This is specifically about the oil indicator.

I've got about 800 miles on my car, and had the oil changed around 700. I noticed today the oil life gauge is still at 80 whatever percent, so obviously the gauge is based purely on mileage and has to be reset.

My question is how do you reset the oil indicator? Also, is there an indicator and/or noise that goes off when it gets low? The reason I ask is once I switch to Synthetic I don't plan on changing it any more often than 6,000 miles (unless the G6 actually requires it for some reason, anyone know?), and I don't want a light or noise or message in the info center pestering me. I get every other oil change (every 6,000 miles) free from the dealer. From what I've read Synthetic oils last way longer than that.

My other question is about synthetic oils. I've heard all kinds of mumbo jumbo about using them and don't know what's true. I've heard stuff about not switching to synthetics until a certain amount of mileage. I've also heard once you use synthetic you can't go back to petroleum based oil. Is any of this true? I haven't really found anything on google pertaining to these questions.

You could look at your owner manual - it tells how to reset Oil Life Monitor. The monitor isn't simply based on mileage, although that is a factor.

Reset it (when ready) by pushing menu button once so that it displays Oil Life Reset and then press and hold Enter until Acknowledge is displayed.

When Oil Life gets to around 10% you will see "Change Oil Soon" indicator and 3 chimes on each ignition cycle.

I don't know about synthetic oils but I have read some of the same stuff on Internet as you mentioned.

One thing I do know is that the Oil Life Monitoring system in G6 is algorithm-based and is calibrated for petroleum oil and so it will not calculate life different if you are using synthetic. Only vehicles built with engines recommending synthetic oil have oil life monitors that are calibrated for it.

I am having Mobil 1 put into my car whenever they're done putting the engine back together. I've only got about 800kms on it now but I consider it to be broken in at this point. (As well as broken, 3 bent valves)

Synthetic oil is 100% compatible with petroleum based oil, and you can switch between the two at any time.

I am switching to Mobil 1 because I have read that the change interval is something like 15,000Mi, which means having to change the oil basically once per year.

Reset it (when ready) by pushing menu button once so that it displays Oil Life Reset and then press and hold Enter until Acknowledge is displayed.

D'oh. I just assumed it was something you had to do under the hood or with the fuses or something. Me and my assumptions.

I am having Mobil 1 put into my car whenever they're done putting the engine back together. I've only got about 800kms on it now but I consider it to be broken in at this point. (As well as broken, 3 bent valves)

Synthetic oil is 100% compatible with petroleum based oil, and you can switch between the two at any time.

I am switching to Mobil 1 because I have read that the change interval is something like 15,000Mi, which means having to change the oil basically once per year.
Ouch that sucks, thats the first problem with the 3900 that i've herd of.

The change intervals are set by GM and dont change by the they of oil you put in.
Technically yes you are correct but GM doesn’t care.

There was no problem with the engine other than an IDIOT error by the driver.. lol..

I had it red-lined on the highway and shifted down instead of up (missed the shift gate, was aiming for fourth, hit second). Bbefore I realised that I had screwed up, I lifted my foot off the clutch. Over revved it by about 2000rpm I would say.

GM is being very nice in that they're fixing it under warranty for me.

The downside is that I've been waiting for parts for more than two weeks.

^ Ouch!

Ouch is a huge understatement.

I felt so stupid when I let off on the clutch that I was beating myself up about it for a few hours.

I don't blame the car. I was an idiot.

I saw the car the other day, and the engine is all apart with the rear bank of cylinders exposed (covered with a cloth). They're waiting on a head gasket kit to arrive from Mexico for it. After that, I figure I'll have the car the next day.

I think I'm going to sit in the driveway for a few hours practicing moving the shifter around...

just a thought from my days at the part stores, I was always under the assumption that you could go from normal oil to synthetic but not back?! Not that theres any reason you'd want to, just something to look into though!

on high mileage engines, dino oil typically "plugs" areas where a leak would have become apparent due to the inconsistencies of particle sizes (some big, some small). syn. oil is typically thinner and more consistent (smaller sizes) and if you switch over, you're more likely to see leaks you would not have if you didn't.

on a newer engine, it's said to not go synthetic for something like 10-15k, though i'd just switch over after your first "scheduled" change (i.e., 3k). it's a brand new engine, and by 3k it's broken in decent enough.

one thing though, if you're going to go synthetic, stay synthetic, or stay dino, one way or the other. personally, i go mobil 1 at that first 3k oil change...

There was no problem with the engine other than an IDIOT error by the driver.. lol..

