How To Reset Change Oil Light on 2005 GMC Sierra

The reset change oil light on 2005 GMC Sierra is basically a maintenance reminder light that comes on your dash. It’s supposed to let you know when it’s time for an oil change based on how many miles you’ve driven since the last change. Sometimes though this light can come on even when your oil isn’t that old yet. That’s where resetting it comes in handy.

This light is an important reminder to keep up with regular maintenance on your truck. Even though new vehicles these days have way more advanced engines than what we had back in the old days, regular care is still key to getting the most life out of them. The computer is just trying to help us out by letting us know around when it’s a good idea to change that oil. But like I said, it’s not a perfect science so resetting gives us some flexibility.

When The Light Comes On

So the typical time for the reset change oil light on 2005 GMC Sierra to come on is every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. But it’s not super accurate, just an estimate. Back when I was a young mechanic just starting out, we didn’t even have fancy computer lights telling us when to change the oil. We had to track it ourselves on a calendar and odometer. Let me tell ya, some people waited way too long! So this light is definitely an improvement.

The best way to know for sure if it’s time is to check your oil level and condition regularly. Just pop the hood and pull the dipstick. The oil should be within the lines, and have a nice golden color without being too dark. If it’s still looking good and not too dirty, you can probably go a bit longer before changing it. No need to rush to the shop just because the light came on. But don’t push it too far either!

How To Reset Change Oil Light on 2005 GMC Sierra

The reset change oil light on 2005 GMC Sierra is actually pretty simple to do. Just follow these steps:

1. Turn the ignition to “run” but don’t start the engine. This puts the computer into the right mode to reset the light.
2. Quickly press the gas pedal 10 times within 5 seconds. You gotta be fast, so practice a few times if needed.
3. The light should start flashing, meaning it’s resetting the counter and getting ready to start tracking miles again until the next change.
4. Turn the ignition off and then back on. This finalizes the reset.
5. Start the engine and the light should now be off, showing 100% until next oil change. You’ll probably see it come back on around 5,000 miles if you drive regular.

It’s a good idea to reset it yourself rather than leaving it for the shop. That way you know for sure it’s done properly. Plus it only takes a minute, so why not do it and cross it off your to-do list?

Don’t Forget To Actually Change The Oil!

Even though the reset change oil light on 2005 GMC Sierra makes the light go away, don’t forget that you still need to change the oil eventually. Just because you reset the light doesn’t mean the oil is new again. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended oil change schedule and stick to it.

Changing the oil regularly, like every 5,000 miles or 6 months, is important to keep your engine running smoothly for many miles. The oil breaks down over time and picks up contaminants as you drive. It needs to be refreshed to keep vital engine parts lubricated and protected from wear. Blow by that maintenance schedule and you risk accelerated wear or even engine damage down the road. Trust me, an oil change is way cheaper than a rebuild!

Other tips for How To Reset Change Oil Light on 2005 GMC Sierra

Along with the reset change oil light on 2005 GMC Sierra and changing your oil regularly, here are some other maintenance tips to keep your Sierra running well:

• Check all fluid levels monthly including brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant. Top up if needed. Low fluid levels can cause big problems fast.
• Inspect your air filter every 6 months or so and replace it yearly for best performance. A dirty filter makes the engine work harder and lose power.
• Rotate your tires every 6,000-8,000 miles to improve even wear on your treads. Unbalanced wear can affect steering and handling.
• Inspect brake pads and rotors annually or sooner if you hear grinding when braking. Worn brakes can be dangerous.
• Change your transmission fluid according to your manual’s schedule. Dirty fluid wears out your tranny faster.
• Check your belts and hoses for cracks. Replace worn ones before they leave you stranded.

With regular care like resetting the light and these other maintenance tasks, your 2005 GMC Sierra will last you for many miles of trouble-free driving. Taking care of small issues before they become big problems is the best way to avoid expensive repairs down the road. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as the old-timers used to say.

Final Thought

I’ve always been a big fan of GM trucks like the Sierra. Back in ’05 I had one myself, an extended cab SLT model in dark blue. That thing hauled everything I ever needed to move and then some. It was the most reliable vehicle I’ve ever owned, and I put over 250,000 hard miles on it with nothing but basic maintenance. Drove it coast to coast several times too.

One thing I always did religiously was the reset change oil light on 2005 GMC Sierra and change that oil every 5,000 miles like clockwork. I’d also check all the other fluid levels at the same time. The truck just kept on going year after year. Only thing that finally did it in was rust from the road salt up here in New England. Frame was getting a little sketchy so I traded it in. But the engine and drivetrain were still going strong!

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