How To Reset Your Oil Change Light
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The indicator lights on your car’s dashboard are critical features for safety and maintenance. Therefore, it would be wise not to ignore them whenever they light up. One of the most important indicators in your dashboard is the oil change light.
Regular oil changes are essential to prolonging the life of your vehicle, so when the oil change light comes on, you know that it’s time to visit an auto shop for an oil change service. However, after an oil change, you’ll notice that the oil change light stays on.
Don’t fret because this is very common - all you have to do is reset it.
For today’s post, we’ve created a quick guide on how to reset your oil change light. Although the instructions can vary from one vehicle to the next, the general process is the same for most cars.
Reset Oil Change Light: A Step-by-Step Guide
The steps on how to reset your oil change light are fairly simple. But again, the actual instructions can vary from make to make. If you’ve tried the steps below and the oil change light didn’t reset, we suggest looking online or reading the owner’s manual about your particular vehicle without further ado.
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Step 1: Look for the Reset Button and Turn On the Ignition
Look for the Reset button or switch, which is generally located at the car’s vehicle gauge and dashboard section. Then, turn the key once to position ON, which lights up the gauges and light indicators, but without starting the engine.
Step 2: Toggle Odometer to Display Mileage
Cycle through the odometer settings until the screen displays the car’s total mileage. Then, turn off the car by turning the ignition to the OFF position.
Step 3: Hold the Reset Button and Turn the Ignition
While the vehicle is turned off, press and hold the Reset button or switch; while the Reset button is depressed, turn the key back to the ON position. Carefully observe the maintenance or oil change light, and it should start to blink.
Let the maintenance light blink for a few seconds, then release the Reset button and turn off the ignition.
Step 4: Turn On the Vehicle
Turn on the engine and see if the oil change or maintenance light went away. If yes, congratulations, you’ve successfully reset your oil change light!
In case the oil change light is still on, repeat all the steps. After two or so retries and the oil change light remains lit, you may have to refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions for your vehicle.
Other Methods
Again, the steps on how to reset your oil change light depend on the car manufacturer and the make of the vehicle.
For example, for pre-2005 General Motors vehicles, you’ll need to turn ON the vehicle (but not the engine), wait for the lights to flash, and step on the accelerator three times within five seconds of turning on the ignition. The oil change light should blink, indicating that it has been reset.
For the Honda Accord, the steps are very similar, with some slight differences. First, you need to turn on the ignition. Look for the “select” stem and press it until you see the “oil” label or a wrench icon. Then, press and hold the stem until the oil change light starts blinking. Release the stem and depress and hold it again for about five seconds. The oil light should briefly go away.
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Signs That You Need an Oil Change
Just because the oil change light isn’t flashing doesn’t mean that you’re not due for an oil change. Below are some telltale signs that you need an oil change.
- Excess car exhaust - Nowadays, vehicles don’t release visible exhaust from their tailpipes. Therefore, if you see any visible exhaust coming from your vehicle, it could point to an issue. In most cases, excessive vehicle exhaust means that your vehicle’s oil is too old.
- Engine noise - For all of your vehicle’s parts to function properly and smoothly, they need motor oil for its lubrication properties. You may hear some potential issues as you drive if the motor oil is old and thin. If your engine produces a knocking or ticking sound while driving, check the quality of your oil.
- Oil smell in the cabin - When the oil gets too old, or the oil level is too low, you may start to smell burnt oil as you get behind the wheel. Any smell of oil in the cabin could be an indication that your vehicle needs an oil change, or worse, it could point to an engine leak.
- Irregular oil texture - Motor oil grows darker almost immediately as it runs through the engine. Thus, the color of the oil isn’t the best indication that an oil change is required. However, if the texture of the oil is thin or has a lot of grit in it, a replacement may be in order.
- Low oil levels - Perhaps the most obvious sign that you need an oil change is if the oil level is low. Many car owners miss their regular oil change routine maintenance mainly because they forgot about it. If you see that your oil levels are low and the oil change light is being displayed, have your vehicle serviced right away.
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Is It Safe to Drive With the Oil Change Light On?
Short answer: No.
Keep in mind that whenever the oil change or maintenance light comes on, it either means that the oil pressure is low or the oil needs to be replaced. If your vehicle’s engine doesn’t receive enough lubrication from the oil, all its moving parts will wear out faster and easier.
In addition, the lack of oil as all the moving parts function can cause a lot of heat and friction, which will eventually lead to engine failure. Driving with low oil levels can cause permanent engine damage that will cause the vehicle to break down or stall.
Ultimately, it’s not safe to drive your car with the oil change light on. If the oil change indicator lights up, stop driving and take your vehicle to the shop. Then, use the steps we’ve outlined above on how to reset your oil change light.
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