on the make of your vehicle. It only takes a few steps and a few minutes.
What does the oil change indicator light look like?
There are two types of engine oil warning lights.
The first one alerts the driver to a problem with the oil level. It is orange and takes the form of an oil can.
The second warning light indicates oil pressure. This is the most serious issue. It can be identified by its red colour. Normally, the oil light is expected to light up and then fade away when you start the car.
However, when it comes on during driving, you should turn off the engine as soon as possible and even visit a garage to trace the source of the issue.
Check before resetting
Before learning how to reset the oil light, make sure the oil change has actually been completed properly. Resetting the light without fresh oil defeats the entire purpose of the system.
You should check:
● The oil level using the dipstick
● That the correct type of oil was used
● That the oil filter was replaced
If the oil is low, dirty, or leaking, do not reset the light. Fix the issue first.
Why reset the oil change light/indicator after an oil change?
Resetting the oil light indicator will ensure you track your future maintenance correctly. Failure to reset the indicator may lead to a risky situation of setting up your next oil change at the wrong time, which can be dangerous to your car.
Depending on the vehicle, different indicators can alert you that the oil change has to be done: indicators like the light-up indicator, beeping, or an indicator on the odometer reaching zero.
Resetting the service indicator after an oil change serves several purposes.
- First, it allows you to adhere to the maintenance schedule recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer, ensuring optimal engine performance and extending its lifespan.
- Second, it prevents unpleasant surprises such as an unexpected breakdown due to a delayed oil change.
- Finally, a properly reset service indicator can also facilitate the sale of your vehicle, demonstrating a good maintenance record.
Resetting the oil change light
Regardless of which kind of car you drive, the oil change light can be easily reset. Most new cars use touch screen menus or steering wheel buttons to reset, and the older ones use plain dashboard controls. The following are the most commonly applied methods of resetting the oil change light in most vehicles.
How to Reset the Oil Light Using Modern Dashboard or Steering Wheel Controls
This is the most frequently used procedure, particularly in the more recent vehicles. A lot of cars nowadays have the ability to reset the oil change light on the dashboard or steering wheel controls.
To restart the oil light by this means:
● Turn the ignition to the ON position without starting the engine.
● Use the steering wheel buttons or dashboard controls to scroll through the display.
● Look for the oil life or oil change reminder screen.
● Press and hold the Reset or OK button until the oil light starts blinking.
● Release the button. After that, press and hold it again until the oil light disappears.
Once the oil change indicator no longer appears, it means the reset is complete.
How to Reset the Oil Light Using Manual Oil Light Reset (Older Vehicles)
Not all vehicles have a digital dashboard or a menu system, so you may need to use the manual reset. This system is usually employed on older vehicles with just an oil warning light.
Follow these steps:
● Turn the ignition to the ON position without starting the engine.
● Press the and release the accelerator pedal three times consecutively within a ten-second interval.
● Turn the ignition off.
● Restart the engine to verify that the oil light indicator has been properly reset.
Most drivers are scared of the damage that the process might cause by pressing the accelerator in that manner.
How to Reset the Oil Light Using an OBD II Scanner
Other cars with sophisticated electronic systems might not allow a dashboard or manual reset. An OBD II scanner can be necessary in this aspect.
Here is how this method works:
- Plug the OBD II scanner into the diagnostic port under the dashboard.
- Turn the ignition to the ON position.
- Use the scanner menu to find the oil life or oil change reset option.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to clear the oil change light.
Keep in mind that not all OBD II scanners support oil light resets for every vehicle. If the reset option is not available, you may need to visit a dealership or professional mechanic.
Oil change light reset guide by vehicle brand
After going through the general reset methods, some vehicles still need brand-specific steps to fully reset the oil change light. This is common with certain manufacturers that use unique dashboard systems or programmed service intervals, which means the general methods may not always work on their own.
Toyota
Turn the ignition on without starting the engine, set the odometer to Trip A, turn the ignition off, then turn the ignition back on and keep holding until the display shows all zeros.
Honda
Use the steering wheel or dashboard menu button, navigate to Vehicle Settings, select Maintenance Info, choose Oil Life, then press and hold Reset until the oil life returns to 100 per cent.
Ford
Turn the ignition on without starting the engine, press and maintain pressure on the accelerator and brake pedals for about twenty seconds, and wait for the oil reset confirmation message to appear.
Chevrolet and GMC
Turn the ignition on, use the steering wheel controls to scroll to Remaining Oil Life, then press and hold the checkmark or OK button until the oil life resets.
Jeep
Turn the ignition on without starting the engine, then step on the accelerator pedal three times in ten seconds, turn the ignition off, then start the engine to confirm the reset.
Tips for oil change light maintenance
Regular maintenance of your vehicle also contributes a lot to the accuracy of your oil change light. With a well-maintained car, the oil life monitoring system can adequately keep up with the service intervals and notify you when needed. This assists in avoiding skipped oil changes, unnecessary engine wear and false dashboard warnings that can be confusing to drivers.
Maintenance Tips:
- Keep a maintenance log or use apps to track oil change dates.
- Always reset the oil light after every oil change.
- Follow your manufacturer’s oil change interval (usually 3,000–7,500 miles).
- Use high-quality motor oil and filters for better engine protection.
- Get regular diagnostics to detect faulty sensors or false alerts early.
These are simple steps to make sure that your vehicle oil life reading is correct and your vehicle maintenance program is on the usual schedule.
Why the Oil Light May Not Reset
There are also occasions where the oil light does not restart even after following the steps properly. This may occur due to a number of reasons.
Common causes include:
● The reset steps were not completed fast enough.
● The wrong ignition mode was used.
● A faulty oil life sensor
● A system that requires a scan tool
Newer cars, in particular luxury cars or hybrids, can require a professional diagnostic device to clear the system.
What If the Oil Light Comes Back On?
When the oil light comes back on soon after being reset, do not overlook it. This could mean:
● The oil level is actually low.
● There is an oil pressure issue.
● The oil was not changed properly.
In this situation, recheck the oil level immediately. When nothing seems wrong, but the light returns, then get the car checked by a professional.
Is It Safe to Drive If the Oil Light Is On?
If the oil light is an oil life reminder and the oil has been changed, the car is usually safe to drive. However, driving with any warning light on is not a good habit.
If the light is red or flashing, or if it says “Low Oil Pressure”, stop driving immediately. That type of warning can indicate serious engine damage if ignored.
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Conclusion
The ability to reset the oil light is one such DIY skill that can make a huge difference. It keeps your maintenance schedule accurate, helps protect your engine, and saves you unnecessary worry. The key thing to remember is that the reset should follow a proper oil change.
When you can spare a few minutes to reset the oil light properly each time, your car’s maintenance system will work exactly as it was designed, and your engine will thank you for it.
FAQ
Yes, but it’s not recommended. Doing so removes an important maintenance reminder and can lead to engine damage.
Only after every oil change.
No. Resetting only clears the reminder. It does not fix leaks, low oil, or pressure issues.
The system measures oil life, not oil level.
No. Reset procedures vary by manufacturer and model year.
Yes. Battery issues can reset or disrupt dashboard systems.
