Buick Encore: Vehicle Checks / Engine Oil Life System

When to Change Engine Oil

This vehicle has a computer system that indicates when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on a combination of factors which include engine revolutions, engine temperature, and miles driven. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at which an oil change is indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, the system must be reset every time the oil is changed.

When the system has calculated that oil life has been diminished, it indicates that an oil change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON DIC message comes on. Change the oil as soon as possible within the next 1 000 km (600 mi). It is possible that, if driving under the best conditions, the oil life system might indicate that an oil change is not necessary for up to a year. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year and, at this time, the system must be reset. Your dealer has trained service people who will perform this work and reset the system. It is also important to check the oil regularly over the course of an oil drain interval and keep it at the proper level.

If the system is ever reset accidentally, the oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi) since the last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever the oil is changed.

How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System

Reset the system whenever the engine oil is changed so that the system can calculate the next engine oil change. To reset the system:

1. Press the MENU button to show Remaining Oil Life on the display. This display shows an estimate of the oil’s remaining useful life. If 99% is displayed, that means that 99% of the current oil life remains.
2. To reset the engine oil life system, press the SET/CLR button while the oil life display is active. After a few seconds, there will be a single chime and the oil life will be reset to 100%.

Be careful not to reset the oil life display accidentally at any time other than after the oil is changed. It cannot be reset accurately.

If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON DIC message comes back on when the vehicle is started, the engine oil life system has not reset. Repeat the procedure.