Understanding Chevrolet Oil-Life Monitor (OLM) System and Lights

Performing all scheduled and recommended maintenance on your Chevrolet vehicle is imperative to keep it running well so you can avoid the many untimely, inconvenient, and possibly expensive repairs that come from neglect. Luckily, the days of the standardized manual maintenance schedule are coming to an end.

Smart technology, like the Oil-Life Monitor (OLM) system from General Motors (GM), automatically monitors the oil life in your vehicle using an advanced algorithm, on board computer system that alerts owners when it’s time for an oil change, so they can address the issue promptly and without hassle. All the owner has to do is schedule an appointment with a trusted mechanic, take the vehicle in for servicing, and a mechanic will take care of the rest; it’s that simple.

How the Chevrolet Oil Life Monitor (OLM) system works and what to expect

The Chevrolet Oil Life Monitor (OLM) system is not a simple oil quality sensor, but a software-based, algorithm-driven device that takes into account various operating conditions of the engine to determine when the oil needs changing. Certain driving habits can affect the life of the oil, as well as driving conditions such as temperature and driving terrain. Lighter, more moderate driving conditions and temperature will require less frequent oil changes and maintenance, while more severe driving conditions will require more frequent oil changes and maintenance. Read the table below to see how the OLM system determines oil life: Understanding Chevrolet Service Indicator Lights - How driving conditions affect the engine oil life of a Chevrolet

The oil life meter is located on the information display on the dashboard, and will count down from 100% oil life to 0% oil life as you continue to drive the vehicle, at which point the computer will trigger a reminder for you to “Change Engine Oil Soon.” Around the 15% oil life threshold, the computer will remind you that an “Oil Change Is Required,” giving you ample time to plan ahead to have your vehicle serviced. It is important not to wait to have your vehicle serviced, especially once the indicator reads 0% oil life. If you do wait and servicing is overdue, you risk severe damage to the engine - which could leave you stranded or worse. GM recommends that an oil change should be completed within two fuel tank fill-ups from when the first message was displayed.

The following table outlines what the information on your dashboard means when the engine oil reaches a certain level of usage: Understanding Chevrolet Service Indicator Lights - When to change the oil in a Chevrolet

When your vehicle is ready for an oil change, GM has a standard list of inspection for servicing your Chevrolet: Understanding Chevrolet Service Indicator Lights - Recommended maintenance schedule for a Chevrolet

Chevrolet recommends these scheduled maintenance items throughout the life of the vehicle as well: Understanding Chevrolet Service Indicator Lights - Additional recommended services for a Chevrolet - 1 Understanding Chevrolet Service Indicator Lights - Additional recommended services for a Chevrolet - 2

After your oil change and servicing is complete, you might need to reset the OLM system in your Chevrolet. There are two options for first generation and second generation models. Learn how to do this by following the directions below:

For third generation models (2014-2015):

Step 1: Insert key into the ignition and turn the vehicle to the “ON” position. Do this without starting the vehicle.

Step 2: Press the left arrow button on the right side of the steering wheel.

Step 3: Select the “INFO” option.

Step 4: Scroll up until you find “OIL LIFE” and select it.

Step 5: Press and hold the “CHECK” button. Hold until the “OIL LIFE” display changes to 100%.

For second generation models (2007-2013):

Step 1: Insert key into the ignition and turn the vehicle to the “ON” position. Do this without starting the vehicle.

Step 2: Press the accelerator pedal to the floor three times within five seconds. The “CHANGE OIL SOON” light should begin to flash, which means the system is resetting.

Step 3: Turn off the ignition once the light stops flashing.

While the engine oil percentages are calculated according to an algorithm that takes into account driving styles and other specific driving conditions, other maintenance information is based on standard time tables such as in old-school maintenance schedules, located in the owner’s manual. This does not mean Chevrolet drivers should ignore such alerts. Proper maintenance service will greatly extend the life of a vehicle, ensuring it is reliable, safe to drive, covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. It can also provide a greater resale value. Such maintenance tasks should always be performed by a qualified technician. If you have any doubts as to what the GM Oil Life Monitor (OLM) system means or what services your vehicle may need, do not hesitate to contact our experienced professionals for advice.