I had it red-lined on the highway and shifted down instead of up (missed the shift gate, was aiming for fourth, hit second). Bbefore I realised that I had screwed up, I lifted my foot off the clutch. Over revved it by about 2000rpm I would say.

That is truly incredible! In the future, please be careful with that high-rev excitement. ;)

I think I'm going to sit in the driveway for a few hours practicing moving the shifter around...That's a good idea! :)

SCGA1: It has certainly humbled me. lol..

After the initial break in period, you can switch to synthetic with no problems. Really, the break in is done at the factory, so you should have no trouble switching as soon as you get the car.

Reset it (when ready) by pushing menu button once so that it displays Oil Life Reset and then press and hold Enter until Acknowledge is displayed.

Just tried this. I know the other options it takes 2 seconds to clear. Unless you need to hold enter for more than like 4 seconds it didn't work.

I am switching to Mobil 1 because I have read that the change interval is something like 15,000Mi, which means having to change the oil basically once per year.

At this point by reading your 2 main posts, im thinking you shouldnt be driving a car OR you need to really do some research before you blow the engine again.

I worked for Napa for 5 years and spoke to both the mobil and valvoline reps and they both have said that a full synthetic can have a change interval of upwards 8,000 miles!! 15,000 might be a bit far fetched but 8,000 is easily obtainable!

At this point by reading your 2 main posts, im thinking you shouldnt be driving a car OR you need to really do some research before you blow the engine again.

Synthetic oils have been PROVEN to last longer than standard conventional oil. I would suggest that you should bring some facts along with statements like the one made above.

To make statements like that is insulting, perhaps you should learn to keep to yourself if you have nothing better to do than insult a person. Try including facts when you're telling me that I'm wrong.

Please tell me how using synthetic oil has ANY relation to me making a BAD SHIFT and damaging the engine? That was an accident, which I attribute to my inexperience with a standard transmission. It is an accident that will not occur again.

I have been reading about synthetic oils for years and have only now decided to try them out.

http://www.mobil1.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Synthetics/Whats_It_Do_For_Me.aspx

See on the bottom: Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5w30

GUARANTEED PERFORMANCE AND ENGINE PROTECTION FOR 15,000 MILES!

A used oil analysis of Mobil 1. They ran it for 18,000Mi! They recommend 8000Mi with filter change, or 15,000Mi with the filter changed every 5,000Mi. BTW, this is regular Mobil 1!
http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/stories/mobil1.html

AMSOIL sells synthetic with a life of 25,000Mi, though they recommend changing the filter after 12,500Mi.

Mercedes-Benz is recommending 13,000Mi oil change intervals.
http://www.klinegroup.com/6_20051028.htm

Also from the above link, it states that most manufacturers are now recommending 7500Mi intervals with standard oil.

A lot of guys on the Camaroz28.com forums go 10,000Mi or more before changing their Mobil1.

Here's another thing for you bud: General Motors isn't recommending 3000 mile oil changes anymore. They recommend changing it when the oil life monitor tells you to, or at least once a year, depending on which comes first. In my Grand Am, I was making it to about 12,000kms before the change oil light came on.

Now try and tell me that I didn't do any research. Show me the research that you have that contadicts my statement.

Synthetic oils have been PROVEN to last longer than standard conventional oil. I would suggest that you should bring some facts along with statements like the one made above.

To make statements like that is insulting, perhaps you should learn to keep to yourself if you have nothing better to do than insult a person. Try including facts when you're telling me that I'm wrong.

Please tell me how using synthetic oil has ANY relation to me making a BAD SHIFT and damaging the engine? That was an accident, which I attribute to my inexperience with a standard transmission. It is an accident that will not occur again.

I have been reading about synthetic oils for years and have only now decided to try them out.

http://www.mobil1.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Synthetics/Whats_It_Do_For_Me.aspx

See on the bottom: Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5w30

GUARANTEED PERFORMANCE AND ENGINE PROTECTION FOR 15,000 MILES!

A used oil analysis of Mobil 1. They ran it for 18,000Mi! They recommend 8000Mi with filter change, or 15,000Mi with the filter changed every 5,000Mi. BTW, this is regular Mobil 1!
http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/stories/mobil1.html

AMSOIL sells synthetic with a life of 25,000Mi, though they recommend changing the filter after 12,500Mi.

Mercedes-Benz is recommending 13,000Mi oil change intervals.
http://www.klinegroup.com/6_20051028.htm

Also from the above link, it states that most manufacturers are now recommending 7500Mi intervals with standard oil.

A lot of guys on the Camaroz28.com forums go 10,000Mi or more before changing their Mobil1.

