SUBARU LEGACY

How to Reset Subaru Legacy Maintenance Oil Light (2014-2020)

(2014-2020

Steps to Reset the Subaru Legacy Service Interval Light (2014-2020)

  1. Turn the engine ON or put the ignition into the RUN position.

  2. Press the INFO button on the right side of the information display screen.

  3. Select MAINTENANCE

  4. Select ENGINE OIL

  5. Select RESET

  6. Select YES when prompted “Would you like to update this maintenance item? Oil Change”.

  7. Select OK

  8. Select OIL FILTER

  9. Select RESET

  10. Select YES when prompted “Would you like to update this maintenance item? Oil Filter”.

  11. Select OK

  12. Select ROTATION.

  13. Select RESET

  14. Select YES when prompted “Would you like to update this maintenance item? Rotation.

  15. Select OK

The 2014-2020 Subaru Legacy maintenance reminder should only be reset after changing the oil and oil filter on the car. 

Why It's Important to Reset the Subaru Legacy Maintenance Light

Resetting the maintenance light on your Subaru Legacy is essential for tracking when oil changes are due and evaluating the condition of the engine oil. Moreover, it’s beneficial and advisable to keep a record of every oil change and service performed on your Subaru Legacy.

Subaru Legacy Oil Type and Quantity

The 2014-2020 Subaru Legacy 3.6L engine requires 7 Quarts of 5W-30 Synthetic Oil. 

The 2.5L engine requires 5 Quarts 5W-30 Synthetic Oil.

How Often Should You Change the Oil on Your Subaru Legacy?

We recommend changing the oil in your 2014-2020 Subaru Legacy every 3,000 miles. While certain service centers and dealerships may recommend extending the period between oil changes, maintaining a regular consistent 3,000-mile oil change interval is essential. This routine helps keep your engine in top shape and helps prevent all kinds of possible problems with your Subaru Legacy.

What to Do If the Subaru Service Reset Procedure Does Not Work?

If the reset procedure for the Subaru Legacy service interval is unsuccessful, attempt it once more. Switch off the ignition and engine, remove the key, and then begin the process anew from the start.

Why is the Service Maintenance Light Still On After An Oil Change?

Once an oil change is done on a Subaru Legacy, resetting the service intervals, maintenance alerts, and tire rotation lights are essential. Merely replacing the oil and filter does not automatically switch off the maintenance light. Should this warning light stay on after changing the oil, it probably indicates that the technician neglected to perform the reset procedure.

General Subaru Legacy Maintenance Tips

Check Tire Pressure and Tire Tread

Locate the recommended tire pressure for your Subaru Legacy by opening the driver’s side door and looking at the white/yellow sticker on the door panel. Inflate the tires when they are cold to prevent overinflation, which involves either waiting for 3 hours after the car was last driven or inflating them before any driving. For evaluating the wear on each tire’s tread, you can use the penny test or a tread depth gauge.

Rotate Your Tires

We recommend rotating the Subaru Legacy tires every other oil change, (if you are changing your oil at our recommended 3,000 mile interval) or every 6,000 miles.

Check the Coolant Level

Check the coolant level by eye to ensure it’s within the proper range in the coolant bottle – above the low mark and below the full mark. Using a flashlight can help you see more clearly inside the coolant reservoir. Because the coolant system is closed, significantly low coolant levels suggest a leak in the system. Conduct a pressure test on the system to detect any coolant leaks.

Check the Brake Pads and Rotors

Use a flashlight to check the thickness of the front and rear brake pads on your Subaru Legacy, making sure they have enough material remaining. You can also use a brake pad measurement tool to accurately gauge the pad thickness. Look over the rotors for any signs of rust or abnormalities. If your Subaru Legacy is jacked up or on a lift, spin each wheel by hand to ensure it turns freely. If there’s any resistance, it might indicate an issue with the brake caliper or stuck slider pins in the caliper.

Check Brake Fluid Reservoir

It’s important to maintain full levels of brake fluid in the reservoir. If you notice that the brake fluid reservoir is very low, this usually means there’s a leak somewhere in the system. Check the brake calipers and brake lines for leaks.

Check Washer Fluid Level

Refill your washer fluid reservoir. During the winter, it’s advisable to use washer fluid that contains antifreeze to stop the fluid from freezing in the bottle.

Check the Engine and Cabin Air Filters

Open the air filter box and take out the air filter. If it’s dirty, clean it using a vacuum/ compressed air or by shaking out the dirt and leaves, or consider replacing it with a new one. If it’s clean, simply put it back in the filter box. Additionally, there’s a cabin air filter located behind the glove box in the Subaru Legacy. The cabin air filter purifies the air circulating inside the cabin. Inspect this filter and replace it if it’s dirty or never been replaced.

Benefits of Regular Oil Changes

As an automotive technician with ten years of professional experience, I have observed that cars lacking regular maintenance tend to face both more frequent and more severe issues. While some manufacturers recommend oil changes every 5,000 to 20,000 miles, I strongly suggest changing the oil every 3,000 miles, regardless of Subaru’s guidelines. This is particularly important for the 2014-2020 Subaru Legacy to maintain its performance and extend its lifespan. Regular oil changes reduce friction among engine components, enhancing efficiency and potentially improving fuel economy by up to 2%. Additionally, this leads to a cleaner running engine, which helps in preventing the build-up of harmful deposits that could diminish the engine’s longevity.

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