Maintenance Indicator Reset

Engine Oil Life System

When to Change Engine Oil

Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at which an oil change will be indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, you must reset the system every time the oil is changed.

When the system has calculated that oil life has been diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL message will come on. See DIC Warnings and Messages . Change the oil as soon as possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if you are driving under the best conditions, the oil life system may not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a year. However, the engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year and at this time the system must be reset. Your dealer has GM-trained service people who will perform this work using genuine GM parts and reset the system. It is also important to check the oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.

If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must change the oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever the oil is changed.

How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System (Gasoline Engine) (From Owner's Manual)

The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to change the engine oil and filter based on vehicle use. Any time the oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate when the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs where you change the oil prior to a CHANGE ENGINE OIL message being turned on, reset the system.

To reset the Engine Oil Life System, do the following:

1. Turn the ignition key to RUN with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times within five seconds.

- If the OIL LIFE RESET message displays for 10 seconds, the system is resetting.

3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.

If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message comes back on when you start your vehicle, the engine oil life system has not reset. Repeat the procedure. If it still does not reset, see your dealer for service.

How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System (Diesel Engine) (From Owner's Manual)

The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to change the engine oil and filter based on vehicle use. Whenever the oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate when the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs where you change the oil prior to a CHANGE ENGINE OIL message (pickup models) or a change engine oil light (van models) being turned on, reset the system.

To reset the Engine Oil Life System:

1. Turn the ignition key to ON/ RUN with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times within five seconds.

- Pickup Models: If the OIL LIFE RESET message displays for 10 seconds, the system is resetting.
- Van Models: If the change engine oil light flashes for five seconds, the system is reset.

3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.

If the message or light comes back on when you start your vehicle, the engine oil life system has not reset. Repeat the procedure. If it still does not reset, see your dealer/retailer for service.

GM Oil Life System Resetting (From Service Manual)

When the system has calculated that oil life has been diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message will come ON. Change the engine oil as soon as possible within the next 1 000 km (600 miles). It is possible that, if driving under the best conditions, the oil life system may not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a year. However, the engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year and at this time the system must be reset.

If the system is ever reset accidentally, change the engine oil at 5 000 km (3,000 miles) since last oil change.

How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System (From Service Manual)

1. Turn the ignition key to RUN with the engine OFF.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal 3 times within 5 seconds. If the OIL LIFE RESET message flashes for 10 seconds, the system is resetting.
3. Turn the key to LOCK.

If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message comes back on when you start the vehicle, the ENGINE OIL LIFE SYSTEM has not reset. Repeat the procedure.

What to Do with Used Oil

Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.

Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have a problem properly disposing of used oil, ask your dealer, a service station, or a local recycling center for help.