Here's another thing for you bud: General Motors isn't recommending 3000 mile oil changes anymore. They recommend changing it when the oil life monitor tells you to, or at least once a year, depending on which comes first. In my Grand Am, I was making it to about 12,000kms before the change oil light came on.

Now try and tell me that I didn't do any research. Show me the research that you have that contadicts my statement.

Ok you are right in couple of points but, you sould get off this guys back buddy becouse you are wrong also!!! Here I will prove a huge fact......
look at the fricken bottle of mobil 1 15,000 mile oil. do you see a "starburst" on it?? NO, NO YOU DO NOT... you want to know why?? Yes syn. oils are way better! But 1st major thing you are forgetting (oil filters can't last that long) It sounds like you better start reading more about that stuff, becouse you put that in your car and not only you stand of a good chance of doing major damage on you motor but also you will void your warrenty!! ( don't beleave me?? read the back of the bottle, still don't beleive me?? Read the owners manual. See what it says about the starburst on the bottle! That mobil 1 is a fricken joke and if anyone runs that you a fool!! ( the regular mobil 1 is good but thats it) Your oil change intervals should not change becouse you run sysnthetic. You are just looking for a lame way to get out from changing the oil. You still change the oil on time everytime. Yes, the oil could go longer but try to say that when you have a motor problem to the dealer. They are going to laugh in your face. Becouse you did not stay with the oil change intervals. Call the dealer and ask them see what they say about long life oil!!! just remember oil is the cheepest thing to change on your car but oil can do the most damage to it to!!!!!! so before you go off on someone about this subject YOU MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL YOUR FACTS STRIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! also if you been reading about it for years, why only now you are using it??? sould you have been useing it a long time ago?? :D :mad: :D :mad: :D :mad:

Hi,

Has anyone ever taught you how to use a paragraph?

The first thing that you should do is look at where I said that you need to change the oil filter, even if you don't change the oil. Thank you for NOT proving me wrong.

I am not looking for a lame way of getting out of changing the oil, actually. I have even stated that I will be changing my oil based on the Oil Life Monitor that GM put into the car. No voided warranty for me. Thanks for NOT proving me wrong again. :D

Now, as for the dealer telling me that it will void the warranty: No kidding. I have only stated that with synthetic, as well as NON-SYNTHETIC oil, 3000mi oil change intervals are NOT required, and ARE EXCESSIVE. I have even backed this up with data, yet somehow I'm still wrong.

The only thing that you have pointed out is that Mobil 1 extended performance (which I am not using, BTW) doesn't have the starburst symbol on the bottle. According to the Mobil1 website, Mobil1 Extended performance exceeds the requirements to meet the ILSAC GF-4 standard. This means that it EXCEEDS the standards for the starburst symbol. Thanks for NOT proving me wrong. :D

To answer your question about why I am only now using synthetic oil: I have never had a car that I cared about enough to try synthetic. Now I have a car that I love, so I want to take care of it.

Please come back with some facts and some actual data and show me how I'm wrong. I'm getting tired of people coming on here and telling me that I don't know what I'm talking about, without bringing any facts or data to the table simply because they can't be bothered to research themselves.

Until then, have a great life. :D

Ok all is fair. I missed the part were you said about the oil filter. my appologyes. but now you still did not prove nothing due to the fact you just talked about crap nothing proven to this day yet. so you can comment about your thread all you want but you have nothing to prove and I hope you guys are all listening to this too. so thanks again and have a great day.. :D :D :D :D :D :D

oh by the way nope I don't spell or do paragraphs. so get use to it...

So all the links that I previously provided was me just talking crap?

The information about what to look for on the Mobil1 website was just talking crap?

How can you say that I've proven nothing when I have given you CLEAR instructions on how to find the information that I am talking about? The only valid argument you gave against what I have said has been quashed, and yet I still haven't proven anything? Give me a break.

Here's a tip: If you were to actually try and use complete sentence structures and paragraphs, it would be a lot easier for people to read what you are saying. The way you are typing makes you look like a kid that is just trying to flame this conversation for the sake of causing trouble. If your next reply is as legible as the last two, then don't expect a reply from me, as I will not bother to read that unintelligable drivel again.

Ok all is fair. I missed the part were you said about the oil filter. my appologyes. but now you still did not prove nothing due to the fact you just talked about crap nothing proven to this day yet. so you can comment about your thread all you want but you have nothing to prove and I hope you guys are all listening to this too. so thanks again and have a great day.. :D :D :D :D :D :D

oh by the way nope I don't spell or do paragraphs. so get use to it...

Your posts are pointless...

TLS posted that synthetics are proven to last longer than conventional motor oil and I think that we can all agree on that.

yes I agree with that. sysn. oil is by far a better oil in any car (unless it has too many miles and if it leaks.

