How to Reset a VW Oil Change Reminder
New oil runs through the Volkswagen engine, but the nuisance maintenance light continues flickering on the dash panel. Ring any bell? Having endured the ordeal of the oil change, numerous VW car owners have the unpleasant experience of gazing at an obstinate notifier who ignores the recently performed servicing.
This is more than flipping off a frustrating dash light. The system helps regulate the correct service intervals and protects the life of the engine. When the warning remains unremoved after servicing the vehicle, then you will have absolutely no way of knowing when the next oil change is genuinely necessary.
Good news? You will be able to clear the Volkswagen oil change light in two minutes once you learn the process.
Resetting with Your Infotainment System
All 2018 and subsequent model year Volkswagens possess touchscreen infotainment center systems, making resetting the oil change light easy.
First, switch the car ignition on but don't start the car. Move towards the location where your main menu is and search the "Vehicle" or the "Car" settings. Then go into the "Service" or the "Service Intervals" mode.
You will see the list for maintenance and the option for oil change. Select the oil service option then tap "Reset" or "Reset Service Interval." You will be prompted by the system for a confirmation on the operation. Click on "Yes" or "Confirm" in order to complete the reset.
Now the dashboard should indicate the Volkswagen oil change reset has been performed, and the service interval timer has been reinitialized.
Other Options for Older VWs
Volkswagens prior to 2018 will usually have separate reset procedures which will usually utilize the instrument cluster buttons as opposed to touchscreen operation.
For the majority of older vehicles, place your car in the "On" position but do not start the car. You will have to search on your instrument panel for the button on the trip odometer and press it in. With the button still pressed in, switch the ignition off and back on again. Press in the trip button until the service light begins to flash or until the word "Oil" shows on the screen.
Certain VWs involve cycling the trip button more than once, since switching from the off position to the on position cycles through ignition positions. The presses will depend on the model year but will vary from three presses up through five presses.
Let go of the button once there is confirmation the system has restarted, typically by the service light turning off or by a message or warning appearing on the screen for a brief moment.
Troubleshooting Common Reset Issues
If the first attempt does not work, do not panic. Numerous conditions can cause the reset to fail.
Procedure time is crucial on manual resets. You should make sure you are pressing buttons for the complete duration necessary and the timing matches the movement on the buttons. Proceeding through the sequence too rapidly will most likely prevent the resets from being successful.
Verify model variations in owner's manual. Although the procedure as a whole on all VW vehicles is the same, there will be variations by model year and trim level. Your manual has the proper procedure on the car in question.
All other elements in the success of reset depend on battery voltage. If the battery is weak or was just disconnected, wait a few minutes after the reconnection before proceeding with the reset operation.
If you're unsure about performing a VW service light reset, a local mechanic for Volkswagen in Peoria, Arizona can help walk you through the process.
Keep Your VW in Tip-Top Shape
Resetting the oil change notice ensures receiving accurate notifications in the future for the next maintenance needs. The procedure will only take minutes but plays a significant role in the maintenance of the health and performance of your Volkswagen.
Make sure the reminder is set back once again after every oil change. That way, maintenance tasks will never fall behind, and you will have peace of mind in the knowledge the service monitor system on the VW operates properly. If you're wondering how to reset the VW oil change reminder, this guide has you covered and ensures your car stays in top condition.