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Old 01-06-2010, 11:44 AM   #1
T_MECO
 
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ON STAR OIL Life %

So how is this number calculated? Based on their numbers I wouldn't have to get an oil change until 8000 mile range. How are they coming up with the calculation and should I ignore it and change it every 3-4000 miles?
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Old 01-06-2010, 11:46 AM   #2
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Wow! SO Many threads on this one Someone has that answer on here, and I do believe the owners manual also indicates how they calculate it. Basically, it's up to you: follow the DIC - which can go past 8000 miles!! - or, do what you're comfortable with. Me? I did mine at 1500 and will be doing it again, very soon, at 5K

You WILL get LOTS of different answers here...

EDIT: From the owner's manual:

Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably.
For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset
every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished,
it indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on.
See Engine Oil Messages on
page 4-32. Change the oil as soon
as possible within the next 1 000 km
(600 miles). It is possible that, if
driving under the best conditions,
the oil life system might not indicate
that an oil change is necessary for
over a year. However, the engine oil
and filter must be changed at least
once a year and at this time the
system must be reset. Your dealer/
retailer has trained service people
who will perform this work using
genuine parts and reset the system.
It is also important to check the oil
regularly and keep it at the proper
level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be changed
at 5 000 km (3,000 miles) since the
last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.
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Old 01-06-2010, 11:47 AM   #3
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It's based on all kinds of things,
number of startups, engine rpm, temperature...
It's pretty in-depth but I've never been able to let mine get under 20% because I'm paranoid
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Old 01-06-2010, 12:04 PM   #4
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I figured that I'd get allot of answers on how comfortable a person feels about oil changing. I guess I should of checked the manual first but it still kind of vague. The engineer in me wants to see formulas

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Old 01-06-2010, 12:42 PM   #5
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I like to go to 20% once break in is over. For synthetic, 10k mile oil changes seem reasonable if the OLS allows.
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Old 01-06-2010, 12:45 PM   #6
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Do your first change at 500-1500 to get out all the shavings from break in, fill it with synthetic and follow the oil life monitor. From what I understand people have done matching used oil analysis and the olm has been spot on for when to change the oil.
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Old 01-06-2010, 12:48 PM   #7
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I changed it at the ~650 mark and I'm gonna wait til ~7000 to see what the Oil life says- right now coming up on 4000miles
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Old 01-06-2010, 01:44 PM   #8
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on Stars says at current rate I won't need oil change till 11,700 miles. Thats alot. Untill this the highest I have heard a car could go was 6,000 miles between oil change. Does it take into account if you rev high alot (racing)?
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Old 01-06-2010, 02:10 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GQ4Life View Post
on Stars says at current rate I won't need oil change till 11,700 miles. Thats alot. Untill this the highest I have heard a car could go was 6,000 miles between oil change. Does it take into account if you rev high alot (racing)?
Yes, it does....

"This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on engine revolutions
and engine
temperature, and not on mileage."

I changed my oil at 1500mi and will be following the OLS indicator. You can bet that GM did their research and has plenty of testing to validate this oil life calculation - they wouldn't risk putting their reputation for engine reliability on the line.

My job deals with Preventive Maintenance optimization and using condition-based maintenance is the most efficient method and I'm sure there's still some safety factor built in to that calc.
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Old 01-06-2010, 02:12 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wh0rsep0wer View Post
Yes, it does....

"This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on engine revolutions
and engine
temperature, and not on mileage."

I changed my oil at 1500mi and will be following the OLS indicator. You can bet that GM did their research and has plenty of testing to validate this oil life calculation - they wouldn't risk putting their reputation for engine reliability on the line.

My job deals with Preventive Maintenance optimization and using condition-based maintenance is the most efficient method and I'm sure there's still some safety factor built in to that calc.
Thanxs!
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Old 01-06-2010, 02:26 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GQ4Life View Post
on Stars says at current rate I won't need oil change till 11,700 miles. Thats alot. Untill this the highest I have heard a car could go was 6,000 miles between oil change. Does it take into account if you rev high alot (racing)?
That is not unusual for the miles to be over 11,000 with the oil life monitor. You can check it anytime you want in your DIC. GM did years of testing and validation with cooperation from the oil industry to set the computer calculations for oil life. The only factors it cannot account for is the driving conditions such as Dusty or dirty driving conditions, in that case you need to go by the severe use 3000 mile schedule. It does use engine loading as a factor in determining life, I have seen in pickups that do alot of towing it needing an oil change in as short as 4000 miles...
In most cases for the average user you can go by their oil life monitor, but if you are scared of using it, you can do as I do and change it when it gets to 50%.
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Old 01-08-2010, 05:53 PM   #12
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Change it once a year or 35,000 miles with Amsoil 0W-30
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Old 01-08-2010, 06:00 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wh0rsep0wer View Post
Yes, it does....

"This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on engine revolutions
and engine
temperature, and not on mileage."

I changed my oil at 1500mi and will be following the OLS indicator. You can bet that GM did their research and has plenty of testing to validate this oil life calculation - they wouldn't risk putting their reputation for engine reliability on the line.

My job deals with Preventive Maintenance optimization and using condition-based maintenance is the most efficient method and I'm sure there's still some safety factor built in to that calc.
Damn, maybe I'll listen to the computer than every 5,000 miles than..... Well actually, maybe I'll just do it 5,000 miles anyway just so that in my mind, I feel like I'm doing the right thing lol.

Regardless of my situation, that's pretty sweet... Thanks for posting that up.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mmbarberoilman View Post
Change it once a year or 35,000 miles with Amsoil 0W-30
That sounds awful... 35,000 miles every oil change? Are you doing a engine rebuild every other oil change too? If not then you're going to have a crap load of sludge if that's what you're doing...
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Old 04-11-2010, 12:52 PM   #14
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I Use the DIC...

I'm using the DIC as my indicator for when to change the oil. Got my first oil change at 2900 miles. Used Mobil 1. Now I'm up to over 12,500 miles and the DIC just got to 20%. No "Service Engine Oil Soon" warning lights yet, so I'm sure I'm good. Planning an oil change this next weekend. Car is running great, and oil temps are where they always have been since I got the car, plus or minus about 10 degrees.

Depending on how hard you drive the car, you can get a lot of miles between oil changes. I feel comfortable going 10K between oil changes with the way I drive (70% highway, 30% city and rural).

I think I may back off to changing it when the DIC says 25% or even 30% as the car ages, just to be safe.

Hope this helps...
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