If your Chevrolet’s Oil Life Monitor (OLM) system is indicating that your vehicle is ready for servicing, have it checked out by a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic. Click here, choose your vehicle and service or service package, and book an appointment with us today. One of our certified mechanics will come to your home or office to service your vehicle.


Next Step

Schedule Oil Change

The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Oil Change. YourMechanic’s technicians bring the dealership to you by performing this job at your home or office 7-days a week between 7AM-9PM. We currently cover over 2,000 cities and have 100k+ 5-star reviews... LEARN MORE

SEE PRICING & SCHEDULING

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Recent Oil Change reviews

Excellent Rating

(28,142)

Rating Summary
26,601
957
209
107
268
26,601
957
209
107
268

Pardeep

22 years of experience
1277 reviews
Pardeep
22 years of experience
Scion xB L4-2.4L - Oil Change - San Jose, California
Pardeep was very professional. Finished all works in a timely manner. Will again avail of his services when the need arises. Highly recommended.
Ford Fusion - Oil Change - San Jose, California
Great experience. Of all the online services, this one makes sense. I got the oil I wanted and great service

Simon

28 years of experience
378 reviews
Simon
28 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz 190E L4-2.3L - Oil Change - Washington, District of Columbia
He was on time, courteous, efficient, speedy, and advisable about certain things to be aware of for future service. Please send him every time, as he seems to be very much aware of the mechanics and engineering of my car more so than all the others who have serviced it...He pleases me utmost. in the professional service I requests.
Chevrolet Malibu - Oil Change - Washington, District of Columbia
EXCELLENT experience!!! Simon is friendly, courteous,and professional. Very customer oriented. He answered my questions with knowledgeable replies which made me feel comfortable. He also came out on his day off to work on my car. Which speaks volumes on how he strives to take care of his clients. Definitely will book him for any car problems or services I need in the future.

John

21 years of experience
650 reviews
John
21 years of experience
GMC Sierra 1500 V8-5.3L - Oil Change - Howey In The Hills, Florida
John was great, Knowledgeable, professional and got straight to work. He was on time and finished expeditiously.
Kia Sportage - Oil Change - Orlando, Florida
John was professional and very nice. He also explained some issues I was having with my car and what I should and should NOT do. He was able to wxplain it to me without being condescending in any way. I will request John every time going forward!

Shawn

13 years of experience
379 reviews
Shawn
13 years of experience
Nissan Altima L4-2.5L - Oil Change - King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Shawn was awesome!!!! Professional, knowledgeable, kind, courteous and very thorough. Please thank him for me.
Lexus IS300 - Oil Change - Norristown, Pennsylvania
Shawn is always professional, honest, easy to talk to and always on time. I've never had an issue working with him and will continue to book him as long as he's available.

Need Help With Your Car?

Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair.

GET A QUOTE

Related articles

Understanding the Volkswagen Oil Monitoring System and Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Volkswagen oil monitoring system indicates when and what service your car needs.
Understanding the Mazda Oil Life Monitor and Service Indicator Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Mazda Oil Life Monitor system indicates when and what service your car needs.
All About Car Warning Lights
Your car has a variety of warning lights to let you know when a specific feature is on, or if a part needs service or maintenance.

Related questions

SVC tire monitor came on. What does it mean and how do I fix it? Also, is it safe to drive in the meantime til its fixed?
Hi there. When the Service tire warning light is illuminated it typically indicates that there is a communication problem with the TPM sensors. However, it could also indicate a low tire pressure reading; especially when it's extremely hot or cold....
What does abs mean
ABS is the acronym for Anti Lock Braking System. It's a safety feature that uses computer control to prevent individual wheels from locking up under hard braking. A wheel that is sliding will not steer, so ABS fixes the old...
Car wont accelerate t.c light
The reason you are seeing the traction control warning light continuously is there is a fault somewhere in the complex sensor system that makes the system work by regulating the engine's output and selectively applying braking. There are wheel speed...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com