Been doing a lot of routine maintenance since we got this Fiero. Was doing some searching on changing the oil (did I mention routine maintenance). It's become a habit to check Ogre's cave for hints and tips.
main problem is that it's not just a signal to a gauge, it's a sensor that the computer uses as an input to a program along with starts, engine temp, milestrip distances and the resistance it reads to determine how hard you've worked that oil. Then the computer programming the GM engineers (or mercedes etc...) use determines when to turn on the lamp.
We might see such a device available as a stand alone package in the next couple of years if they get it simplified to where it would work in a universal environment. But it would probably cost more than an extra dosen oil changes.
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11:08 PM
Scott-Wa Member
Posts: 5392 From: Tacoma, WA, USA Registered: Mar 2002
I forgot to mention... how dirty do you think GM will tolerate?
With a system like this, it's designed to ensure your engine lasts past the warranty period... period. I don't think GM really wants you maintaining your car so that it lasts 20 years, they would prefer you buy a new one.
So, I would guess (not having been there to see what standards they use) that the system is programmed to extend oil drain intervals as far as they deem safe while seeing that the extended drains don't kill the engine within the warranty period.
One of the bigger reasons than wanting your car to wear out is that JD Powers and others that rate cars give cost of ownership amounts. If in the first 2 years you do 7 oil changes at 3K mile/3 month intervals at say $50 a pop... that's a cost of $350 tacked onto cost of ownership If we stretch that to 10K miles ( a Mercedes goal) you bought 2 oil changes a savings of $250. I'm just using $50 as an idea of what you'd probably pay at a dealer for the oil change part of your service... I know some chain will butcher it with crap filters, not change the plug gasket, not torque the drain plug, not wipe off the dripped oil, and sell you crap wipers/air filters etc you don't need for only $19.95 (plus the extras)or less somewhere in your area.
The point being... it looks good on paper when Car and Driver gives their cost of ownership reports. It may or may not be in your best interests depending on how YOU want to maintain your car and what goal the people programming the system had in mind. I think it's awesome for those who don't think about it til the OIL light comes on (ACK!).
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11:22 PM
Oct 10th, 2003
ditch Member
Posts: 3780 From: Brookston, IN Registered: Mar 2003
If you changed the oil everytime one of those stupid sensors sent a "dirty oil code" you'd be doing it every 2000 miles or less, at least from what I've seen in some of the newer GM cars...guess that's what they want with respect to keeping the warranty
I've heard to expect to pay around $25 for an oil change from a dealer (still a TOTAL ripoff), so if anyone is paying more than that inflated amount, raise some hell, it's just freakin oil.
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06:37 AM
Dewie Member
Posts: 171 From: Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada Registered: Jul 2003
These dummy lights also opperate off of mileage put on the car. I worked at a rental car location and was constantly having to turn off the lights after oil changes were performed because the mechanics neglected to. Because of this I am assuming that they also run off mileage - that or the sensors are crap and stop working after a while.
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08:57 AM
ditch Member
Posts: 3780 From: Brookston, IN Registered: Mar 2003
I've had mine hooked up for some time on my 3800sc, but your all right, it needs a milage computation... Its an optical sensor however, It does work though, since it'll tell you when the oil quality is down. I'd rather not have it, since I change the oil every 3k miles anyhow.. GM project about 4500 with the sensor readings.
I dont need to add one, it comes stock with my 3.5 conversion . BTW I like the oil chage light in my 2002 Intrigue. It will go over 7000 miles if I dont change the oil first. Over 60,000 miles and the car never any problems. It is a good idea to chage the oil on a reguler basis.
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