Hi,

I just wanted to know my G6 is at 8000 km already and the Oil change light still hasn't come on and I'm at forty something percent for the oil life should I get a oil change now? The manual says you should get a oil change once the light has come on but the light still hasn't come on yet! Should I be concern about it?

I believe the oil light comes on once you go under 10% oil life left. However, oil changes are required at least once a year as stated in the owner's manual.

Mike

Just wait until the system tells you to change it...no hurry.

Shortest interval I've gotten is 7500 miles (about 12,000km), longest is almost 9000 (about 14,500km).

Oil doesn't look or smell any worse than the stuff I drain from my other vehicles at shorter intervals.

But like GTPGuy82 says - no matter the distance, they still only give it a one year (about 365 days ;) ) lifespan in the book.

Just wait until the system tells you to change it...no hurry.

Shortest interval I've gotten is 7500 miles (about 12,000km), longest is almost 9000 (about 14,500km).

Oil doesn't look or smell any worse than the stuff I drain from my other vehicles at shorter intervals.

But like GTPGuy82 says - no matter the distance, they still only give it a one year (about 365 days ;) ) lifespan in the book.

Im at 2700 miles on my last change and the oil life system is at 30% already.
Ive never seen it get that low before with only 2700 miles on the oil.
I always change it every 3000 miles regardless since it only costs me $8.

I just had my oil changed at about 4000 (after an intial 600 mile change). I think the oil life was at like 48%. I get every other change free from the dealer (it really means every 6 months, 3750 miles, within 2 months and 1,000 miles).

Man, 2700 miles and 30 percent. That's crazy.

I just had my oil changed at about 4000 (after an intial 600 mile change). I think the oil life was at like 48%. I get every other change free from the dealer (it really means every 6 months, 3750 miles, within 2 months and 1,000 miles).

Man, 2700 miles and 30 percent. That's crazy.

yeah, usually its between 45-55% with 3000 miles on the oil.
I can't believe I'm going to have 15,000 miles on the car by this saturday and its only 8 months old :eek:

It depends on temperature, and several other factors, not just distance.

I have around 3500kms and it's showing 34% already.

I'll get it changed sooner anyways, since my first one is free and to flush out engine trash.

It depends on temperature, and several other factors, not just distance.

I have around 3500kms and it's showing 34% already.

I'll get it changed sooner anyways, since my first one is free and to flush out engine trash.

yeah i realize that but i drive far enough to burn off any moisture that would normally build up in the oil from driving short distances in the winter.

update: its down to 28% already with 2930 miles on it.

You have to be aware of this computor. When you play around with the radio, it's easy to reset the oil warning to zero.

On Grand Am, the procedure to reset the monitor to zero could'nt happen accidently. It was much more complicated.

This radio warning is not as safe. If you accidently reset to zero, than you loose all the real data.

Best thing is to follow instructions in the owners book. Weather, type of driving are important factors, so the old formula is still the best for me. 5,000 miles at all time. Than GM would'nt be able to back off from it's warrenties.

It's up to you, but I still do what I did for the last 30 years. 5,000 miles all the time....

You can only reset it back to 100%, not 0. I really don't see how you could accidentally do that either. Heck, I was trying to reset it and I couldn't do it at first (pushing the wrong button).

I think everyone realizes though that it is just a guide and not an actual gauge.

You have to be aware of this computor. When you play around with the radio, it's easy to reset the oil warning to zero.

On Grand Am, the procedure to reset the monitor to zero could'nt happen accidently. It was much more complicated.

This radio warning is not as safe. If you accidently reset to zero, than you loose all the real data.

Best thing is to follow instructions in the owners book. Weather, type of driving are important factors, so the old formula is still the best for me. 5,000 miles at all time. Than GM would'nt be able to back off from it's warrenties.

It's up to you, but I still do what I did for the last 30 years. 5,000 miles all the time....

It's the last option in the config menu. I don't see how you can accidentally reset it, unless you're REALLY playing with it...

It's the last option in the config menu. I don't see how you can accidentally reset it, unless you're REALLY playing with it...

exactly, its not even something you can reset with the car in drive.

I changed the oil today and reset it to 100% and after 70 miles its already down to 95%. There must be something going wrong with that feature on my car.

You might want to mention it to dealer next time you are there (if not already done).

