This guide walks you through how to reset the check engine oil light on a Silverado using simple dashboard controls. Whether you’ve just changed your oil or the light won’t turn off, we’ve got you covered with clear, safe instructions.
Key Takeaways
- Know your model year: Reset steps vary slightly between Silverado generations (2007–2013, 2014–2018, and 2019+).
- Use the Driver Information Center (DIC): Most Silverados rely on the DIC buttons to reset the oil life monitor.
- Turn the ignition on, not the engine: You’ll need power to the dashboard but should avoid starting the engine during the reset.
- Don’t skip the oil change: Resetting the light without fresh oil can lead to engine damage.
- Wait for confirmation: The oil life percentage should return to 100% after a successful reset.
- Try a battery reset if needed: Disconnecting the battery for 10–15 minutes can clear stubborn warning lights.
- Use an OBD2 scanner for advanced issues: If the light persists, a scanner can diagnose deeper problems.
How to Reset Check Engine Oil Light on Silverado
If you’ve recently changed the oil in your Chevrolet Silverado but the “Change Oil” or “Check Engine” light is still on, don’t panic—this is a common issue. The oil life monitoring system in your Silverado tracks how long your engine has been running and when it’s time for maintenance. Once the oil is changed, the system needs to be manually reset so it can start counting down again from 100%.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to reset the check engine oil light on a Silverado across multiple model years, including 2007–2013, 2014–2018, and 2019–2024. We’ll walk you through each step using only the dashboard controls—no tools or scanners required for most models. You’ll also get practical tips, troubleshooting advice, and answers to common questions so you can complete the reset safely and confidently.
Whether you’re a first-time DIYer or a seasoned truck owner, this guide is designed to be simple, clear, and easy to follow. Let’s get that oil light turned off and your Silverado running smoothly again.
Why the Oil Light Comes On
Before we dive into the reset process, it’s important to understand why the oil light appears in the first place. The “Change Oil” or “Oil Life” warning on your Silverado isn’t just a random alert—it’s part of an intelligent system designed to protect your engine.
Modern Silverados use an oil life monitoring system that calculates when your oil needs changing based on several factors, including:
– Engine runtime
– Mileage
– Driving conditions (stop-and-go traffic, towing, extreme temperatures)
– Engine load and RPM
Unlike older vehicles that rely solely on mileage (e.g., “change oil every 3,000 miles”), this system adapts to your actual driving habits. When the oil life drops to 15% or lower, the dashboard will display a warning message like “Change Oil Soon” or illuminate the check engine light. Once it hits 0%, the message may become more urgent, and the light may flash or stay solid.
It’s crucial to change your oil before the light reaches 0%. Running your engine with old, degraded oil can lead to increased friction, overheating, and even engine damage over time.
After you’ve replaced the oil and filter, the system still “remembers” that the oil is old. That’s why you need to reset it manually. Think of it like hitting the restart button on a timer—once reset, the system begins tracking fresh oil life from 100%.
Tools and Preparation
The good news? You don’t need any special tools to reset the oil light on most Silverado models. Everything you need is already built into your truck’s dashboard. However, a little preparation goes a long way.
What You’ll Need
- Your Chevrolet Silverado (obviously!)
- Ignition key or key fob (for push-button start models)
- A few minutes of quiet time
Before You Begin
Make sure you’ve actually changed the oil. Resetting the light without fresh oil is not only pointless—it’s risky. Always use the recommended oil type and viscosity for your Silverado (usually 5W-30 or 0W-20, depending on the year and engine). Also, replace the oil filter to ensure proper lubrication and system performance.
Visual guide about How to Reset Check Engine Oil Light on Silverado
Image source: i.pinimg.com
Park your truck on a level surface and engage the parking brake. You’ll be working with the ignition and dashboard, so you don’t want the vehicle to move unexpectedly.
Safety First
Never attempt to reset the oil light while driving. Always do this with the engine off and the vehicle stationary. Also, avoid touching any electrical components with wet hands.
Step-by-Step Reset Instructions by Model Year
The exact steps to reset the oil light vary slightly depending on your Silverado’s generation. Below, we’ve broken it down by model years to ensure you follow the correct procedure.
For 2007–2013 Silverado Models
These models use a traditional key ignition and a basic Driver Information Center (DIC) with physical buttons.
- Turn the ignition to the “ON” position. Insert your key and turn it to the second position (just before starting the engine). The dashboard lights will illuminate, but the engine should remain off.
- Press the “INFO” or “TRIP” button on the DIC panel (usually located on the instrument cluster or steering column) until you see “Oil Life” or “Oil Life Remaining” on the display.
- Press and hold the “SET/RESET” or “RESET” button (often labeled with a circular arrow) for about 5–10 seconds.
- Watch for confirmation. The display should show “Oil Life 100%” or “Reset Complete.” If it doesn’t, repeat the process.
- Turn off the ignition. Remove the key and start your engine to confirm the light is off.
Pro Tip: If your Silverado has a “Gauge” or “Fuel” button instead of “INFO,” try cycling through those menus to find the oil life option.
For 2014–2018 Silverado Models
These trucks feature an updated DIC with more intuitive controls and a larger display.
- Turn the ignition to “ON” (engine off). Use the key or press the Start button without pressing the brake pedal.
- Use the DIC steering wheel controls to navigate to the “Settings” or “Vehicle Information” menu. Look for “Oil Life” or “Maintenance.”
- Select “Oil Life” and press the “OK” or “Enter” button.
- Choose “Reset Oil Life” or “Reset.” Confirm by pressing “Yes” or “OK” when prompted.
- Wait for the system to confirm. The display should show “Oil Life Reset to 100%.”
