How to Reset Engine Oil Light on 2013 Gmc Acadia

Resetting the engine oil light on your 2013 GMC Acadia is simple and takes just a few minutes. This guide walks you through the exact steps using the dashboard controls, ensuring the light turns off after an oil change. No special tools required—just your vehicle’s instrument panel.

Key Takeaways

• Reset the oil light after every oil change: This ensures your vehicle accurately tracks the next service interval and prevents unnecessary warnings.
• Use the Driver Information Center (DIC): The 2013 GMC Acadia uses the DIC buttons on the dashboard to reset the oil life monitor system.
• Turn the ignition to “On” but don’t start the engine: This powers the electronics without engaging the motor, which is essential for the reset process.
• Press and hold the “Set/Reset” button: This action initiates the oil life reset sequence when the system is ready.
• Wait for confirmation on the display: The oil life percentage should return to 100% once the reset is complete.
• Don’t skip regular oil changes: Resetting the light doesn’t replace the need for timely maintenance—always follow the recommended schedule.
• Consult your owner’s manual if issues persist: If the light won’t reset, there may be an underlying issue or a need for professional diagnostics.

How to Reset Engine Oil Light on 2013 GMC Acadia

Keeping up with regular vehicle maintenance is essential for the long-term health of your 2013 GMC Acadia. One of the most important aspects of routine care is changing the engine oil and resetting the oil life monitoring system. After an oil change—whether you do it yourself or visit a service center—the engine oil light may remain illuminated on your dashboard. This light isn’t a warning of a problem; instead, it’s a reminder that the oil life percentage has dropped below a certain threshold and needs to be reset.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to reset the engine oil light on your 2013 GMC Acadia. We’ll walk you through each step in detail, explain why the reset is necessary, and provide troubleshooting tips in case something doesn’t go as planned. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or simply want to save a trip to the dealership, this guide will help you complete the task quickly and confidently—no special tools or technical expertise required.

By the end of this article, you’ll understand how the oil life monitoring system works, why it’s important to reset it correctly, and how to do it safely using only the controls on your dashboard. Let’s get started!

Why You Need to Reset the Oil Light

The engine oil light on your 2013 GMC Acadia is part of the Oil Life System (OLS), a smart feature designed to monitor how long your engine oil has been in use. Unlike older vehicles that relied on fixed mileage intervals (like every 3,000 miles), modern GM vehicles like the Acadia use sensors and algorithms to estimate oil degradation based on driving conditions, engine temperature, RPM, and mileage.

This system calculates the remaining oil life as a percentage, displayed on your instrument cluster. When it drops to 10% or lower, the “Change Engine Oil” message appears, and the oil light may illuminate. Once you’ve changed the oil, the system still “remembers” the old data—so you must reset it manually to start a fresh cycle.

Failing to reset the oil light doesn’t harm your engine, but it can be confusing. You might think your oil needs changing when it doesn’t, or worse—ignore a real warning later because you’re used to seeing the light. Resetting it ensures accurate tracking and peace of mind.

Additionally, some service centers may charge a small fee to reset the light if you don’t do it yourself. Learning how to do it saves you time and money, and it’s a skill every Acadia owner should have.

What You’ll Need

The great news? You don’t need any special tools or equipment to reset the oil light on your 2013 GMC Acadia. Everything you need is already built into your vehicle. Here’s what you’ll use:

• Your vehicle’s ignition key or key fob: To turn the ignition to the “On” position.
• The Driver Information Center (DIC) buttons: Located on the left side of the instrument panel, near the steering wheel.
• A few minutes of your time: The entire process takes less than two minutes.

You don’t need a scan tool, computer, or mechanic. This is a user-serviceable function designed for everyday drivers. Just make sure your vehicle is parked on a level surface, the engine is off, and the parking brake is engaged for safety.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reset the Oil Light

Now that you understand why the reset is important and what you’ll need, let’s walk through the process step by step. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure a successful reset.

Step 1: Turn the Ignition to the “On” Position

Start by getting into your driver’s seat and closing the door. Insert your key into the ignition or press the Start/Stop button (if equipped) without pressing the brake pedal. This will turn the ignition to the “On” position—also known as “Accessory” or “Run.”

You’ll know you’re in the right position when the dashboard lights up, including the instrument cluster, warning lights, and the Driver Information Center (DIC) display. The engine should not be running. If it starts, turn it off immediately and try again.

Important: Do not start the engine during this process. The reset procedure only works when the ignition is on but the engine is off. Starting the engine can interrupt the sequence or prevent it from working altogether.

Step 2: Navigate to the Oil Life Display

Once the dashboard is lit up, look at the instrument cluster. You should see a digital display in the center, usually showing speed, fuel level, and other vehicle information.

Use the DIC control buttons on the left side of the steering column to navigate the menu. These buttons typically include:

• “INFO” or “i” button: Cycles through different display screens.
• “SET/RESET” button: Used to confirm selections and reset systems.
• “▲” and “▼” arrows: Scroll through menu options.

Press the “INFO” or “i” button repeatedly until you see the “Oil Life” or “Engine Oil Life” screen. This screen shows the current oil life percentage—likely a low number like 5% or 10% if the light is on.

If you don’t see the oil life display, try cycling through all the INFO screens. On some models, it may appear as “Oil Life Remaining” or simply “Oil %.”

