How do I clear my oil due message?

Clearing an oil-change reminder is usually a straightforward reset of the oil life indicator after you have serviced the car. The exact steps depend on the make and model, but most vehicles share a common approach: use the instrument cluster, steering-wheel controls, or a dedicated reset button. If you have not actually changed the oil, don’t reset—the reminder will return and you could miss scheduled maintenance.

Understanding the message and when to reset

The “oil change due” or “oil life” message is a maintenance reminder built into modern vehicles. It typically tracks oil life as a percentage and prompts service when it nears 0% or when a scheduled interval is reached. Some vehicles display a simple “Oil Change Due” alert, while others show an oil-life percentage (for example, 100%, 50%, or 0%). Resetting the indicator is appropriate only after you’ve completed an oil change or according to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. If you see an ominous warning light for oil pressure or oil level, address that issue immediately rather than attempting a reset.

Resetting the oil life indicator

These are general methods that work on a wide range of cars. The exact button labels and menu paths vary by year and model, so consult your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions.

• General ignition-on method: Turn the ignition to ON with the engine off. Locate the reset or recalibrate control for the oil life indicator (often labeled Reset, SEL, or OK) and press/hold it until the display resets to 100% or the message clears. This hold is typically 5–10 seconds.


• Dashboard/menu method: Access the vehicle’s maintenance or oil-life menu from the instrument cluster or infotainment screen. Navigate to Oil Life or Maintenance, select Reset, and confirm. The indicator should read 100% afterward.


• Steering-wheel control method: Some cars require you to use the steering wheel’s OK/Reset button or a multi-function stalk. Choose Oil Life or Maintenance, then press and hold OK/Reset until the reading returns to 100% and the reminder disappears.

After performing a reset, start the engine and drive normally for a few miles to ensure the indicator remains at 100%. If the message reappears prematurely, there may be a fault in the maintenance monitor or an underlying issue with the oil system that should be checked by a technician.

Manufacturer-specific guidance

The steps can differ by brand and model year. The following brief references are intended as quick-start tips; always verify with your owner’s manual or dealer if you’re unsure.

• Toyota and Lexus: With the ignition ON and engine OFF, use the trip/ODO button to display Oil Life. Press and hold the RESET button until the Oil Life resets to 100%.


• Honda and Acura: With the ignition ON and engine OFF, press and hold the SEL/RESET knob until the Oil Life reads 100%.


• Ford and General Motors (GM): Access the Oil Life setting in the information display and hold the OK/Reset button until the indicator resets to 100%.


• Hyundai and Kia: Turn the ignition ON, highlight Oil Life using the trip button, then press and hold RESET/OK until it resets to 100%.


• BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and other premium brands: Use the vehicle’s iDrive/MBUX/MB dashboards or the Maintenance/Service menu to reset Oil Life after service. If unsure, consult the manual or a dealer.

Because button names and menu paths vary widely, these are quick-reference guidelines rather than a universal protocol. If in doubt, check your model’s exact procedure in the owner's manual or contact a dealer for guidance.

Troubleshooting if the message won’t clear

If resetting doesn’t clear the message, consider the following checks. First, ensure the oil change was actually performed and the filter replaced, and that the oil level is within the recommended range. A faulty oil-life sensor or vehicle software issue can prevent resets from sticking. If the reminder reappears after a reset or you still see warning lights related to oil, have the vehicle inspected by a qualified technician. In some cases, a dealership can reset the indicator using an diagnostic tool if software faults are suspected.

Additional safety and maintenance notes

A reset is not a substitute for proper maintenance. Always follow the service intervals recommended by the manufacturer and replace oil and filter on schedule. Regularly check oil level between changes, especially after long trips, heavy loads, or if you notice consumption or leaks. If you recently changed the oil yourself, ensure the job was done correctly (oil type, quantity, filter installed, torque on drain plug) before performing a reset.

Summary

Clearing an oil-change reminder generally involves resetting the oil-life indicator after you have completed an oil change or reached your maintenance interval. The exact steps depend on the vehicle, but common methods include ignition-on resets, navigating the maintenance menu, or using steering-wheel controls. Always verify with your owner’s manual, and avoid resetting if the oil hasn’t actually been serviced, to ensure you don’t miss necessary maintenance. If the message persists after a reset, consult a professional to diagnose potential sensor or software issues.

