How to Reset the Oil Change Light in a Car




Gets the "Maintenance" or "Oil Change" indicator light appeared on your car or truck? Learn what it indicates and how to get it to turn off.

Modern vehicles are equipped with several indicator lights to owners when something needs attention, and the oil change light (also called the maintenance light) is certainly one of them. This light was created to tell you once the engine oil needs changing, on the basis of the car's odometer reading. The oil change light won't turn off on its own, even when the old oil has been drained and fresh oil added. That's where resetting the oil change light comes in.

Not totally all vehicles have a fat change light, but if yours does, resetting it is worth doing, and not just due to the annoyance of seeing the light on constantly. Unless the light is reset, your vehicle may have no method of suggesting the next time a fat change is needed.

Here I'll be demonstrating the reset on a 2003 Toyota 4Runner, and although the actual steps vary from make to make, the essential procedure is similar. Some makes and models have different procedures, like late-model Dodges, which require three quick presses of the gas pedal to reset. In the event that you try the task shown here and your light doesn't reset, look at your owner's manual, or check online for help regarding your particular vehicle.

Discover the Reset Button and Turn On Vehicle System

Search your vehicle's gauge and dashboard area for a switch, switch or stick the says "Reset."
Turn the ignition to the ON position so that your gauges and electronics illuminate, but don't start the engine.

Set Odometer to Display Mileage

Cycle through different odometer modes until it shows total mileage driven.
Turn the ignition OFF.
Hold the Reset Button and Turn the Key

Press and contain the reset button.
Turn the ignition back again to the ON position while holding the reset button.
Watch the oil change or maintenance light carefully. It will begin to blink.
Allow the light to blink ON and OFF for a few seconds, then release the reset button and turn the ignition OFF.

Start the Vehicle

Start the engine and make the sure the oil change or maintenance light is currently OFF.
If it's still ON, repeat the reset procedure.
If the dashboard light remains ON after two tries, reference your owner's manual or the car manufacturer's site for more information about the method for your vehicle.

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