'00 Chevy Malibu "change oil" reminder light?

Question

I have a '00 Chevy Malibu that just got a oil and battery change at a general mechanic. As soon as I started the car up the next day, the oil light popped on. It comes on every time I start the car (if it's been sitting overnight or for several hours - and it's winter conditions) and I guessed that the mechanics didn't reset the light when they changed the oil so I tried all the tricks I heard to fix it including -
* depressed the gas pedal 5 times with the key in the ignition (but not started)
* flicking the ignition on 3 times (but not starting the car)
* took the car back to the place I got the oil changed and asked them to reset the light

None of these tactics worked (not even the last!). I've checked the oil level and it's at 'full'. According to the reciept, they used the correct oil. I've been driving the car for about a month and there's no grinding noise to indicate that the engine is suffering. It just seems strange that the switch should go out after maintainance.

Yep - it does usually shut off after a few minutes of having the engine running. Might it just be the cold weather?

Answer 1

with ignition switch on. not running. press accelerator to the floor 3 times.

Answer 2

I used to work at a shop, but its been a while...but i think this is how to do it.

open the drivers door. there is a fuse box that is built into the side of the dash. pull the cover off. there is a red button in the fuse box. i think that it says "reset" on "clear" on it...i cannot recall exactly if you need the key on or off, but i believe that you hold that reset button for something like 5 or 10 seconds.

mind you, i know that some GM products are this way, and i think that the malibu was, but i could be wrong. do you have the owners manual? i thought that it explained how to do it...

but anyway, check that fuse box for the red button.

Answer 3

the light is usualy a "low oil" light not a change oil light and doesn't need reseting (unless that car is a bit strange). if you definatly have enough oil maybe the sensor/wiring is faulty.
if the light goes off after a few second of strting the engine that is just because it is cold and takes a while to get the oil pressure up.

Answer 4

I'd take it to a Chevrolet dealer to reset the offending lights. You may want to remove the positive battery cable for a couple of minutes to see if that cures the problem.