Why does my oil change still say oil change required?
The message typically means your vehicle’s oil life monitor still considers the oil overdue, or the reminder hasn’t been reset after an oil change. In some cases a faulty sensor, a low oil level, or driving conditions can keep the alert active.
Understanding what the warning means
Modern cars use an oil life monitoring system (OLM) or maintenance minder to estimate how much life your engine oil has left. Rather than counting miles alone, these systems weigh factors such as drive style, engine temperature, and typical trip length to generate an oil life percentage. When that percentage nears zero or when the maintenance interval is reached, the car may display “Oil Change Required.”
How oil life monitors work
Most OLM systems run a calculation based on engine revolutions, temperature exposure, and driving patterns. Synthetic oils often offer longer life than conventional oils, but even with advanced formulations, the monitor can trigger an alert if the oil is degraded or the interval has expired. The exact threshold for showing the warning varies by manufacturer and model year.
Common reasons the reminder stays on
The following are frequent causes why the message remains despite recent service.
- Oil life monitor not reset after an oil change
- Oil life has actually reached its recommended limit due to driving conditions or type of oil
- Low oil level or an oil leak leading the system to flag a condition requiring service
- Faulty or failing OLM sensor or software glitch in the vehicle’s computer
- Using oil with the wrong specification or an oil change that wasn’t completed properly
- Maintenance interval settings or reminders misinterpreted by the vehicle’s system
In most cases, these issues revolve around the need to reset the reminder after service or to address a genuine depletion or sensor fault.
What to do if the reminder keeps coming on
Before proceeding, verify a few quick checks. This helps determine whether the alert is a routine reminder or something requiring repair.
- Check the engine oil level with the dipstick. If low, top up to the full mark and inspect for leaks.
- Look for signs of oil contamination or unusual smells in the oil; burnt-smelling oil or metallic debris can indicate abnormal wear.
- Ensure the oil change was completed correctly and that the correct oil type and filter were used for your vehicle.
- Reset the oil life monitor after completing an oil change. Exact steps vary by model, so consult your owner’s manual or dealership for the correct procedure. Common methods involve navigating through the vehicle’s menu (Settings or Maintenance) and selecting Oil Life -> Reset, then confirming.
- If resetting doesn’t clear the warning, or if it reappears shortly after a reset, a sensor or software fault may be involved. A dealer or experienced shop can diagnose the OLM, wiring, or related modules.
Clear communication between the oil life monitor and the rest of the vehicle’s systems is essential. A successful reset followed by normal driving typically clears the alert if the oil is indeed in good condition and the interval has been honored.
When to seek professional help
Consider professional service in the following scenarios:
- The oil level is consistently low or there is a leak observed under the vehicle.
- The oil appears dirty, sludgy, or has unusual smells after an oil change.
- The oil life indicator remains on after a reset and clears only temporarily, or you notice abnormal engine noises, reduced performance, or warning lights such as oil pressure.
- You are unsure of the correct reset procedure for your exact make and model.
Professional technicians can verify the oil quality, ensure the correct oil specification was used, recalibrate or replace faulty sensors, and reset the maintenance light correctly.
Summary
A persistent “Oil Change Required” message usually points to the oil life monitor needing a reset after service, actual depletion of oil life due to driving conditions, or a fault in the monitoring system. Start by checking oil level, inspecting for leaks, and resetting the monitor per your vehicle’s manual. If the alert returns or you notice additional warning lights or engine trouble, seek professional diagnosis to rule out sensor or software issues and ensure your engine remains properly lubricated.
