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Oil Change Light

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Old Aug 16, 2011 | 05:50 AM
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Default Oil Change Light

I left my house for work this morning and after driving for maybe 1-1.5 miles my "Oil Change" light came on in my Formula. I was a little concerned since I just changed the oil less than 200 miles ago. The oil pressure gauge stays between 38-58psi depending on driving conditions. The light went off about 1 mile later and didn't come back on by the time I made it to work, another 30 miles. Any idea what could have caused the light to come on or just a fluke?
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Old Aug 16, 2011 | 09:35 AM
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Its set to come on when the computer calculates its time for an oil change. Was it on when you changed it the first time? If so did you reset it? Even if it wasnt on if you reset it it will start recalculating.
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Old Aug 16, 2011 | 09:48 AM
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No it wasn't on when we changed it and we never reset anything...
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Old Aug 16, 2011 | 09:51 AM
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Well problem solved ha. No worries it happens all the time...
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Old Aug 16, 2011 | 11:03 AM
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Haha alright thanks for the heads up
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Old Aug 16, 2011 | 07:29 PM
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Update: The light comes on whenever I start the car and stays on for a minute and then turns off, is there a way to reset it so it stays off?
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Old Aug 16, 2011 | 08:35 PM
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Yes, you have to reset it. The light only is illuminated at start-up to remind you to change the oil, it does not stay on forever, that is why it turns off.

Information about the system and the method to reset it can be found in the owner's manual:

Page 2-96:
Oil Change Light

This OIL CHANGE light
should come on briefly as
a bulb check when you
start the engine. If the OIL
CHANGE light doesn’t
come on, have it serviced.
If the OIL CHANGE light comes on and stays
on for 60 seconds after you start the engine,
have the oil changed.
For additional information, see “Engine Oil, When to
Change” in the Index. After changing the engine oil,
the system must be reset. See “How to Reset the Oil
Change Light” in the Index.
Page 6-16
When to Change Engine Oil

(GM Oil Life System)
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 OIL CHANGE light will come on.
Change your oil as soon as possible within the next
two times you stop for fuel. 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. 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.
Page 6-17
How to Reset the Oil Change Light

The GM 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
OIL CHANGE light being turned on, reset the system.
After changing the engine oil, the system must be reset.
1. Turn the ignition key to RUN with the engine
turned off.
2. Press the TRIP/OIL RESET button located on the
instrument panel for 12 seconds. The OIL CHANGE
light will start to flash to confirm that the system is
reset. The reset is complete when the OIL CHANGE
light goes out.
Page 7-6
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance

Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the
GM Oil Life System (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). Reset the system.
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 OIL CHANGE light will come on. Change
your oil as soon as possible within the next two times
you stop for fuel. 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. 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. See “Oil Life System” in the Index
for information on resetting the system.
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Old Aug 16, 2011 | 09:28 PM
  #8  
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From: Westminster, MD
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Wow thanks! Usually people would just say "read the owners manual" but that made it really convenient. Thanks a lot, I'll do it next time I drive the car
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