f_399 Posted August 10, 2004 Report Share Posted August 10, 2004 I want to know if this sensor lights up every 3000 miles or so or does it really mean my oil is going bad and i need to change it. I can reset it by pressing the gas pedal 3 times then starting the car. Is this sensor based on the last time it was reset or the REAL quality of my oil? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cutty Posted August 10, 2004 Report Share Posted August 10, 2004 in my mom grand am, its the same way, its based on the last time it was reset, and 3000 miles.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GnatGoSplat Posted August 10, 2004 Report Share Posted August 10, 2004 In my 89 Cutlass and 99 Silverado, it's calculated based on engine RPM, coolant temp, etc. and actual mileage between changes will vary based on how you drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin Posted August 10, 2004 Report Share Posted August 10, 2004 It's even that advanced in the older system? I thought it just waited like 7000 miles and then said change oil now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GnatGoSplat Posted August 10, 2004 Report Share Posted August 10, 2004 Yup. That's what it says in the service manual for my '89. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manitcor Posted August 10, 2004 Report Share Posted August 10, 2004 It's even that advanced in the older system? I thought it just waited like 7000 miles and then said change oil now. yep thats exactly right, its still not entirely accurate but most GM computers come on at 5-7k intervals. Its really rather useless since it does not check the actual condition of the oil. I perfer to look at my dipstik, take the damn idiot light out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GnatGoSplat Posted August 10, 2004 Report Share Posted August 10, 2004 yep thats exactly right, its still not entirely accurate but most GM computers come on at 5-7k intervals. Its really rather useless since it does not check the actual condition of the oil. I perfer to look at my dipstik, take the damn idiot light out. Mine used to come on around 4000 miles or so. According to a GM Techline newsletter article, GM engineers disagree that it's useless, they recommend you use it and they seem very confident that their algorithm will ensure a long lasting engine. I would think they know what they're talking about since they have to foot the bill if an engine fails under warranty. I use my oil minder exclusively and have never had an oil-related problem in nearly 200,000 miles. Looking at a dipstick won't tell you anything without a lab oil analysis. Oil can look clean and be bad, it look bad and be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midnight rider Posted August 10, 2004 Report Share Posted August 10, 2004 It measures from the last time it was reset. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manitcor Posted August 11, 2004 Report Share Posted August 11, 2004 Mine used to come on around 4000 miles or so. According to a GM Techline newsletter article, GM engineers disagree that it's useless, they recommend you use it and they seem very confident that their algorithm will ensure a long lasting engine. I would think they know what they're talking about since they have to foot the bill if an engine fails under warranty. I use my oil minder exclusively and have never had an oil-related problem in nearly 200,000 miles. Looking at a dipstick won't tell you anything without a lab oil analysis. Oil can look clean and be bad, it look bad and be fine. th GM algrorythim will hav you changing oil more often than you need to espically with full synthetics. Gms calculations are a best guess just like any one elses. There are actually 5 or 6 different formulas for oil life calculation and all are just best guesses. For more info on oil selection and life spans check these sites out http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/stories/oil-life.html http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THe_DeTAiL3R Posted August 11, 2004 Report Share Posted August 11, 2004 I've never had that light come on.. But I always change my oil before 3000miles anyways. I always thought that the oil light was if you were low on oil.. learn new stuff everyday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
94CutlassSLCoupe Posted August 11, 2004 Report Share Posted August 11, 2004 Changing the oil every 3000 miles made my old '88 Cutty (RIP) last to 197,000 and still run like new when the car was junk (rust) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garrett8 Posted August 11, 2004 Report Share Posted August 11, 2004 yeah i change it every 3000 miles since ive gotten my car or atleast as close to 3000 as possible Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cutlassdude96 Posted August 11, 2004 Report Share Posted August 11, 2004 I've never had that light come on.. But I always change my oil before 3000miles anyways. I always thought that the oil light was if you were low on oil.. learn new stuff everyday. only if you have the dis/dic in the old cars, newer cars have it display on the dash Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supreme_style21 Posted August 11, 2004 Report Share Posted August 11, 2004 I've never had that light come on.. But I always change my oil before 3000miles anyways. I always thought that the oil light was if you were low on oil.. learn new stuff everyday. only if you have the dis/dic in the old cars, newer cars have it display on the dash That oil light IS if it is low. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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