I have seen a few cases of this. Seems to be related to just the 2006 3.5L.

Your driving pattern might make it especially noticeable. You mentioned a little about that - do you have a pretty regular drive? How far 1-way?

DIC Oil Life calculation doesn't solely depend on driving patterns and distance. It'll run out faster if it's cold as well.

We've been seeing sub-zero temperatures here in Toronto, and mine's down to 28% with only 3600kms.

But I suspect there's a problem with the thermostat on my car. It was snowing and it told me it's 5 degrees :confused:

You might want to mention it to dealer next time you are there (if not already done).

I have seen a few cases of this. Seems to be related to just the 2006 3.5L.

Your driving pattern might make it especially noticeable. You mentioned a little about that - do you have a pretty regular drive? How far 1-way?

I drive 26 miles one way to work and sometimes have to drive my car to jobsites etc. On most weekends I make trips that are around 50-70 miles one way. I would say that 95% of this driving is at 55-60mph with no stop and go, and the other 5% would be going through town at 25-40mph with minor stop and go.

Thx - I had confirmation today that THEY did find something and so a software update to PCM is in the works for this. I will try keep an eye out for any more information. Your dealer won't even know this much however make sure you get your concern documented next time you visit if not already done.

Hi,

I just wanted to know my G6 is at 8000 km already and the Oil change light still hasn't come on and I'm at forty something percent for the oil life should I get a oil change now? The manual says you should get a oil change once the light has come on but the light still hasn't come on yet! Should I be concern about it?
its about the cheapest thing you can do to keep your car running especially if you drive it hard like blowing it out every day or so - flooring it up a hill until you reach 100+-i change it every 3000 miles or so-regardless what the % is or oil change light says.

I've been changing mine at 6000 miles using Mobil 1 synthetic. I have 3250 miles since the last change on 2/24 , and the computer shows it at 53% remaining. The car is a little over 5 months old and has just over 15,000 on it. '06 GTP coupe A4.

As you probably know the algorithm for oil life is not calibrated for synthetic. It is only done that way on vehicles that are recommended/required to use synthetic.

my light comes on at 5% so you have a bit to go still

As you probably know the algorithm for oil life is not calibrated for synthetic. It is only done that way on vehicles that are recommended/required to use synthetic.

The system is set for any oil that meets the GM spec. for this vehicle.

Synthetic oil meets (exceeds) the spec. so the system is indeed calibrated for synthetics.

The system is set for any oil that meets the GM spec. for this vehicle.

Synthetic oil meets (exceeds) the spec. so the system is indeed calibrated for synthetics.

What he is saying is that the computer has no idea what type of oil you pour in. The OLS will read the same whether you use regular oil or synthetic. My guess is that the OLS reading only based on speed, temp, engine rpm, and duration.

What he is saying is that the computer has no idea what type of oil you pour in. The OLS will read the same whether you use regular oil or synthetic. My guess is that the OLS reading only based on speed, temp, engine rpm, and duration.

That may have been the intended message, but the literal message was that the OLS isn't set up to "work properly" with synthetic oil. I was only responding to the latter - I agree with the former.

I completely agree with your assessment of the OLS's inputs - very commonsense. GM implies these parameters by referring vaguely to our driving characteristics.

Now you have me concerned! I have 43% left and over 8.000 miles since the last oil change. What is the problem with the Diver Inormation Center? I have also complained about the built in outside temp readings and the gas economy gauge being incorrect, and not just a little. (05 GT)

Now you have me concerned! I have 43% left and over 8.000 miles since the last oil change. What is the problem with the Diver Inormation Center? I have also complained about the built in outside temp readings and the gas economy gauge being incorrect, and not just a little. (05 GT)

I would have changed my oil twice already in 8000 miles.
The DIC OLS is just a reminder for those who don't even know the car takes oil and will warn them eventually that the car needs service.
I had a friend that drove his lease 26k miles before the first oil change. :crazy: I would not want to be the sucker to purchase that after he turned it in.

What problem are you having with the outdoor temp? It will always read wrong when the car is sitting, especially in the summer.

The DIC OLS is just a reminder for those who don't even know the car takes oil and will warn them eventually that the car needs service.

Wrong mate. The OLS is there to prevent people from wasting oil by changing it prematurely.

