The oil change light, also known as the maintenance light, serves as a reminder that your vehicle is due for an oil change. There's no need to worry when this light appears—it simply means that the time or mileage interval set during your last oil change has been reached. This schedule typically follows the recommendations provided by the vehicle's manufacturer.
Our comprehensive instructions show you how to reset the oil change light, including a straightforward example of adjusting the service interval following routine maintenance.
The oil change indicator light is on
First and foremost, it's important to understand that the oil change light is simply a maintenance reminder. It doesn’t signal serious problems like low oil pressure or a potential oil leak.
For those types of issues, your vehicle is equipped with an oil warning light. If the oil warning light turns on, it requires immediate attention, as it indicates a critical engine oil problem that could lead to significant engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Never ignore these lights—doing so could lead to costly repairs. While both lights help maintain your vehicle, they serve different purposes:
For now, let’s focus on why the oil change light matters and how ignoring it can hurt your engine over time.
Changing engine oil is important
Engine oil plays a vital role in protecting your engine. It lubricates internal components, minimizes friction, reduces wear and tear, and helps extend your engine’s life. It also prevents corrosion and deposits by capturing contaminants with the help of special additives.
That’s why staying on top of oil changes is so important. Regular maintenance means a longer-lasting engine, better performance, and improved fuel efficiency.
change your engine oil regularly
It’s essential not to overlook either light. They work together to keep your engine in top condition. The oil change light helps you stay on track with preventative care, while the oil warning light alerts you to urgent issues.
We’ll cover the oil warning light in more detail in another article. For now, let’s focus on understanding and resetting the oil change light so you can keep your vehicle running smoothly.
For most vehicles, resetting the oil change light manually is quick and easy. Here’s a general procedure:
1.Turn the key to the “Accessory” position (or press the start button once if you have keyless ignition).
2.Make sure the odometer shows the total mileage, not the trip meter.
3.Follow the reset method outlined in your owner’s manual. This may include:
4.If the light doesn’t go off, repeat the steps. If it still stays on, you can use an OBD2 scanner or ask a technician at a service center for assistance.
Keep in mind that each car model has its own reset process. Your owner’s manual or a quick web search can point you in the right direction. Or, you can use an OBD2 scanner for a simpler option.
Note:When you reset the light, it restarts the maintenance countdown according to the manufacturer’s recommended interval. For info on adjusting this interval, see the next section.
Using an OBD2 scanner is often the fastest and most hassle-free way to reset your oil change light—especially if the manual method doesn’t work.
Many diagnostic scanners, such as the Autel MaxiDiag MD808 Pro,MK808S scanner and above, allow you to reset the oil maintenance light with just a few button presses. No manuals, no internet searches—just plug in, follow the prompts, and you’re done.
1.Connect the scanner.Plug your OBD2 scanner into your OBD2 port (usually located under the dashboard, near the steering column) and turn the ignition switch to ON
2.Access Service Menu.Launch the scanner, select your vehicle make/model/year, then navigate to: Service Functions > Reset Oil.
Autel MD808 Pro oil reset operation interface
3.Start the reset process.Follow the on-screen prompts, confirm the VIN matches your vehicle, select the “Oil Reset” or “Maintenance” option (depending on your scanner model).
4.Perform a Reset.Follow the on-screen prompts to perform the oil reset. Once completed, the scanner will typically display a message such as "Reset Successful."
5.Verify Reset.Turn the ignition off and then back on. Check the instrument panel or infotainment system to confirm the oil change indicator light is off.
Keeping up with oil changes is essential for your engine’s health. Following your manufacturer’s service intervals helps prevent long-term issues and ensures your vehicle runs efficiently.
Whether you change your oil yourself or have it done professionally, always remember to reset the oil change light afterward. It keeps your maintenance schedule accurate and your engine protected.
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