When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that indicates when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at which an oil change is indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, the system must be reset every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been diminished, it indicates that an oil change is necessary. A change engine oil light or, if the vehicle has the Driver Information Center (DIC), a CHANGE OIL SOON message comes on. See Change Engine Oil Light or DIC Warnings and Messages. Change the oil as soon as possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if driving under the best conditions, the oil life system might not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a year. However, the engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year and at this time the system must be reset. Your dealer/retailer has trained service people who will perform this work using genuine parts and reset the system. It is also important to check the oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the oil must be changed at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since the last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to change the engine oil and filter based on vehicle use. Whenever the oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate when the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs where the oil is changed prior to a change engine oil light or CHANGE OIL SOON message being turned on, reset the system.
After changing the engine oil, reset the system:
| • | Vehicles with Driver Information Center (DIC) |
| 1. | Press the option button on the DIC until ENGINE OIL MONITOR appears on the DIC screen. |
| 2. | Press the set/reset button to reset the system. The next screen indicates that the CHANGE OIL SOON message has been reset. |
If the vehicle has the uplevel DIC, when the gages button is pressed and the OIL LIFE REMAINING mode appears, it should read 100 percent OIL LIFE REMAINING.
| 3. | Turn the key to LOCK/OFF. |
| • | Vehicles without Driver Information Center (DIC) |
| 1. | With the engine off, turn the ignition key to ON/RUN. |
| 2. | Fully press and release the accelerator pedal slowly three times within five seconds. |
| 3. | Turn the key to LOCK/OFF, then start the vehicle. |
If the light or message comes back on when the vehicle is started, the oil life system has not reset. Repeat the procedure.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that can be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil.