I have also complained about the built in outside temp readings and the gas economy gauge being incorrect, and not just a little. (05 GT)

This happens with everyone. My boss says it happens on his Saab too. Its especially inaccurate right when it's been sitting, I couldn't tell you why.

I think the amount of sunlight shining on it is a factor. If I'm starting up in the garage it seems normal. One day after having it sit in a parking lot for several hours it told me it was like 94 degrees outside right when I started up. In reality it was really like in the 40s.

I know about it sitting in the sun. Any thermometer will do that. The eng. say that within 5 min or a few miles it should be accurate. I have documented mine being off by 5 degrees after 20 min of driving. It happens more often in the sun than cloudy days. They replaced the sensor once. What gripes me is I drive by the dealership every day. I have pulled in to show them and they agree that it is wrong but can't work on it right then and there and then when I take it back they play stupid and say well today it tested ok.

As for the oil sensor, TLS was correct. Read the manual. I just noticed that the gas milage really dropped off so I am going to change it anyway. Not sure if the milage it oil related or gas reformulation related.


This happens with everyone. My boss says it happens on his Saab too. Its especially inaccurate right when it's been sitting, I couldn't tell you why.

I think the amount of sunlight shining on it is a factor. If I'm starting up in the garage it seems normal. One day after having it sit in a parking lot for several hours it told me it was like 94 degrees outside right when I started up. In reality it was really like in the 40s.

Wrong mate. The OLS is there to prevent people from wasting oil by changing it prematurely.

There will still probably be 85% of us here who will change their oil at certain intervals regardless of what the OLS says. I would never depend on the OLS. Look at the DocWyeth's situation for example. 8000 miles and still showing another 43% before the oil should be changed. Lets say at 14,000 miles it tells him to change his oil. IMHO, that is way to long to go between oil changes.

We use barrels of oil each year on our farm so changing the oil a little early doesn't mean much to me. I would rather extend the life of the engine than the life of the oil.

I know about it sitting in the sun. Any thermometer will do that. The eng. say that within 5 min or a few miles it should be accurate. I have documented mine being off by 5 degrees after 20 min of driving. It happens more often in the sun than cloudy days. They replaced the sensor once. What gripes me is I drive by the dealership every day. I have pulled in to show them and they agree that it is wrong but can't work on it right then and there and then when I take it back they play stupid and say well today it tested ok.

As for the oil sensor, TLS was correct. Read the manual. I just noticed that the gas milage really dropped off so I am going to change it anyway. Not sure if the milage it oil related or gas reformulation related.

5 degree's hotter or colder than ambient?

There will still probably be 85% of us here who will change their oil at certain intervals regardless of what the OLS says. I would never depend on the OLS. Look at the DocWyeth's situation for example. 8000 miles and still showing another 43% before the oil should be changed. Lets say at 14,000 miles it tells him to change his oil. IMHO, that is way to long to go between oil changes.

We use barrels of oil each year on our farm so changing the oil a little early doesn't mean much to me. I would rather extend the life of the engine than the life of the oil.

There are a bunch of guys with LS1 engines who ran Synthetic for given intervals.

Anyway, they discovered through Oil Analysis that the LS1 can handle oil changes every 15,000 miles running on Mobil 1.

The 3000mi/5000km oil change interval is nothing but old habits dying hard.

That may be the case with synthetic oil but the poster above doesn't appear to be running that.

I would never depend on the OLS.
Haha, mines a lease I follow the OLS. It's been going about 8000 miles on each change.

Haha, mines a lease I follow the OLS. It's been going about 8000 miles on each change.

If I was leasing I would change mine less frequently too :D

That may be the case with synthetic oil but the poster above doesn't appear to be running that.

The point that I was trying to make is this:

GM knows cars. They pour BILLIONS of dollars each year into vehicle research. They designed the OLS based on this research. It is meant to stop you from changing your oil when you don't need to. Their goal is to reduce the amount of oil that gets wasted every year.

If the OLS sensor isn't telling you to change your oil, then there is no reason to change your oil. 3000mi/5000km intervals are too frequent and are nothing but a waste of oil.

