Resetting the change engine oil light on your 2013 GMC Sierra is simple and can be done in under 5 minutes using the dashboard controls. This guide walks you through the exact steps, troubleshooting tips, and answers common questions to keep your truck running smoothly.
Key Takeaways
- No special tools required: You can reset the oil change light using only the buttons on your steering wheel and dashboard.
- Timing matters: Always reset the light after completing an oil change to ensure accurate maintenance tracking.
- Works for all 2013 Sierra trims: Whether you have a SLE, SLT, or Denali, the reset process is the same.
- Avoid dashboard warnings: Resetting the light prevents unnecessary alerts and keeps your maintenance schedule on track.
- Check oil level first: Always verify your oil level and quality before resetting the indicator.
- Troubleshooting included: If the reset doesn’t work, we’ll help you figure out why and what to do next.
- Save time and money: Skip the dealership—this DIY method is fast, free, and effective.
How to Reset Change Engine Oil Light on 2013 Sierra
If you’ve recently changed the oil in your 2013 GMC Sierra and the “Change Engine Oil” light is still glowing on your dashboard, don’t panic—you’re not alone. This common issue happens because the vehicle’s onboard computer hasn’t been told that fresh oil has been added. The good news? Resetting the oil change light is quick, easy, and doesn’t require a trip to the mechanic or any special tools.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to reset the change engine oil light on your 2013 Sierra. Whether you drive a base model SLE, a mid-range SLT, or a luxury Denali, the process is identical across all trims. We’ll walk you through each step in plain English, share practical tips to avoid mistakes, and even troubleshoot common problems if the reset doesn’t work the first time.
By the end of this article, you’ll be able to confidently reset your oil light in under five minutes—keeping your truck’s maintenance system accurate and your dashboard warning-free. Let’s get started!
Why the Oil Light Comes On
Visual guide about How to Reset Change Engine Oil Light on 2013 Sierra
Image source: rxmechanic.com
Before diving into the reset process, it’s helpful to understand why your 2013 Sierra displays the “Change Engine Oil” light in the first place. Unlike older vehicles that rely solely on mileage intervals, modern GM trucks like the Sierra use a sophisticated oil life monitoring system. This system tracks various factors—such as engine temperature, driving habits, idle time, and mileage—to estimate when your oil is no longer effective at protecting your engine.
When the system determines that your oil has reached the end of its useful life, it triggers the “Change Engine Oil” message on your instrument cluster. This isn’t just a reminder—it’s a signal that your engine could be at risk if the oil isn’t replaced soon. Ignoring it for too long can lead to increased engine wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and even costly repairs down the road.
Once you’ve changed the oil and filter, the system still “thinks” the old oil is in place. That’s why you need to manually reset the oil life monitor. Think of it like hitting a reset button on a digital timer—it tells the computer, “Hey, we just put in fresh oil. Start counting again!”
Tools and Preparation
One of the best things about resetting the oil light on a 2013 Sierra is that you don’t need any special equipment. No scan tools, no laptop, and definitely no need to visit a dealership. All you need is:
– Your vehicle keys
– About 3–5 minutes of time
– A safe, parked location (engine off)
Before you begin, make sure your truck is parked on a level surface and the engine is completely cool. This ensures safety and accuracy when checking your oil level—which you should do before resetting the light.
Step 1: Check Your Oil Level and Quality
Even though you may have just changed the oil, it’s always smart to double-check. Open the hood and locate the dipstick (usually yellow or orange with a loop handle). Pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again to check the oil level. The oil should be between the “Add” and “Full” marks.
Also, take a moment to inspect the oil’s appearance. Fresh oil should be amber-colored and relatively clear. If it’s dark, gritty, or smells burnt, something might be wrong—even if it’s new. In that case, consider rechecking your oil change procedure or consulting a mechanic.
Step 2: Ensure the Vehicle Is Off
Make sure the ignition is turned off and the key is removed (or the engine is off if you have push-button start). This is important because the reset procedure requires cycling the ignition without starting the engine.
Step-by-Step Reset Instructions
Now that you’re prepared, let’s walk through the actual reset process. Follow these steps carefully—they work for every 2013 GMC Sierra model.
Step 1: Turn the Ignition to “On” (Do Not Start the Engine)
Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the “On” position. You’ll see all the dashboard lights illuminate, including the “Change Engine Oil” message. Do not start the engine—just turn it far enough that the electronics power up.
If your Sierra has a push-button start, press the “Start” button once (without pressing the brake pedal) to enter accessory mode. Again, the engine should remain off.
Step 2: Access the Driver Information Center (DIC)
Look at your instrument cluster. You’ll see a small screen (called the Driver Information Center or DIC) that displays trip data, fuel economy, and maintenance messages. Use the steering wheel controls to navigate this menu.
On the left side of your steering wheel, you’ll find two buttons labeled “INFO” and “SET/CLR” (or sometimes just arrows and a checkmark). These are your navigation tools.
Press the “INFO” button repeatedly until you see “Oil Life” displayed on the DIC screen. It may take a few presses—just keep going until it appears.
Step 3: Reset the Oil Life Monitor
Once “Oil Life” is showing on the screen, press and hold the “SET/CLR” button (or the center button if you have arrow keys) for about 5–10 seconds.
