Why Is My Car Saying Change Oil Soon? Troubleshooting and Resetting the Oil Change Indicator

Have you ever been confused when your car's dashboard alert says 'Change Oil Soon' just after you got an oil change? This article will help you understand why this might be happening and how to resolve it.

Understanding Oil Change Intervals

The place where your oil change was performed should have reset the oil change interval in your car's computer, but often, they may not do this. Most modern cars do not measure the quality of the oil, but instead, rely on factors like the number of miles driven and the age of the car since the last oil change sensor reset.

The Importance of Resetting the Oil Change Interval

Resetting the oil change interval is crucial for accurate tracking. It's my opinion that everyone who owns a gas or diesel-powered vehicle should have an OBD-II interface device. These devices can be purchased from major retailers like Amazon, Temu, and Walmart, often for as low as $8-$15. Simply connect the device to the port below the steering wheel, and it interfaces with a variety of smartphone apps.

Diagnosing and Resetting with OBD-II Tools

Using an OBD-II interface gadget, you can diagnose various issues, including the check-engine light. Additionally, you can reset the service oil soon indicator light for most cars. If your car has built-in capability for DIY oil changes and resetting the oil counter, ensure you use a diagnostic scanner like a TopDon AD500S, which is compatible with almost every car since 1996 that has an OBDI or II diagnostic port.

Tracing the Issue to a Sensor

Sometimes, the oil change interval issue could be due to a malfunctioning sensor. In my case, after an oil change in my 2016 Sonic RS, I had to reset the 'Oil Health' feature on the dashboard. It is possible that one of your sensors could be malfunctioning and needs to be replaced. However, this is less likely unless you experience other sensor-related issues.

Professional Help or DIY Reset

While you can reset the oil change interval with an OBD-II scanner, some cars have hidden methods for resetting it by holding down various combinations of buttons. If these methods are available, they will likely be detailed in your owner's manual. If you cannot perform the reset yourself, you might need to take your car to a repair shop and have them reset the 'Service Oil Soon' indicator light.

What to Do Next

If your car's oil change interval has not been reset, it could lead to inaccurate tracking and potential errors in the operation of your car. It's recommended to inspect the issue with the service provider who performed the oil change, as they should be able to take care of it under warranty.

Conclusion

Understanding and addressing the reasons behind the 'Change Oil Soon' alert is essential for maintaining your car's performance and ensuring accurate oil change tracking. Whether you choose to reset it yourself with an OBD-II scanner or seek professional help, take action to ensure your car runs efficiently.

Keywords: oil change interval, OBD-II scanner, reset oil light