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Chevrolet Silverado 2007-2013: How to Reset Service Light

The service light will sometimes be triggered by the littlest things. This guide will show you how to shut it off.

By Jared Hammond - June 4, 2015

This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2007-2013).

The service light is there to tell you when something is wrong, but sometimes it can also be set off by a malfunction in the OBD-II system. The light is generally triggered by an error code sent by one of the many sensors in the truck. In order to access this code you'll need to have a mechanic connect a code reader to your truck or get a code reader to check it yourself. If you're seeing the service light come on for the first time, then you should take your truck to a mechanic to get it checked anyway. Before trying to reset the light, fix the original cause of the error. If the issue is fixed and the light still comes on, trying some of the things listed below may help you reset your service light.

Materials Needed

  • OBD-II code reader

Step 1 – Disconnect the battery

Disconnecting the battery and leaving it off for a short while will force the OBD-II computer to reset, wiping away all of its memory including any error codes. The only problem is that this will also wipe many of your electronics settings including any radio presets.

Figure 1. Battery location.

Pro Tip

If you don't want to lose any saved settings, you can also wipe the code using certain code readers.

Step 2 – Check the fuel cap

Make sure that your fuel cap is on tight and fully sealed. If the cap is loose or open when you start the truck, it will likely trigger the light. However, fixing the cap won't turn the light out, and it will take several miles of driving before the light actually shuts off.

Figure 2. Fuel cap.

Step 3 – Change the fuel quality

Very poor quality fuel can have an adverse effect on how your engine runs. If this occurs frequently enough, the sensors will note the condition and trigger a warning light. If you think this is the cause of your service light coming on, then you can try switching to a higher quality fuel or a different brand of fuel. The truck will require a full tank of new fuel and will have to have used up all of the old fuel before the light will shut off.

Step 4 – Replace a faulty sensor

If you've already solved the issue, but the same error keeps getting triggered, then it's likely that you have a faulty sensor. Use a code reader to identify the source of the error. Usually it will be one particular sensor giving the same error. Once you've identified it, you need to order a new sensor and either replace it yourself or have a mechanic do the job. The difficulty of replacing the sensor depends on how difficult it is to access the sensor. In some cases it will probably be better to leave it to a mechanic.

Figure 4. Plug a code reader to the OBD-II connector under the dash.

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