Oil Change Reminder Lamp: Description and Operation

GM OIL LIFE SYSTEM
When the "CHANGE ENGINE OIL" light comes on, it means that service is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible within the next 1 000 km (600 miles). It is possible that, if you are driving under the best conditions, the engine oil life system may not indicate that vehicle service 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.

If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally, you must service your vehicle within 5 000 km (3,000 miles) since your last service. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever the oil is changed. Refer to GM Oil Life System - Resetting for information on the engine Oil Life System and resetting the system.

When the "CHANGE ENGINE OIL" light appears, certain services, checks and inspections are required. Required services are described in the following for "Maintenance I" and "Maintenance II." Generally, it is recommended that your first service be Maintenance I, your second service be Maintenance II and that you alternate Maintenance I and Maintenance II thereafter. However, in some cases, Maintenance II may be required more often.

The engine oil life monitor will indicate when to change the engine oil - usually between 5,000 km (3,000 miles) and 16,000 km (10,000 miles) since the last oil change. Under severe conditions, the "CHANGE OIL SOON" light may be displayed before 5,000 km (3,000 miles). The vehicle must not be driven more than 16,000 km (10,000 miles) or 12 months without an oil change.

The engine oil life monitor will not detect dust in the oil. If the vehicle is driven in a dusty area, be sure to change the oil every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or sooner if the "CHANGE OIL SOON" light is displayed.