I drive a '98 Monte Carlo and even after I change my oil, when I start the car, the "Change Oil Soon" light comes on. It's happenned everytime... is there a sensor that needs reset?
2006-09-22 19:51:34 · 8 answers · asked by Nicole 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It comes on when I start it, but it goes off after a minute or so. I know I need a manual...
2006-09-22 20:20:31 · update #1
One of two things:
1. Does it go off after a couple of minutes or even hours of running your car? If so, it's just slow to react. It takes time for the old oil to mix with the new oil(not all of the old oil is drained).
2. Your sensor is bad. This is a common problem with fords and chevys. It'll cost you $60 if you walk into a shop and tell the mechanic that's what you want them to do. Or you can chage it yourself if you know what you're doing. It's usually on the back of the top of the engine next to the oil pressure sensor/sender.
In either case, there's no way to manually reset the reading of that sensor. It was a bad design in those years, because they made them of a metal that oil deposits cling to. If you replace it, buy an aftermarket sensor. They are much better(and probably cheaper than dealer price.
The person who answered above me is right but not for years before 2001. You can always try taking your negative battery cable off for 5 seconds and then putting it back on, but the light will probably come back on 2 miles down the road. This particular sensor was not even connected to the computer before 2001.
NEVER disconnect your positive battery cable first. Because of the direction electrons flow, this can cause a spark, which can damage your computer's circuitry.
2006-09-22 20:06:58 · answer #1 · answered by Rockstar 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it just needs to be reset. there is no sensor. the vehicle's computer takes a lot of inputs from various sensors and uses a mathematical calculation to predict when the oil needs changing. its easy to reset the light. i'll tell you the method i know: first sit in the driver seat and close the door. next, put the key into the ignition and turn it to on but don't start the engine. then, quickly press the gas pedal to the floor three times in five seconds. don't be afraid to press it hard to the floor, sometimes its necessary to get it to the floor three times that fast. you should see the light flash a couple times or hear a beep and it will go out. arent you glad you asked me?
2006-09-23 03:04:38 · answer #2 · answered by gillyguy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A repair manual may be your best option. I not remember, but, try turning the key on not starting the car. With your foot on the Brake push the gas pedal to the floor 2-3 times and see if that clear it.
2006-09-23 03:01:52 · answer #3 · answered by Snaglefritz 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
this is more than likely regulated by miles instead of a sensor, it doesn't know you have changed oil, but it has reached the mileage and keeps coming on, read your owners manual on how to reset it , seems like i had to turn the key to on position and press the accel. a couple of times to reset it mine, but different models will have different ways of reseting theirs, if you don't have a manual ask your srevice person to reset it for you.
2006-09-23 03:01:25 · answer #4 · answered by charlie55 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you must reset this light. Your owner's manual should give step by step instructions.
2006-09-23 03:00:25 · answer #5 · answered by ' 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's automatic that it goes off every 3 thousand miles. just disconnect your positive cable on the battery for about 20 seconds, that should reset it.
2006-09-23 03:00:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is a sensor that is malfunctioning.
2006-09-23 02:56:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
must be . do you have a Haynes or Chilton repair manual?
2006-09-23 02:58:18 · answer #8 · answered by martinmm 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