Why is my car saying I need an oil change when I just got one?

The most likely reason your car says you need an oil change after just getting one is that the system's "oil life monitor" was not reset by the technician. This is a common oversight after a service, and the fix is usually simple: either manually reset the light yourself using your car's controls or have the mechanic reset it for you. 
What to do

1. Check the oil level: Use the dipstick to ensure the oil level is correct, as a leak or other issue could be a less common reason for the warning. 
2. Reset the reminder: Your car has a procedure for this, often involving turning the ignition on and pressing the gas pedal a specific number of times. AutoZone and YourMechanic provide general instructions, but you should consult your owner's manual for the exact steps for your vehicle. 
3. If the problem persists: If the light comes on again after you reset it, or if the warning is for low oil pressure (a different light, often red), have a mechanic inspect the vehicle for a potential sensor issue, a leak, or another problem. 

Can I reset the oil change light myself?

Yes. Most modern vehicles allow the oil change light (or maintenance/service reminder) to be reset without dealer tools. Exact steps depend on make, year, and dashboard type; below are general methods and manufacturer-specific common procedures that cover the vast majority of cars.

Does the oil sensor need to be reset?

Yes, the "change oil" light, which monitors oil life, needs to be reset manually after every oil change to start the maintenance timer for the next service. However, the oil pressure warning light, which indicates low oil pressure, does not need to be reset and is a warning of a potential problem that requires immediate attention, like a leak or failing pump. 
Oil change light

• Purpose: This light is a reminder based on mileage or time, not a real-time sensor reading. It doesn't automatically turn off after an oil change. 
• Action: Resetting it after an oil change is crucial to ensure your vehicle accurately tracks when the next service is due. 
• How to reset: The method varies by car, but it generally involves using the dashboard buttons or steering wheel controls to find the "oil life" display and then pressing and holding the "OK" or a similar button to reset it. Some older vehicles may require holding the accelerator pedal after turning the ignition on. 

This video demonstrates how to reset the oil change light on your car: 57sRatchets And WrenchesYouTube · Feb 22, 2014
Oil pressure light

• Purpose: This is a serious warning that indicates low oil pressure, not just time for an oil change. It can be triggered by a lack of oil, a faulty oil pressure sensor, or a failing oil pump. 
• Action: If this light comes on while driving, you should stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so and turn off the engine immediately to prevent severe damage. 
• What to do: Check the oil level and add oil if needed. If the oil level is correct, the problem could be with the sensor or the oil pump, which requires professional diagnosis. 

This video explains the symptoms of a bad oil pressure sensor: 53sEasyAutoFixYouTube · Dec 21, 2021

How to get rid of oil change due message?

To turn off the oil change notification, you can either use a manual reset procedure (turning the key on and pressing the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds) or use dashboard buttons to navigate to the "Settings" or "Maintenance" menu and find the "Oil Life" or "Reset" option. The exact method depends on your car's make and model, and some newer models may require holding both the brake and accelerator pedals. 
Manual reset (common for older vehicles) 
This video demonstrates the manual reset procedure for oil change lights: 56sHow To with LechYouTube · Jul 28, 2023

1. Turn the ignition to the "On" position without starting the engine.
2. Press the accelerator pedal to the floor three times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition off.
4. Start the engine to verify that the light has been reset. 

Dashboard button/menu method (common for newer vehicles) 
This video shows how to reset the oil change light using the car's dashboard menu: 1mDoctor ResetYouTube · Jan 7, 2024

1. Turn the ignition to the "On" position without starting the engine. 
2. Use the buttons on your steering wheel or dashboard to navigate to "Settings" or "Vehicle". 
3. Scroll to find "Oil Life," "Oil Change," or "Maintenance". 
4. Press and hold the "OK," "Reset," or another designated button until the oil life percentage or indicator resets, or a "Reset Complete" message appears. 
5. Turn the ignition off. 

If the above methods don't work

• Hold pedals together: Some models require holding the accelerator and brake pedals down at the same time. 
• Consult your owner's manual: The most accurate instructions for your specific vehicle will be in your owner's manual. 
• Use an OBD-II scanner: An OBD-II scanner can also be used to reset the light by connecting it to the port under the dashboard and following the on-screen prompts.