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How do you reset the oil life gauge in a 2004 Chevy Silverado?

The 2004 Chevy Silverado doesn't have an oil life percentage gauge in the same way some newer vehicles do. Instead, it likely uses an oil life monitoring system based on an engine hour meter and driving parameters. There's no single button to reset it. The system will automatically reset itself after an oil change, but the method varies slightly depending on the radio and gauge cluster.

Here's the most common procedure:

1. Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position (but don't start the engine). This powers up the vehicle's systems.

2. Locate the odometer/trip meter reset button. This is usually a small button on the instrument cluster, often near the speedometer. It might be labelled with a small triangle or a similar symbol.

3. Press and hold the button. Different models might require you to press and hold, or press and release several times.

4. Look for a specific sequence. While holding the button (or cycling through presses), you should look for the oil life indicator to reset, or to display something like "OIL LIFE RESET" or a similar message. *This is the crucial step and might require experimentation*. Some models require you to hold the button for a few seconds until the message appears, while others might involve a series of short presses. Some may even require using the trip odometer reset button in conjunction with another button (like the gas gauge reset).

5. If you can't find a specific reset procedure in your owner's manual, it may not be possible to manually reset it. In these cases the system automatically resets after an oil change.

Crucial Note: Your owner's manual is the definitive source of information for your specific 2004 Silverado model and trim level. Consult it for the exact steps. The information above is a general guideline, and the procedure might vary slightly. If you can't find the information in the manual, search online for "[Your Silverado's Specific Trim] oil life reset" to find videos or forum posts specific to your truck.