Step 3: Initiate the Reset Sequence

Once you’re on the Oil Life screen, you’re ready to begin the reset. Here’s what to do:

• Press and hold the “SET/RESET” button for about 5 to 10 seconds.
• Keep holding it even if nothing seems to happen at first.
• After a few seconds, the oil life percentage should begin to flash or change.

You may see the percentage drop to 0% or start counting down, then reset to 100%. This indicates the system is clearing the old data and preparing to start a new oil life cycle.

Tip: Some drivers report that the reset only works if you hold the button long enough—sometimes up to 15 seconds. Be patient and keep holding until you see a change on the screen.

Step 4: Confirm the Reset

After holding the “SET/RESET” button, release it once the oil life percentage returns to 100%. The display should now show “Oil Life 100%” or similar wording.

At this point, the reset is complete. You can turn off the ignition by turning the key back to the “Off” position or pressing the Start/Stop button again.

To double-check, restart the vehicle and observe the dashboard. The “Change Engine Oil” message should no longer appear, and the oil light should be off. If it’s still on, repeat the steps carefully—sometimes a second attempt is needed.

Step 5: Test Drive and Monitor

Take your Acadia for a short drive to ensure everything is working correctly. The oil light should remain off, and the system should begin tracking your next oil change interval based on your driving habits.

Over the next few weeks, keep an eye on the oil life percentage. It should gradually decrease as you drive, giving you an accurate estimate of when your next oil change is due.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though the process is simple, a few common mistakes can prevent the oil light from resetting properly. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Starting the engine during the reset: This interrupts the electronic signal and cancels the reset. Always keep the engine off.
• Not holding the button long enough: Some drivers press the “SET/RESET” button briefly and assume it didn’t work. Hold it for at least 10 seconds.
• Using the wrong menu screen: Make sure you’re on the Oil Life screen, not the trip odometer or fuel economy display.
• Ignoring dashboard warnings: If other warning lights (like Check Engine) are on, the oil reset may not work until those issues are resolved.
• Attempting the reset before an oil change: Only reset the light after you’ve actually changed the oil. Resetting it early gives false readings.

Avoiding these mistakes will increase your chances of a successful reset on the first try.

Troubleshooting: What If the Light Won’t Reset?

Sometimes, despite following the steps correctly, the oil light refuses to turn off. Don’t panic—this doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a serious problem. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

Issue: The oil life percentage doesn’t change

If you hold the “SET/RESET” button and nothing happens, try the following:

• Ensure the ignition is fully in the “On” position. Some vehicles require the key to be turned fully clockwise.
• Try cycling the ignition off and on again, then repeat the reset steps.
• Check if the battery is weak. A low battery can affect electronic systems.
• Make sure no other warning lights are active. A Check Engine light, for example, may prevent the reset.

Issue: The light comes back on immediately

If the oil light resets but turns back on after driving a short distance, there could be a few causes:

• Faulty oil life sensor: Over time, the sensor that monitors oil quality can fail. This requires professional diagnosis.
• Software glitch: Rarely, the vehicle’s computer may need a software update from a dealership.
• Incomplete oil change: If the oil wasn’t changed properly (e.g., old filter left in place), the system may detect contamination.

Issue: No “Oil Life” option in the menu

If you can’t find the Oil Life screen, your vehicle may have a different menu layout. Try:

• Pressing the “INFO” button multiple times to cycle through all available screens.
• Consulting the owner’s manual for your specific trim level.
• Checking if the feature is disabled—some models allow you to turn off maintenance reminders.

If none of these solutions work, it’s time to visit a GMC dealership or trusted mechanic. They can use a diagnostic tool to reset the system or check for underlying issues.

Tips for Maintaining Your 2013 GMC Acadia

Resetting the oil light is just one part of keeping your Acadia in top condition. Here are a few additional tips to extend the life of your engine and vehicle:

• Follow the recommended oil change interval: GM recommends changing the oil every 7,500 miles or 12 months under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions (frequent short trips, towing, extreme temperatures) may require changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
• Use the correct oil type: Your 2013 Acadia requires 5W-30 dexos1 synthetic oil. Using the wrong viscosity or type can affect engine performance and oil life.
• Replace the oil filter every time: A dirty filter reduces oil flow and can shorten engine life.
• Check oil level regularly: Use the dipstick to ensure oil is at the proper level between changes.
• Keep records: Note the date and mileage of each oil change. This helps track maintenance and can increase resale value.

By combining regular maintenance with proper system resets, you’ll keep your Acadia running smoothly for years to come.

Conclusion

Resetting the engine oil light on your 2013 GMC Acadia is a quick, easy task that every owner should know how to do. With just the ignition and a few button presses, you can clear the warning light and ensure your oil life monitoring system is accurate. This not only saves you money on unnecessary service fees but also helps you stay on top of essential maintenance.

Remember: always reset the light after an oil change, use the “On” ignition position (not running), and hold the “SET/RESET” button until the percentage returns to 100%. If you encounter issues, double-check your steps or consult a professional.

By following this guide, you’re taking a proactive step in caring for your vehicle. A well-maintained Acadia delivers better performance, improved fuel economy, and greater reliability. So the next time that oil light comes on, you’ll know exactly what to do—no stress, no confusion, just confidence behind the wheel.