How to Reset the Oil Change Light in a Car (DIY)

Introduction

Modern vehicles are equipped with several indicator lights to owners when something needs attention, and the oil change light (also called the maintenance light) is one of them. This light is designed to let you know when the engine oil needs changing, based on the car's odometer reading. The oil change light won't turn off on its own, even when the old oil has been drained and fresh oil added. That's where resetting the oil change light comes in.

Not all vehicles have an oil change light, but if yours does, resetting it is worth doing, and not just because of the annoyance of seeing the light on constantly. Unless the light is reset, your vehicle will have no way of telling you the next time an oil change is needed.

Here I'll be demonstrating the reset on a 2003 Toyota 4Runner, and although the exact steps vary from make to make, the basic procedure is similar. Some makes and models have different procedures, like late-model Dodges, which require three quick presses of the gas pedal to reset. If you try the procedure shown here and your light doesn't reset, look at your owner's manual, or check online for help regarding your particular vehicle.

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