Dashboard warning lights are never welcomed by drivers. We understand the frustration these messages can bring, especially if you don’t know what they mean. With the Code 82 Chevy Sonic fault, you may wonder what has broken on your vehicle.
There’s no more reason to panic since we provide you with the meaning. We also show you how to fix the Error Code 82 and give you some answers to questions you’ve been asking. Because we want you to take care of your car, we also talk about the regular maintenance schedule and why it’s important to change the oil.
What Does the Chevy Code 82 Code Mean?
Error Code 82 indicates that the oil life in your Chevy Sonic or Spark is down to 5%. You want to change the oil and filter soon before engine damage occurs. It’s a simple tool that Chevy uses to keep drivers on track with regular engine maintenance.
When you get an oil change, the life meter should be reset. If you still have the code on after the oil change, the technician didn’t reset it. If you prefer to change the oil yourself, you have to manually reset the meter. This doesn’t take more than a minute and is simple to do. We will discuss the steps in a few minutes.
What Are The Causes of Code 82 On A Chevy?
The only time that the Error Code 82 warning comes on the dash is when it’s time to change the oil. At your last oil change, the meter was reset. It’s been counting down ever since and alerts you when you’ve reached the indicated mileage for an oil and filter change.
However, you may notice this message right after a maintenance appointment. If so, the cause is simple. It means that the mechanic hasn’t reset the meter and you need to do so. Because the meter doesn’t actually read the oil condition, it needs to be reset on time so it can follow along with the mileage of the vehicle. It’s designed to go off again after a particular amount of miles.
What Maintenance Is Required With The Code 82?
All cars have a particular maintenance schedule designed by the automaker. Chevy maintenance is required every 7,500 miles on the Sonic and Spark. That’s when the error code is set to display. The meter goes off before it hits the 7,500-mile mark when the oil life would be at 5% out of 100%.
At this time, you want to have the oil and filter changed. There may also be other services that should be performed at the same time, so it’s important to check with your dealership. However, the error code is only indicating that it’s time for the oil change.
For example, if you have the 22,500-mile service, you will also want to get the cabin air filter changed. Or, at the 45,000-mile service, you will also be asked to replace the engine air cleaner and change the automatic transmission fluid. Services continue to build upon one another the older the vehicle gets.
How To Reset Code 82 On A Chevy Sonic
You need to change the oil on your Chevy Sonic and then reset the warning light. Your reset will allow the message to come back when it’s time for your next oil change. Read more about the procedures in your owner’s manual or follow our instructions.
- Park the vehicle on a level surface and turn off the engine.
- Open the car hood.
- Jack up the vehicle to get to your oil pan.
- Lay under the vehicle and remove the drain plug in the pan. Make sure you have a container handy to catch the old oil.
- While you wait for the oil to drain, replace the filter.
- When the oil stops flowing, replace the plug.
- Take off the oil cap.
- Pour oil into the valve cover with a funnel. Most Sonic models hold around four quarts of oil.
- Turn on the ignition without starting the engine.
- Find the Menu button key and press it.
- Scroll until you find the Oil Reset.
- Press and hold the “SET/CLR” button until the oil life resets to 100.
Don’t forget to recycle the old oil. Many auto parts stores offer free fluid recycling, so you shouldn’t have to go far.
How To Reset Code 82 On A Chevy Spark
The steps to reset Code 82 on your Chevy Spark are identical to what you would do with a Sonic. Let’s review the steps to change the oil and reset the reminder. You can also find these instructions in your owner’s manual.
- Park the vehicle on a level surface and turn off the engine.
- Open the car hood.
- Jack up the vehicle to get to your oil pan.
- Lay under the vehicle and remove the drain plug in the pan. Make sure you have a container handy to catch the old oil.
- While you wait for the oil to drain, replace the filter.
- When the oil stops flowing, replace the plug.
- Take off the oil cap.
- Pour oil into the valve cover with a funnel. Most Sonic models hold around four quarts of oil.
- Turn on the ignition without starting the engine.
- Find the Menu button key and press it.
- Scroll until you find the Oil Reset.
- Press and hold the “SET/CLR” button until the oil life resets to 100.
Again, it’s important that you recycle the old oil. Take it to your local auto parts store.
Why Is It Important To Change Engine Oil?
Before you understand why to change the oil, it’s helpful to know what the fluid does. Motor oil is required to lubricate the metal components of the engine. Without it, the metal parts would grind together and create friction. Motor oil also has corrosion inhibitors that protect from rust. Dispersants in the oil remove sludge and prevent build-up.
It’s important to use the right type of oil as well. Your car engine is designed to use a particular type of oil. The manufacturer knows what’s going to operate best, so it’s smart to follow the recommendations.
You don’t want to put off any oil change that’s scheduled. As dirt and contaminants build up in the fluid, it can no longer perform its job. Friction will start and rust can form. Sludge will also begin to take over the engine. The longer you go, the more likely it is that engine damage will occur. It’s important to know that the only solution to dealing with a bad engine is to rebuild it or replace it, both of which are expensive options.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix Code 82?
Because Error Code 82 indicates the need for an oil and filter change, it’s easy to estimate the cost. With synthetic oil, a change may cost between $35 and $125, depending on where you take your vehicle. Additionally, if the service appointment falls at the time that other maintenance is needed, you will need to pay for those as well.
The cost of maintenance depends heavily on several factors. First, there’s the car’s make and model. It’s not expensive to perform an oil change on the Spark or Sonic because these are smaller vehicles.
Second, there’s the issue of where you take your vehicle. If you perform the oil change yourself, you won’t spend a lot of money. However, taking it to the dealership could become expensive.
Finally, you must consider where you live. Mechanics in busy urban environments charge far more than those in the country. If you are lucky, maybe you know a mechanic doing work on the side that will take this easy job for you.
Learn more: How Much Does an Oil Change Cost?
Is code 82 serious?
No, the Chevy error code is simply telling you that it’s time for an oil and filter change. While this is an easy maintenance task, it shouldn’t be put off. The oil life is down to 5% when this light comes on, so there’s no time to waste. Not changing the oil could lead to engine damage, which is costly to repair.
How do you clear the code on a Chevy?
First, you must perform the oil change. Once that’s done, you can navigate to the Oil Reset option after you push the Menu button. After you’ve made it to the right location, press the “SET/CLR” button and hold it down until the oil life resets to 100. The light should remain off for nearly 7,500 miles.
Can You Reset The Code 82 Without A Scanner?
Yes, after you perform an oil change, you can go to the Oil Reset option found after you hold down the Menu button. Once you are in the right location, push the “SET/CLR” button until the oil life monitor resets itself to 100. With this done, you shouldn’t see a warning message again until your next oil change.
Is An Oil Change Enough To Clear The Code 82?
Error Code 82 indicates that it’s time for an oil change. However, the oil change isn’t enough to turn off the message. What you need to do is physically reset the monitor, which is done by pushing the menu button until the Oil Reset option appears. Hold down “SET/CLR” until it resets to 100.
There’s no need to panic when the Error Code 82 comes on your Chevy vehicle. It’s a common message that’s meant to help you take care of the vehicle. This warning was set up by Chevy to keep you on track with the oil changes. Since the oil changes are usually needed every 7,500 miles, you’ll know when it’s time to get to the local lube.
Once the oil change is performed, you can reset the light for the next time. By taking steps to protect your car engine, you ensure it continues to give you many miles of enjoyment.
Tags: Chevrolet
Categories: OBD Codes