- Turn off the ignition and restart the engine. The oil light should be gone.
Note: Some 2014–2018 models may require you to press and hold the “Back” and “Home” buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds to access the reset menu. Check your owner’s manual if the standard method doesn’t work.
For 2019–2024 Silverado Models
The latest Silverados come with a fully digital instrument cluster and enhanced DIC controls.
- Turn the ignition to “ON” (engine off). Press the Start button without pressing the brake.
- Use the steering wheel DIC buttons to scroll to the “Vehicle” or “Maintenance” menu.
- Select “Oil Life” from the list.
- Press and hold the “OK” button for 3–5 seconds until you see a reset prompt.
- Confirm the reset by selecting “Yes” or “Reset.”
- Verify the reset. The oil life should now read 100%.
- Turn off the ignition and restart the truck.
Bonus Tip: On some 2021+ models with the Infotainment 3 system, you can also reset the oil life through the touchscreen: Go to Settings > Vehicle > Maintenance > Oil Life > Reset.
Alternative Methods If the Standard Reset Fails
Sometimes, the oil light won’t reset using the standard method. Don’t worry—there are a few alternative approaches you can try.
Method 1: Battery Disconnect Reset
If the DIC method doesn’t work, a temporary power loss can force the system to reset.
- Turn off the engine and remove the key.
- Open the hood and locate the battery.
- Disconnect the negative (-) terminal using a wrench. Wait 10–15 minutes.
- Reconnect the terminal and tighten securely.
- Turn the ignition to “ON” and check the oil light. In many cases, it will be off.
Warning: Disconnecting the battery may reset other systems (radio presets, clock, etc.), so be prepared to reprogram them.
Method 2: OBD2 Scanner Reset
For persistent issues, an OBD2 scanner can manually reset the oil life monitor.
- Purchase or borrow an OBD2 scanner (available at auto parts stores or online).
- Locate the OBD2 port under the dashboard, usually near the steering column.
- Plug in the scanner and turn the ignition to “ON.”
- Follow the scanner’s menu to find “Reset Oil Life” or “Maintenance Reset.”
- Confirm the reset and wait for confirmation.
- Turn off the ignition and restart the engine.
Pro Tip: Some advanced scanners can also read trouble codes if the check engine light is on for other reasons.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the right steps, you might run into problems. Here’s how to handle the most common ones.
The Oil Light Won’t Turn Off After Reset
- Double-check the reset steps. Make sure you held the button long enough or confirmed the reset.
- Try the battery disconnect method. This often clears stubborn electronic glitches.
- Verify the oil was actually changed. If the system detects low oil level or poor quality, it may keep the light on.
The DIC Buttons Aren’t Responding
- Ensure the ignition is on. The DIC won’t work if the truck is fully off.
- Check for a blown fuse. Refer to your owner’s manual for the DIC fuse location.
- Try a different menu path. Some models hide the oil reset under “Vehicle Info” or “Service.”
The Light Comes Back On Immediately
- This could indicate a sensor issue. The oil pressure sensor or oil life monitor may be faulty.
- Visit a mechanic or dealership for diagnostics if the problem persists.
- Check for engine trouble codes. Use an OBD2 scanner to see if other issues are triggering the light.
The Check Engine Light Is On, Not Just the Oil Light
- Don’t ignore this. The check engine light can indicate serious problems like low oil pressure, engine misfires, or emissions issues.
- Use an OBD2 scanner to read the trouble code (e.g., P0521 for oil pressure sensor).
- Address the root cause before resetting any lights.
Tips for Maintaining Your Silverado’s Oil System
Resetting the oil light is just one part of engine care. To keep your Silverado running smoothly, follow these best practices:
Change Oil Regularly
Even with the oil life monitor, don’t wait until the light comes on. Most experts recommend changing oil every 7,500 miles or once a year—whichever comes first—for normal driving. If you tow, drive in extreme heat or cold, or frequently idle, change it every 5,000 miles.
Use the Right Oil
Always use the oil grade specified in your owner’s manual. For most Silverados, that’s 5W-30 or 0W-20 synthetic blend or full synthetic oil. Using the wrong viscosity can affect engine performance and trigger warning lights.
Replace the Oil Filter Every Time
A clogged or low-quality filter can reduce oil flow and damage the engine. Always install a new OEM or high-quality aftermarket filter during each oil change.
Check Oil Level Monthly
Even with a monitoring system, manually check your oil level using the dipstick. Low oil can trigger warning lights and cause engine damage.
Keep Records
Log your oil changes, including date, mileage, and oil type. This helps track maintenance and can be useful for resale or warranty claims.
When to See a Mechanic
While resetting the oil light is usually a DIY job, there are times when you should seek professional help:
- The oil light or check engine light stays on after multiple reset attempts.
- You notice unusual engine noises, smoke, or performance issues.
- The oil appears dirty, milky, or has a burnt smell.
- You’re unsure about the correct oil type or change procedure.
- The DIC or dashboard displays error messages you can’t interpret.
A certified mechanic or Chevrolet dealership can run diagnostics, inspect the oil system, and ensure everything is working properly.
Conclusion
Resetting the check engine oil light on your Silverado is a simple but important maintenance task. By following the correct steps for your model year—whether it’s a 2007 or a 2024—you can keep your oil life monitor accurate and avoid unnecessary worry.
Remember: always change your oil before resetting the light. The reset is just telling the computer that fresh oil is in the engine. Skipping the oil change defeats the purpose and risks engine damage.
With this guide, you now have everything you need to reset the oil light confidently, troubleshoot common issues, and maintain your Silverado’s engine for years to come. Keep your truck in top shape, drive safely, and enjoy the power and reliability that only a Chevy Silverado can deliver.