How to Reset the Oil Change Light on Your Nissan Murano
Understanding the Oil Change Light
Your Nissan Murano has a maintenance reminder light that tells you when an oil change is due. This light appears on your dashboard and looks like an oil can. Once you've had your oil changed, you'll need to reset this light so it can track the next service interval.
The light doesn't turn off by itself after an oil change. You have to manually reset it using your vehicle's controls. This guide explains how to do that.
Resetting the oil change light is a straightforward task that takes just a few minutes. You don't need any special tools or technical knowledge. Understanding how your Murano's maintenance system works helps you stay on top of your vehicle's care schedule.
Steps to Reset the Oil Change Light on 2008–2013 Models
Older Murano models use the instrument cluster menu to reset the oil change light. Here's how to do it:
- Turn on the ignition without starting the engine. Turn the key to the "On" position, but don't crank the engine.
- Look at your instrument cluster (the display behind your steering wheel).
- Use the arrow buttons on your steering wheel to navigate through the menu options.
- Look for a section labeled "Maintenance" or "Service."
- Once you find the maintenance menu, look for an option that says "Oil Change Reset" or similar.
- Press the select button (usually in the center of the arrow buttons) to choose this option.
- You should see a confirmation message on your display.
- Turn off the ignition to complete the process.
The exact button labels may vary slightly depending on your specific model year, so take your time navigating the menu. If you get stuck, your owner's manual shows the exact sequence for your vehicle.
Steps to Reset the Oil Change Light on 2014 and Newer Models
Newer Murano models have a slightly different process that uses the steering wheel controls:
- Turn on the ignition without starting the engine.
- Locate the menu button on your steering wheel. It's usually on the left side.
- Press the menu button to open the main menu on your instrument cluster display.
- Use the up and down arrow buttons to scroll through the menu options.
- Look for "Settings," "Maintenance," or "Service" in the menu.
- Press the right arrow or select button to enter that section.
- Continue scrolling until you find "Oil Change Reset," "Service Reset," or "Maintenance Reset."
- Press the select button to highlight this option.
- A confirmation screen should appear asking if you want to reset the service reminder.
- Press the select button again to confirm your choice.
- Turn off the ignition.
The newer system is designed to be more intuitive, but the process still requires you to navigate a menu. Take your time with each step, and don't hesitate to check your owner's manual if you're unsure about any button.
Troubleshooting: What If the Light Doesn't Reset?
Sometimes the light won't reset on the first try. Here are some common reasons and what to do about them:
You're in the wrong menu: Double-check that you're in the maintenance or service section of your instrument cluster menu. Some Murano models have multiple menus, and it's easy to navigate to the wrong section by mistake. Look for any menu option that mentions "maintenance," "service," or "oil."
Your model year has a different process: Nissan made changes to the reset procedure across different model years. If the steps above don't match what you see on your display, your owner's manual has the exact instructions for your specific year and trim level. The manual is the most reliable source for your vehicle.
The light is part of a larger service reminder: Some Murano models combine the oil change reminder with other maintenance alerts. You may need to reset each service item separately, or the system may reset all reminders at once. Your owner's manual will explain how your particular model works.
There's a technical issue: If you've followed all the steps correctly and the light still won't reset, there may be a problem with your vehicle's computer system or the light itself. In this case, you may want to contact a Nissan dealer or a may have access to mechanic who can diagnose the issue.
Why Resetting the Light Matters
Resetting the oil change light after each service helps you keep track of when your next oil change is due. The light gives you a visual reminder on your dashboard, making it easier to remember your maintenance schedule. Without resetting it, the light will stay on and you won't know when you actually need your next oil change.
Regular oil changes are one of the most important things you can do to keep your Murano running smoothly. Oil keeps your engine lubricated, helps it run cooler, and protects it from wear. By resetting the light and paying attention to it, you're taking an active role in your vehicle's care.
Key Takeaways
- The oil change light must be manually reset after each oil change.
- The process takes just a few minutes using your steering wheel controls or dashboard menu.
- The exact steps vary by model year, so check your owner's manual if you're unsure.
- Resetting the light helps you track when your next oil change is due.
- If the light won't reset, check that you're in the right menu or contact a mechanic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reset the oil change light while driving?
No, you should not attempt to reset the oil change light while driving. Always turn on the ignition without starting the engine, or turn off the engine completely, before you begin the reset process. This keeps your attention on the task and makes it safer to navigate the menu system.
Will resetting the light affect my warranty?
No. Resetting the oil change light is a normal maintenance task that every Murano owner does after an oil change. It's part of your vehicle's standard operation and has no effect on your warranty. Nissan expects you to reset this light yourself.
What if I reset the light but haven't had an oil change yet?
If you reset the light by mistake without having an oil change, you can reset it again once you actually have the oil changed. The light will simply start counting down to your next service interval from that point. There's no penalty for resetting it early, but you'll want to make sure you get an oil change when your next interval arrives.