GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

When to Change Engine Oil

Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know 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 will be indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, you must reset the system every time the oil is changed.

When the system has calculated that oil life has been diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL message will come on. See Change Engine Oil Message . Change your oil as soon as possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if you are driving under the best conditions, the oil life system may not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a year. However, your engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year and at this time the system must be reset. Your dealer has GM-trained service people who will perform this work using genuine GM parts and reset the system. It is also important to check your oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.

If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your 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 your engine oil and filter based on vehicle use. Anytime your oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate when the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs where you change your oil prior to a CHANGE ENGINE OIL message being turned on, reset the system.

After changing the engine oil, the system must be reset. To reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message, use one of the following procedures:

Using the Radio

  1. Turn the ignition to ACC or ON, with the radio off.
  2. Press and hold the TUNE DISP knob on the radio for at least five seconds until SETTINGS is displayed.
  3. Press the SEEK PSCAN up or down arrow to scroll through the main menu.
  4. Scroll until OIL LIFE appears on the display.
  5. Press the 1 PREV or 2 NEXT buttons to enter the submenu. RESET will be displayed.
  6. Press the TUNE DISP knob to reset. A chime will be heard to verify the new setting and DONE will be displayed for one second.
  7. Once the indicator has been reset, scroll until EXIT appears on the display.
  8. Press the TUNE DISP knob to exit programming. A chime will be heard to verify the exit.
  9. Turn the key to OFF.

If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message comes back on when you start your vehicle, the engine oil life system has not reset. Repeat the procedure.

Using the Accelerator Pedal

  1. Turn the ignition to ON, with the engine off.
  2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal slowly three times within five seconds. If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message flashes, the system is reset. However, if it stays on, it did not reset. Repeat the procedure.
  3. Turn the key to OFF.

If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message comes back on when you start your vehicle, the engine oil life system has not reset. Repeat the procedure.

What to Do with Used Oil

Used engine oil contains certain elements that may 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. Instead, recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling center for help.