GM oil change sensor?

[SRadke]

Today I heard about a sensor in GM rigs that senses when the oil needs to be changed. How does this work? Does it measure oil viscosity, contaminants, color... ? Perhaps time based? I understand the mileage is diffrent every time. Really got my curiosity with this one.

-Scott

 

[illflem]

Scott, I talked to mechanic at the local GM dealership quite some time back and asked him exactly what the sensor measured. He said it measures idle time, how long the engine is at certain rpms, engine temperature and duration of those temperatures along with throttle position and how long at certain positions. Once these factors all combine and meet a certain programmed limit the computer turns the light on. The oil condition is not tested, oil analysis is much more accurate than the GM oil change sensor and if you're using high grade or synthetic oil is totally useless.

I think thus far these sensors are only on Corvettes and Caddys but could be wrong.

 

[bmoeller]

The GM pickups have it also.

 

[Cooker]

I think alot of BMW's have this as well. I have seen a few oil analysis of regular oil checked after the light came on and the oil should have been changed much sooner IMO. For the average joe looking to get average mileage out his car it is probably fine, but for the auto enthusiast, I think would pretend it wasn't even there.

 

[Intelman34]

My girlfriends 1999 Grand Prix GTP has the oil life monitor.



It has no way of actually "testing" the oil. I ignore it and change the oil on my on schedule.

 

[SRadke]

I saw it on a Pontiac a while back and now on a new Duracrap. We recently had some interest in testing viscosity at work and had my fingers crossed that there may be some adaptable technology here. Guess I'm SOL, thanks guys.

-Scott

 

[BarryG]

The Sprinter vans have that as an option called assyst. It also tells you if your oil is low or over full ( and by how much) as well as maintenance intervals.

 

[daveshoe]

My 01 Impala has it and it came on despite the fact that I changed the oil regularly. It comes on at each startup and then goes off. I will talk to the dealer and ask him how to erase the code. Maybe this is a deal to get you to come in for dealer oil changes because it has to be reset each time the oil is changed?

 

[Intelman34]

Originally posted by daveshoe

My 01 Impala has it and it came on despite the fact that I changed the oil regularly. It comes on at each startup and then goes off. I will talk to the dealer and ask him how to erase the code. Maybe this is a deal to get you to come in for dealer oil changes because it has to be reset each time the oil is changed?

Turn the key on (do NOT start the engine... just put it in the run position), press the gas pedal to the floor three times and the computer will be reset.

 

[daveshoe]

Thanks , Intelman, This stuff is actually in the owners manual along with a many step process using the radio controls. I'll use the gas pedal method and hope it works .

Ain't ever in that car anyway -- Too dern quiet

 

[y-knot]

The chevy d-max also has a stipulation in the owners manual, that only synthetic oil can be used, or warranty I denied.