How to Reset the Oil Life on Your Chevy Traverse

Maintaining your Chevy Traverse can seem overwhelming, especially when it comes to keeping track of your oil life. Fortunately, resetting the oil life indicator is a straightforward process that every owner should know how to do. This tutorial will guide you through the steps you need to take depending on your model year.

Why Reset the Oil Life?

After an oil change, it’s important to reset the oil life indicator to ensure accurate monitoring of your vehicle’s maintenance needs. The oil life monitor measures the remaining useful life of your oil based on driving habits and conditions, and resetting it will help keep everything in check.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Turn On the Ignition: Insert your key into the ignition or press the start button without starting the engine.
  2. Access the Menu: On the dashboard, use the buttons on your steering wheel or the menu button to navigate to the “Settings” or “Vehicle” option, depending on your model year.
  3. Select Oil Life: Once in the settings menu, scroll down to “Oil Life” or “Oil Change” options.
  4. Reset: Follow the prompts to reset the oil life indicator. Confirm any messages that require confirmation.
  5. Verify the Reset: After resetting, the oil life should show as 100% or indicate that the oil life has been reset.

Model-Specific Instructions

  • 2018-2022 Chevy Traverse: Follow the above steps but note that the buttons for navigation might slightly vary. The “Menu” button can usually be found on the left side of the steering wheel.
  • 2013-2017 Chevy Traverse: For these models, the same steps usually apply, but make sure your engine is off before beginning. If any issues arise, refer to your owner’s manual for additional troubleshooting.

Final Tips

  • Regularly check your oil life status to stay proactive about maintenance.
  • Always consult your owner’s manual for specifics regarding your vehicle’s model year, and consider discussing any uncertainties with other Chevy Traverse owners in our community.
  • If you perform your oil changes at a dealership or service center, they often reset the oil life for you, but knowing how to do it yourself is a great skill to have.

Following these easy steps will help keep the maintenance of your Chevy Traverse consistent and ensure you always know when it’s time for an oil change. Happy driving!

To reset the oil life on a Chevy Traverse (2018 model), turn the ignition to ON without starting the engine. Press the gas pedal three times in quick succession. Your display should show that the oil life has been reset.

Thanks for the tip! Does it work the same way for the 2020 models too?

Yes, it works for the 2020 as well! Just make sure your foot is off the brake while doing it. If it doesn’t reset, try turning the ignition off and repeating the steps.

7 Likes

Good to know! Has anyone tried this on older models, like 2014?

2 Likes

For models like 2014, the process is slightly different: turn the vehicle to ON, then press the gas pedal three times, but it may vary a bit with dashboard buttons. Always check the manual for your specific model year!

Appreciate the info! I’ve had trouble with my 2015, any troubleshooting tips?

2 Likes

If your 2015 isn’t resetting, make sure your battery isn’t weak. A low battery might prevent proper vehicle electronics from engaging. Also, using the dashboard menu to reset can sometimes work better.

4 Likes

That’s great advice! I’ve had my battery tested, and it’s good, but I’ll try the dashboard option. Thanks!

Is there a visual aid for these steps? I’m more of a visual learner myself!

Here’s a video link that walks you through the steps for various model years. It’s super helpful! [insert_link_here]

Just a heads-up, I’ve read that sometimes the system needs to be calibrated after an oil change. If resetting doesn’t work, consider that factor!

That’s interesting! I never thought about calibration. What does that involve?

6 Likes

Calibration usually involves running a diagnostic from a dealership or professional. They can reset the indicator more thoroughly if it’s misreading.

Ah, sounds like a hassle! I might just stick to the manual resets for now. Anyone tried to reset while driving? Just curious!

That sounds like a recipe for disaster! Focus on the road, folks! :joy:

5 Likes

The Chevy Traverse has an oil life monitoring system that calculates when an oil change is necessary based on your driving habits. It tracks factors like engine temperature, driving conditions, and vehicle speed. Regular oil changes ensure your engine runs smoothly and efficiently.

That’s so helpful! I always wondered how it worked. It’s amazing that it takes driving conditions into account!

Another thing to keep in mind is that severe driving conditions—like frequent short trips and heavy towing—can diminish oil life more quickly. It’s worth checking your oil life monitor regularly to avoid engine problems.

Absolutely! I’ve definitely noticed a quicker drop in the oil life when I do a lot of city driving.