Yes the Synthetic in those tests was run for 15,000mi. There were some LS1's that were run up to 25,000mi (!!!) with only slightly more contamination in the oil than there was at 15,000mi. They recommended 15,000mi oil changes because they didn't think they'd be able to convince people to run with 20,000mi oil changes. Even regular dino oil will last a lot longer then 3000mi. Some manufacturers recommend changing the oil on their cars at 12,000mi intervals (with dino oil).

My sister did her 1st oil change @ 60k miles:eek: on her Sentra, and that car did fine.

I don't do an oil change till it says to, saves me money for sure.

My sister did her 1st oil change @ 60k miles:eek: on her Sentra, and that car did fine.

My friend bought an used 280Z and didn't change the oil for 2 years. The car ran perfect but it doesn't mean the engine won't suffer from premature wear and tear.

Oil lubricates your engine. You don't have to do it.
But remember, OIL LUBRICATES YOUR ENGINE.:beer:

Oil lubricates your engine. You don't have to do it.
But remember, OIL LUBRICATES YOUR ENGINE.:beer:
True, but what's the point in replacing good oil, it doesn't need to be changed until the oil starts to break down, and does not provide the lubrication.:rolleyes:

When does motor oil break down? At what point does this happen? (not looking for an answer):rolleyes:
As someone stated earlier, automotive corperations spend a lot of time and money researching this question. I believe the answer is in the maintenence schedule of the owners manual. Yes, some cars spend less time on the road than others and some cars are driven way harder than most, like mine, therefore particular oil changing needs will vary.
I also believe in changing my oil regular. I drive my Mazda for a nice long 80 miles a day 4 days a week for work. So every month 1/2 I change my oil. I know its a lot but I drive a lot. My wifes G6 gets an oil change every 3 months whether it needs it or not and she might put 5,000 miles a year.
Since you know how you drive better than anyone it would be your call to change the oil when you thinks its time.
:confused:(I spent all this time posting to say I don't know):confused:

Low mileage vehicles that are not driven regularly or driven short distances can have their oil changed once a year or every 3000 miles, whichever comes first.
High mileage vehicles driven mainly on highways for long distances can have their oil changed every 10,000 miles under ideal conditions.

Just a note, If you go below 18% on oil life and something happens to the motor. "locks up" GM won't stand behind the warranty. They know this because they hook the computer up to it. They say abuse.... Better to change it before 18% at least until the warranty is up.

Does the OLM actually counts down all the way to 0%?
If it does, what happens after it reached 0% and you don't reset it?
Does it keep going down to -1%, -2%, etc?

It explodes.. never had it there.

Does the OLM actually counts down all the way to 0%?
If it does, what happens after it reached 0% and you don't reset it?
Does it keep going down to -1%, -2%, etc?

It just flashes CHANGE OIL or something like that. I reset it at each oil change.



I think it does this if you don't change the oil. :D
It explodes.. never had it there.

yeah, usually its between 45-55% with 3000 miles on the oil.
I can't believe I'm going to have 15,000 miles on the car by this saturday and its only 8 months old :eek:

u think thats bad ive put 40,000 on mine in 13 months but the car still runs great in only at 70,000

I run Amsoil 5W30 full synthetic. I only put on about 15,000kms a year; the oil is rated up to 40,000kms/yr so I change the oil on the same weekend every year to keep things simple.

I don't use the car to tell me when to change the oil. Not to argue but that's like my tires telling me to fill them to 60psi, when the maximum pressure the wheels can handle is 50psi. As far as computer tech in vehicles has come in the last decade, I still prefer at this point to rely on the tried and true methods of vehicle maintenance. I do like the OBD system for narrowing down problems in vehicles unlike the carb systems of yore which left you with a slew of testing should something be amiss.


GM knows cars. They pour BILLIONS of dollars each year into vehicle research. They designed the OLS based on this research. It is meant to stop you from changing your oil when you don't need to. Their goal is to reduce the amount of oil that gets wasted every year.

If the OLS sensor isn't telling you to change your oil, then there is no reason to change your oil. 3000mi/5000km intervals are too frequent and are nothing but a waste of oil.

Yes the Synthetic in those tests was run for 15,000mi. There were some LS1's that were run up to 25,000mi (!!!) with only slightly more contamination in the oil than there was at 15,000mi. They recommended 15,000mi oil changes because they didn't think they'd be able to convince people to run with 20,000mi oil changes. Even regular dino oil will last a lot longer then 3000mi. Some manufacturers recommend changing the oil on their cars at 12,000mi intervals (with dino oil).