I will be back later to post again (tonight) and we will see whats going on

Ok, now that I have some time here.

This is your GUARANTEED PERFORMANCE AND ENGINE PROTECTION FOR 15,000 MILES
On the actual bottle of mobil 1 extended performance I am reading "*Excludes severe service service applications involving: racing and commercial use; frequent towing or hauling; extremely dusty or dirty conditions; or excessive idling. If your vehicle is covored by a warrenty or is equipped with an oil life sensor, follow the recommended oil change interval."

Every car or truck out there drives under severe driving conditions. NO MATTER WERE YOU LIVE, IN ANY STATE! Theres is construction theres heat, theres cold, also you do lots of idling if theres alot of stop lights. (bigger cities)

The bottle and the owners manual (page 5-20) states under best driving conditions. That means in the factory is about it! not out in the real world.
factorys have controled atmospheres and conditions.

"I have been reading about synthetic oils for years and have only now decided to try them out."

If that is true you sould have known this right?

Now about the starburst that this oil dose not have.

"According to the Mobil1 website, Mobil1 Extended performance exceeds the requirements to meet the ILSAC GF-4 standard. This means that it EXCEEDS the standards for the starburst symbol."

WRONG! you just cannot say that this oil is better then this institute. you have to have this for warrenty silly! you better get your facts straight again!!! :axechase:

The starburst is what? "API," which stands for American Petroleum Institute. The API sanctions an Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS), which authorizes engine oil marketers who meet the standards to use certain API Engine Oil Quality Marks. These marks are the API Certification Mark "Starburst," and the API Service Symbol, known as the "donut." These marks will likely show up in your owner's manual, and they will also be on every container of engine oil that meets the API standards.

API Certified
The API Starburst identifies engine oils recommended for a certain application, such as "For Gasoline Engines." To carry this symbol on the container, the oil must satisfy the most current requirements of the International Lubrication Standardization and Approval Committee minimum performance standard for that application.

The API "donut" is divided into three parts. The top half-circle lists the API service rating, or performance level. The center of the circle is the viscosity. And the lower half-circle indicates whether the oil has demonstrated certain energy-conserving properties.

It is not on the bottle (which you did admit but it dose cover the oil spec. ILSAC GF-4)
The manufactor states that you must have the oil spec. ILSAC GF-4 and that starburst to meet the manufacture warranty. it states (page 5-20 again) "Do not add anything to your oil. The recommended oils with the starburst symbol the meet GM Stanard GM6094M are all you need for good performance and engine protction. That means no the oil mobil 1 extended life DOES NOT COVER THIS WARRENTY.

"I have even stated that I will be changing my oil based on the Oil Life Monitor that GM put into the car. No voided warranty for me. Thanks for NOT proving me wrong again."

Ok again, lets turn the page to the owners manual page 5-20 class. lol :D

It states: Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on engine revolutions and engine temperature, and NOT ON MILEAGE. Based on DRIVING CONDTIONS, the mileage at at whichan oil change will be indicated can vary considerably. for the oil life system to work properly.

Another way of saying this is the computer CAN NOT tell you when to accuretly change your oil. It does not figure air temp. dust ware and tare on your car or does it figure your not driving the car.

One thing you fail to realize is that you are very misunderstood upon the driving conditions. You just see somthing and go for it. Untill someone esle tells you different then you change your story to sound like you were right the whole time. lol

"Please come back with some facts and some actual data and show me how I'm wrong. I'm getting tired of people coming on here and telling me that I don't know what I'm talking about, without bringing any facts or data to the table simply because they can't be bothered to research themselves.

Until then, have a great life."

pssst.......... I guess I did now didn't I?

There is pleanty of reserch done on this now!! and I guess this means one thing. "Please come back with some facts and some actual data and show me how I'm wrong. I'm getting tired of people coming on here and telling me that I don't know what I'm talking about, without bringing any facts or data to the table simply because they can't be bothered to research themselves.

What goes around comes around buddy and FYI.... I am a manager at an oil change shop. I have been for over 6 years. I have changed more oil then most ppl. do in there lives! (including you!) I have to reserch this stuff so I know what I am talking about! and your just like an average joe.. who thinks they know everything becouse they read up on stuff! lol give me a break! try telling me othwise! your the ppl in life that ppl. hate to work with. hopefully you are smart enough to just get off and deal with this issue and turn things around and make your self look better to others. go ahead I did my job here and that is educate ppl so they don't make mistakes in life! lol

have a great day and hopefully you like your tail in between your legs!

