How to Reset Your Chevy or GMC Oil Change Light: A DIY Guide

The oil change light on your Chevy or GMC is meant to keep you on track with your vehicle's scheduled maintenance. The oil change light is triggered when the vehicle has counted down the expected life of your oil to zero. If you've had your oil changed at an authorized dealer, the technician will reset the light as part of the service.

But if you've had the service preformed elsewhere – or if you've changed the oil yourself - you'll need to reset it yourself. Here's the easy way to reset the oil light on your Chevy or GMC.

Oil Light Reset Methods Vary from Model to Model

Oil lights have been a standard feature on Chevy and GMCs for years. Newer Chevys will have a built in Vehicle Information Center (VIC), but older models don't. If your GMC is 2006 or newer, it comes with the GM Oil Life System. Oil light reset methods will vary from model to model, so when it in doubt consult your owner's manual.

If You Own a Chevy Without VIC or a 2005 or older GMC

1. Sit in the driver's seat with the doors closed. Insert the key into the ignition and turn the key to the accessory power position. All the lights will be displayed on your instrument panel.

2. Within five seconds of turning the key, depress the accelerator fully to the floor three times.

3. Watch for the oil light to flash and turn off. If the oil change light does not turn off, turn the key to the off position and retry the process.

If You Own a Chevy with VIC

1. Turn the key to the accessory power position.

2. Locate and press the VIC button. The VIC button will have an image of a road or the letter "i" on it. Repeatedly pressed the VIC button until "oil life" is displayed on the onscreen menu.

3. Press and hold the check mark button on the VIC for five to ten seconds until the oil life display reads 100%.

If You Own a 2006 or Newer GMC

1. Turn the key to the accessory power position.

2. While the oil life message is displayed, press and hold the Enter button on the Driver Information Center for one second.

3. The Driver Information Center will display a reset acknowledgement message. Turn the key to the off position.

After you've reset the oil light, turn the key to the off position. Then start your vehicle. If you have successfully reset the oil maintenance light, it will not appear until your car is ready for another oil change.