Owners of a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek often rely on the vehicle's all-weather capability and efficient turbocharged engine, making proper maintenance essential. One specific task that frequently causes confusion is the oil reset procedure, which is necessary after every oil change to ensure the maintenance reminder system functions correctly. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough for resetting the oil life monitor on your 2018 model, helping you maintain the vehicle's reliability and resale value.
Understanding the Oil Life Monitoring System
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek does not use a simple mileage counter; instead, it features a sophisticated Oil Life Monitor (OLM). This system calculates the remaining oil life based on a variety of driving conditions rather than just the number of miles driven. Factors such as ambient temperature, engine speed, and driving duration are all taken into account to determine the percentage displayed on the dashboard.
Why Resetting is Necessary
Failing to reset the oil life monitor after a change will result in the warning light remaining illuminated or the timer immediately returning to zero percent. This creates confusion for the driver, who might believe the oil needs changing again when it is actually fresh. Resetting the system tells the vehicle's computer that new oil has been installed and the countdown can begin anew.
Preparing for the Reset
Before initiating the reset, ensure the procedure is done safely and correctly. You should perform the reset with the engine running to allow the oil sensor to communicate with the system. Have your ignition key ready and ensure the parking brake is engaged if you are not driving on a level surface. The process requires patience, as you will need to cycle through the menu options quickly.
Step-by-Step Reset Procedure
Follow these steps precisely to successfully reset the oil life on your 2018 Crosstrek:
Turn the ignition to the "ON" position without starting the engine.
Press the trip meter "RESET" button located on the left steering wheel stalk.
Turn the ignition to the "START" position to fire the engine.
Immediately release the "RESET" button once the engine is running.
Within 5 seconds of the engine starting, press and hold the "RESET" button again.
Hold the button for approximately 10 seconds until the oil life display begins to blink or shows "000".
Release the button and turn the ignition off.
Turn the key back to the "ON" position to verify the display now shows "100%".
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If the oil life does not reset to 100%, the timing of the button presses is usually the culprit. The sequence must be executed within a very short window, specifically within 5 seconds of the engine starting. If the display shows an error code or fails to blink, repeat the process, ensuring you hold the button for the full 10 seconds. A dead battery or a faulty oil sensor can also cause persistent issues, though these are less common.
Maintenance Schedule Recommendations
While the reset procedure is simple, determining when to reset is just as important. Subaru recommends changing the oil every 6 months or 6,000 miles for severe driving conditions, or every 12 months or 7,500 miles for normal driving. Driving habits such as frequent short trips, towing, or exposure to extreme dust can degrade oil life faster than the monitor indicates, so use the reset as a reminder to evaluate your driving style.