:axechase: :axechase: :axechase: :D :D
:p :p :p

and one more thing maybe you should insted of typing on here you should go work on you shifting! lol

I will remember you as "the speed shifter" lol how do you make a mistake like that lmmfao! I thought you cared about your car. I guess it is time for a auto for you better leave the manuals for the pros!! lol
That's really mature man. Congratulations on trying to belittle a person. I hope that your parents are proud of you. :D

Now, on-topic here: Thank you for bringing back information to back up your statements. It is good to see someone who is actually able to come back with an argument for what they are saying, vs. "I'm right, because I say so", which is all too common around here.

Here (http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/environment/fuel_economy_emissions/news/gm_supports_latest_ilasc.html) Is a statement from General Motors saying that ANY motor oil certified for the GF-4 standard is STARBURST certified. As M1EP is certified for that standard, it now carries the starburst symbol.

You may not be aware that M1EP is Starburst certified as it only happened in April of this year, so you may not have seen any newer stock that carries the symbol. You are correct that it was not certified at one point. As your argument about the certification of M1EP was against my original posting in Feb, you are correct. As it stands now, my statement is now correct.

Here (http://www.imakenews.com/lng/e_article000394733.cfm?x=b11,0,w) is an explanation of the ILSAC GF-4 standard, and how it applies to the API Starburst symbol. The two go hand in hand, so I'm right again. ;)

I do see a slight problem with how you interpereted the owners manual's information on the oil life system.

It states: Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on engine revolutions and engine temperature, and NOT ON MILEAGE. Based on DRIVING CONDTIONS, the mileage at at whichan oil change will be indicated can vary considerably. for the oil life system to work properly.

Another way of saying this is the computer CAN NOT tell you when to accuretly change your oil. It does not figure air temp. dust ware and tare on your car or does it figure your not driving the car.
Actually, what it is saying is that the Oil Life Monitor takes into account actual DRIVING CONDITIONS, rather than mileage to calculate when to change the oil. It does in fact take into account temperature, idling, RPM, how much of a lead foot you are, etc.. to give you accurate information on when to change your oil, within GM's acceptable safety margin.

I am not wrong on the above, it comes directly from General Motors.

From here: (http://www.gmfleet.com/gmfleetjsp/glossary/index.jsp)
Engine Oil-Life Monitor
Tracks engine rpm, coolant temperature, and driving time to predict the condition of the oil. A light illuminates on the instrument panel when it is time to change the oil.
From here: (http://www.gm.com/automotive/vehicle_shopping/suv_facts/300_env_emissions/6_oil_life_system.html)
"Customers don't have to worry about deciding when the best time is to change their engine oil because our Oil Life System technology adapts to their driving conditions and habits, and determines the right interval," said Peter Lord, executive director, GM Service Operations.
Now, it further states (and I'm paraphrasing, because I don't have the manual in front of me) that if you are constantly driving in EXTREME conditions, such as Towing/Hauling, extremely dusty air or offroading, then you should stick to the 3months/3000mi. Most people don't meet that definition of extreme conditions, and GM recommends following the OLS for most people.
What goes around comes around buddy and FYI.... I am a manager at an oil change shop. I have been for over 6 years. I have changed more oil then most ppl. do in there lives! (including you!) I have to reserch this stuff so I know what I am talking about! and your just like an average joe.. who thinks they know everything becouse they read up on stuff! lol give me a break! try telling me othwise! your the ppl in life that ppl. hate to work with. hopefully you are smart enough to just get off and deal with this issue and turn things around and make your self look better to others. go ahead I did my job here and that is educate ppl so they don't make mistakes in life! lol
Being a manager at an oil change shop does NOT mean that you know anything more than your average consumer about oil. It means that you know how to change oil, and being a manager, it means that you know how to manage resources and personel.

It also means that you're probably an expert at getting people to pay for services that they don't need, as most oil change shops work like that. This comes from people that I know working in the industry who have told me to never use an oil change shop for that reason. One of them used to be a manager at a major national oil change shop even. ;)

To make claims that I shouldn't be speaking about these things becaue I'm just an average joe is ignorant. Just because I don't work at the local oil change shop, doesn't mean that I don't know anything about oil.

oh by the way my info came from

pennzoil.com
the g6 owners manual
and also the mobil 1 extended life bottle

and one more thing maybe you should insted of typing on here you should go work on you shifting! lol

I will remember you as "the speed shifter" lol how do you make a mistake like that lmmfao! I thought you cared about your car. I guess it is time for a auto for you better leave the manuals for the pros!! lol

Are you 26 years old or 26 months?

Nothing you say merits a response based on your inability to even pretend to sound like an adult.

This is getting a bit out of control. This thread is locked.