Oil change signal.

I own a 2001 Saturn LW200. There is lamp that indicate the moment to change
oil. I ask to the dealer how the system decide that it is time to change
oil. He didn't really knows. Sometimes the sign is on a long time before the
usual 5000km (and the reset was well done).

I make my changing oil every 5000 km without take care of the lamp but I
would like to know how the system estimate it is time to change oil.

Just for my curiosity.

Thank you !

S.B.

 

You know,i've seen that oil life flash on my info center,but always
forget to ask the dealer why it doesn't,i thought it would come on
automatically when it's time to change the 'ol erl!.On Mon, 19 Dec

 

To answer both posts (same question really):

The oil change monitor checks the viscosity and level vs how many cold
starts your engine has since the last time the reset button was pressed.
Unfortunatelly, dirt and engine deposits will always be there, so longer
than 3 months or 3000 miles and you pose a risk of excessive wear and tesr
on your engine. Also, (in my experience) some mechanics are in a rush and
forget to reset the oil monitor button so the light wont come on in time.
30/3K rule of thumb, no matter what and youll have a happy engine.

Heres the good news, unlike some cars out there, you wont void your warranty
by taking your car wherever for an oil change. On occasion and if you ask, a
nice service writer might have discount coupons that he/she can apply
towards you next oil change and save you $$.

marx404

marx404

 

see http://www.gmtechlink.com/images/issues/arcv_pdf/3_00_e.pdf (hurry,
the site is going to die in a week).

Ed

 

I'm not sure about the Saturn, but he Ford system counts engine revolutions.
Every so many revolutions (regardless of mileage) the "change oil soon"
notification comes up. It is user resettable.

 

Let me rephrase my post: when I would reset my tripmeter after a gas
up,sometimes while holding in the 'stalk switch'',that oil life would
appear.Thanks for insight. On Tue, 20 Dec 2005 23:49:37 GMT, "Steve

 

...
I'm not sure yours works exactly like mine, but it probably does, as I have
a 2002 LW200. My owner's manual says the light comes on 7000 miles after a
reset -- it doesn't measure cold starts or viscosity or anything else, just
miles. That's obviously a lot more than you should go between changes, but
that's the maximum level mentioned in the owners manual.

If your light's coming on when you reset your trip odometer, that sounds
more like a bulb problem.

 

look I would say if you want to run your car till five thousand miles till
you change the oil just reset the light there are many ways this is done
depending on the vehicle 1. There is the reset switch under the hood or 2
you turn the key to the on posistion and hit the gas peddle three time
within 5 seconds (dont hit it too fast or it won't work) the light will
blink then turn the key off then start. or 3 this goes for alot of honda s
turn the key off hold the reset switch or mileage reset switch then turn
the key on and hold the switch till the light goes out then turn key off
then start.