You’ll notice the oil life percentage begin to count down from its current value (e.g., 15%) down to 0%. When it reaches 0%, the system will automatically reset the oil life to 100%.
At this point, you may see a confirmation message like “Oil Life Reset” or simply the percentage jump to 100%. Either way, the reset is complete.
Step 4: Turn Off the Ignition
Release the button and turn the ignition back to the “Off” position. Remove the key (or press the start button again to turn off the vehicle).
Step 5: Verify the Reset
Start your engine and check the dashboard. The “Change Engine Oil” light should no longer be illuminated. If it’s gone, congratulations—you’ve successfully reset the oil life monitor!
If the light is still on, don’t worry. We’ll cover troubleshooting in the next section.
Tips for a Successful Reset
Even though the process is straightforward, a few small mistakes can prevent the reset from working. Here are some pro tips to ensure success:
– Hold the button long enough: Many people release the “SET/CLR” button too soon. You need to hold it for at least 5–10 seconds until the percentage drops to zero.
– Don’t start the engine: The reset only works when the ignition is on but the engine is off. Starting the engine interrupts the process.
– Use the correct button: Make sure you’re pressing the “SET/CLR” or center navigation button—not the “INFO” or arrow buttons alone.
– Be patient: If the DIC doesn’t respond immediately, wait a few seconds. Sometimes the system takes a moment to register input.
– Try it twice: If the first attempt fails, turn the ignition off, wait 10 seconds, and try again. Electronics can be finicky.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, despite following the steps correctly, the oil light won’t reset. Here’s what to do if you run into problems.
The Light Won’t Turn Off After Reset
If the “Change Engine Oil” message remains after your reset attempt, try the following:
– Double-check that you held the button long enough. The oil life percentage must reach 0% before resetting.
– Ensure the ignition was in the “On” position (not “Accessory”) during the reset.
– Try the reset procedure a second time. Occasionally, the system needs a retry.
– If you have a push-button start, make sure the brake pedal wasn’t pressed during the process.
The DIC Doesn’t Show “Oil Life”
If you can’t find the “Oil Life” option in the DIC menu:
– Scroll through all available INFO screens. It might be labeled slightly differently, such as “Oil Monitor” or “Maintenance.”
– Some models require you to press and hold the “INFO” button to enter a deeper menu.
– If you still can’t find it, consult your owner’s manual—page 5-32 typically covers DIC navigation.
The Reset Works, But the Light Returns Quickly
If the oil light comes back on within a few days or weeks, it could mean:
– The oil wasn’t actually changed (double-check your work).
– The oil filter wasn’t replaced or was installed incorrectly.
– There’s an underlying engine issue affecting oil degradation (e.g., oil leaks, burning oil, or excessive idling).
– The oil life monitor is malfunctioning (rare, but possible).
In these cases, inspect your oil again and consider having a mechanic perform a diagnostic check.
Battery Was Recently Disconnected
If you recently disconnected or replaced your battery, the oil life monitor may have reset itself—but not correctly. In this case, follow the standard reset procedure again. The system sometimes defaults to 0% oil life after a power loss.
When to Change Your Oil (And Why It Matters)
While this guide focuses on resetting the oil light, it’s important to remember that the light itself is a vital part of your vehicle’s health. The 2013 Sierra’s oil life monitor is designed to protect your engine by alerting you when oil needs replacing—but only if you respond to it.
Most manufacturers recommend changing synthetic oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles under normal driving conditions. However, if you frequently drive in severe conditions—such as short trips, extreme temperatures, towing, or stop-and-go traffic—you may need to change it more often, even if the monitor hasn’t triggered yet.
Ignoring oil changes can lead to sludge buildup, reduced lubrication, and increased engine wear. Over time, this can cause knocking, reduced performance, and even engine failure.
So while resetting the light is easy, don’t forget the bigger picture: regular oil changes are one of the simplest and most effective ways to extend the life of your Sierra’s engine.
Alternative Methods (And Why They Don’t Work)
You might come across online forums or videos suggesting alternative ways to reset the oil light—like disconnecting the battery or using a paperclip to short a fuse. While these methods work on some older vehicles, they are not recommended for the 2013 Sierra.
Disconnecting the battery may reset the oil light temporarily, but it also resets other important systems (radio presets, clock, adaptive transmission settings, etc.). Worse, it can confuse the oil life monitor, leading to inaccurate readings in the future.
Using physical jumpers or scan tools is unnecessary and risky. The built-in DIC method is safer, faster, and designed specifically for your truck.
Stick with the official procedure outlined in your owner’s manual—it’s the most reliable way to reset the change engine oil light on your 2013 Sierra.
Final Thoughts
Resetting the change engine oil light on your 2013 GMC Sierra is a simple task that every owner should know how to do. It takes just a few minutes, requires no special tools, and helps keep your vehicle’s maintenance system accurate. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll avoid unnecessary dashboard warnings, stay on top of your oil change schedule, and protect your engine for years to come.
Remember: always check your oil level and quality before resetting the light, hold the button long enough during the reset, and don’t start the engine until the process is complete. If you run into issues, revisit the troubleshooting section or consult your owner’s manual.
With this knowledge, you’re now equipped to handle oil light resets like a pro—no dealership visit required. Keep your Sierra running smoothly, one oil change at a time.