How to Reset a Volvo Oil Light

Your Volvo is a highly intuitive vehicle and will let you know that you need to change your oil every or so by displaying a light on your instrument panel behind your steering wheel. Once you change your oil, you can easily turn off the...

Setting the Computer to Trip 1

Insert your key into the ignition. Take your Volvo's key and slide it into your vehicle's ignition. Insert it all the way into the ignition so you're able to turn it to the various positions.^{[1] X Research source}
1. Don't start your vehicle or you won't be able to reset the oil light.
Turn the key to position 1. On your vehicle's ignition, you'll see several markings. Turn the key until it's aligned with the 'I' on the ignition to place the computer in the first position.^{[2] X Research source}
1. There won't be any lights or electronic features that come on when you turn the key to the first position.
Did you know?

Position 1 gives you limited access to certain functions of your vehicle such as your power windows and windshield wipers.
Locate the trip meter button on your instrument panel. Look at your instrument panel on your dashboard behind your steering wheel. Find the small display that shows your vehicle's mileage. Locate the small button next to the display to identify the trip meter reset button.^{[3] X Research source}
1. In most Volvo vehicles, the mileage display is in the center of the instrument panel, but in some models, it may be located on the left-hand side of the panel.
2. The button is small and black and allows you to transition between different displays such as your mileage, your fuel efficiency, and how much further you can travel before you need to refuel.
Press the button to switch the computer to trip 1. Push the button to adjust your vehicle's internal computer and cycle through the various displays. Continue shuffling through the displays until you locate 'Trip 1' and then stop.^{[4] X Research source}
1. Trip 1 and Trip 2 allow you to track the distance you travel on a specific journey.
2. Your vehicle's internal computer must be set to trip 1 in order for your displays to be adjusted.

Turning off the Oil Light

Press and hold down the trip meter button and turn the key to position 2. With your vehicle's internal computer set to trip 1, push the button next to the display on your instrument panel. Keep the button held down and turn your key in the ignition until it's lined up with 'II' to place your internal computer into position 2.^{[5] X Research source}
1. Your Volvo's display lights and features such as your radio will turn on when you turn the key to the second position.
Wait until the oil light flashes 3 times and release the button. Once you put your vehicle's internal computer into the second position, your oil light will light up on your instrument panel. Keep holding down the button next to your mileage display until the oil light flashes 3 times. Then, release the button to turn off the light.^{[6] X Research source}
1. The oil light may turn red for a brief moment before it starts blinking.
Turn the key to the off position and remove it from the ignition. After the light turns off, turn your key to the position that reads '0' on the ignition to save your settings. Then, remove your key from the ignition or start your vehicle to make sure the display light is off.^{[7] X Research source}

Note: If your oil light turns back on after you've turned it off, you could have a serious oil leak that's caused all of your vehicle's oil to leak out. Have a mechanic take a look at your vehicle to make sure there isn't a leak.