This is one of many reasons why GM went bankrupt. Spending in areas that don't require them to do so when they can just state a 7K oil change interval instead of 3K and make that the standard across the line.

A lot of people don't realize that 3K oil change intervals were the norm before overdrive transmission were on the market. This decreases engine wear by a good 35%, and higher power engines, not to mention tighter machining tolerances, that require less cruising RPM lowers that 35% to the 50-60% reduction range in engine wear.

Hey guys i am having a problem with my oil life reader, it just keeps saying 0% and to change oil. I have held down the enter button for minutes and still won't reset. Now i have installed the metra turbo 2 kit but it reads everything else just fine even warning ice and all that stuff. I also switched over too synthetic the first time I did it went to 80% a day after I put it in and then dropped really fast after that and now I just switched it a week ago and it won't move off of 0% so I am wondering if it's a problem with the install kit or if I'm not resetting it right or if it will just not read synthetic please let me know ASAP thanks alot

Hey guys i am having a problem with my oil life reader, it just keeps saying 0% and to change oil. I have held down the enter button for minutes and still won't reset. Now i have installed the metra turbo 2 kit but it reads everything else just fine even warning ice and all that stuff. I also switched over too synthetic the first time I did it went to 80% a day after I put it in and then dropped really fast after that and now I just switched it a week ago and it won't move off of 0% so I am wondering if it's a problem with the install kit or if I'm not resetting it right or if it will just not read synthetic please let me know ASAP thanks alot

Synthetic oil will read fine so that's not it.

http://www.amsoil.com/articlespr/article_2003_oil_monitors.aspx

i just tryed unplugging the negative terminal on the battery for half hour and holding brake for 10 seconds re set everything else but not the oil life im getting really angry, it will not even say resetting or what ever when you hold down the top button so it must be the kit broken right?

i just tryed unplugging the negative terminal on the battery for half hour and holding brake for 10 seconds re set everything else but not the oil life im getting really angry, it will not even say resetting or what ever when you hold down the top button so it must be the kit broken right?


Just for the hell of it try going back to the manual and reread the instructions to reset.
I'm not saying anything about your ability to read or comprehend, it just more times than I would like to admit I have misread something or forgot a step.

I'm also having trouble trying to reset the OLM on my 2010 G6 2.4. Have read, tried, and re-read the owner's manual procedure but it doesn't work. Manual says to display "change oil now" but that doesn't show since I am changing it early. Pressing the enter button with "oil life **%" showing does nothing no matter how long I hold it. Anybody know a fix for this?

^ turn key but dont start car, hit menu button and screen will say "oil life reset" then hold enter button until resets.

^ turn key but dont start car, hit menu button and screen will say "oil life reset" then hold enter button until resets.

Yeah, that was the procedure for my 2008 G6 but the 2010 is set up differently. The DIC is between the tach and speedometer and is controlled by two buttons on the steering wheel titled "Info" and the "Return Arrow".

Yeah, that was the procedure for my 2008 G6 but the 2010 is set up differently. The DIC is between the tach and speedometer and is controlled by two buttons on the steering wheel titled "Info" and the "Return Arrow".


I had that setup on my g5. From what I remember you turn the key to the on position without starting the car, then you hold down the info and enter?(or reset) Button at the same time nd it ill bring up the menu so u can reset the oil life.


Sent from my SPH-D700 using AutoGuide App

^ turn key but dont start car, hit menu button and screen will say "oil life reset" then hold enter button until resets.

Finally!!!!! Someone who knows what they are talking abbout I've held that poor enter button down for hours trying to get it to reset on the oil life screen and nothing and even reset my battery like one guy said which Facked up my thermostat for a week where I had check engine lights and car wouldn't warm up so thank you so much if I knew you id give you a big kiss no homo but finally a happy G6'er again! Yes!!

I finally figured out how to reset the Oil Life Monitor on my 2010 G6, no thanks to the owner's manual which has the wrong procedure. With Oil Life displayed, press "Info" and "Return" buttons at same time. "Oil Life Reset" will display. Press "Enter" for more than a second and it will display "Acknowledged", followed by 100%.