Change Oil Light.

[mmorello82]

I have had my 3400 alero for about 2 years now. From day one I have put synthetic oil in it at every oil change. When I change my oil, I always reset the "change Oil" light. Here's the wierd thing, it never comes on. In the two years I've had it, never seen it come on. I change the oil at 3,000 miles. I know it works from when I reset it. Why is it not coming on? Anyone have any ideas? It doesn't really hurt anything, just found that kind of odd. Thanks!

[Shiwnath]

This might give you a bit more insight on how your change oil light works:
http://assets.cobaltnitra.com/teams/repository/export/975/c7820afba1004895010145efa6b30/975c7820afba1004895010145efa6b30.pdf

[mmorello82]

Ok. So I read all of that, and here's the other question. Should I really wait for it to come on. I guess I am programmed to do it every 3,000 so it is hard for me to grasp going further. It mentions 7500 to 8500 miles. WOW! What's the opinion here?

[kwhauck]

I change the Corolla every 5,000 with mobil 1. For the bravada I wait for the oil percentage to get to 30ish. The alero I haven't changed the oil on since the motor has gone back into it.

[[ion] C2]

On the LD9, the light comes on exactly at 3,000 miles no matter what. I tested it.

[Shiwnath]

Ok. So I read all of that, and here's the other question. Should I really wait for it to come on. I guess I am programmed to do it every 3,000 so it is hard for me to grasp going further. It mentions 7500 to 8500 miles. WOW! What's the opinion here?

You don't have to wait for it to come on.. It's all by preference.. Unless the oil change system in your vehicle is faulty, then there isn't any reason for it to fail you.

If feel like you don't want to wait 8000 miles then don't. I usually go by every 3000 KM or 3 months, but this winter I'll probably rely on the light.. And the every 3000 miles system was created in 1968 as well according to that article.

[rocketfast321]

C2;601971']On the LD9, the light comes on exactly at 3,000 miles no matter what. I tested it.

Well your car does see a different driving style. :p My 2.4 auto grand am was around 4500-5000. My alero was pretty quick around 3500 once, i was having to much fun with the 5-speed.

[zzyzzx]

I just wait for the light to come on. On my beater, I change it every 7,500 miles, with generic synthetic oil and a Purolator filter (most recent was the pureone filter). IMO, changine oil every 3000 miles is a waste of money.

[[ion] C2]

Well your car does see a different driving style. :p
When I say "I tested it" I mean I tested it. I've owned the car since 2005 and regardless of what was going on with the car, it was always 3,000 exact.

Low throttle, high throttle, summer, winter, N/A, supercharged, turbo, always the same. This car does not appear to calculate anything based on sensors.

[Shiwnath]

^ Thats strange. Do you have a GX or GL? Maybe it wasn't a standard feature? But it wouldn't make sense why it would be a trim specific feature.

[[ion] C2]

base model GX

[MMGT1]

our light is by mileage only. if you want oil monitor system, you need to step up to Caddy, Corvette, GXP level Grand Prix. I know those are actually calculated by driving habits and mileage. Even on the new CTS GM messed up. They set the change lamp to 7500Kms which has led to a lot of warranty work. At first it was a timing chain replacement job, now they just re-flash the PCM to have the lamp illuminate at 5000Kms. So, following GM's lead as to when to change oil is a mistake. The only real way to know when to really change your oil is to test it! There are companies that will test your used oil and send you a full analysis of their findings. Through someone like that is the only true way I know of to find what's right for you.
Since we are the topic of oil, something else to add, in the 4 bangers I am not sure of this but in the 3400's I am. Don't use full syn in the 3400's. Use semi-syn or conventional. The semi-syn will give the protection you are looking for and will also suspend a carbon particle "properly" so when you do your oil change you are not leaving a bunch of carbon in the bottom of your pan. I went through this, used full syn for 4 years and when we took the oil pan off it was bloody caked in the bottom with carbon. This made no sense to me what so ever! When I inquired as to what the hell was going on I was informed that these motors produce carbon, a bit of blow by past the rings especially at start up before the pistons heat and seat the rings against the cylinder walls. All of this carbon was settling to the bottom of the pan as apparently a full syn oil doesn't hold carbon worth a dam! I use nothing but semi-syn and have not had even a sign of this issue since. I know a lot of you are about to go though the roof, but this is just my personal experience talking here.

[mmorello82]

Thats interesting. Well, I will try conventional or semi-syn on my next change and see what happens. I think I am going to wait for the light to come on. If it doesn't come on at 5,000 miles, then I will probably change it. When I do, I will try conventional or semi-syn and see if it makes a difference. Thanks for the input. I know oil can be a touchy subject for some!

[MMGT1]

Take a sample of the oil at 3,000 and then at 5,000. I think its around 25 bucks for the test. That way you'll know for sure! I am going to see if I can find that company again and post it for you.
Read this while you wait... hahahaha

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/whatisoilanalysis.htm

[MMGT1]

Here you go dude:

http://www.blackstone-labs.com/free-test-kits.php

In all seriousness though, if you want to know when to change your oil, and if you are using the right stuff, this is your answer.

[rocketfast321]

^ Thats strange. Do you have a GX or GL? Maybe it wasn't a standard feature? But it wouldn't make sense why it would be a trim specific feature.

GL here

[mmorello82]

Thanks MMGT1. I am going to do that!

[Redog]

My Change oil light hasn't come on for about 1.5 years now. Since ASS '10 till ASS '11, I put 7400 miles on the car. If I only drive back and forth to work and nothing else, I'll only put 1200 miles on the car in a year :eek:

Still still that's over 10,000 miles and no "Change Oil" light. I change my oil every 3 months or 3000 miles in every car I've ever owned. I used to put abot 2500 to 2900 miles between oil changes when I was still married.

I use Mobil 1 syn with either a Wix or ACDelco (American, non e-core) oil filter. I found some American ACDelco filters at my local Advanced Auto Parts about a month ago. I bought all PF 47's and PF 61's (Delta) on the shelf, yeah all 4 of them, 2 47's and 2 61's

[JLw7123]

mine is on but i ignore i i change mine every 3000 miles with mobile 1 synthetic and AC delco PF52 filter

[MMGT1]

From studies Ive seen, and tearing a few open at the dealership, the conclusion seems to be that WIX is one of the best made today. The Delco filters we are getting here now are not very good at all

[mmorello82]

AcDelco filters are made by Fram. Fram is NOT a good filter! Stick with WIX or Purolator. Those are the two highest micron rated and highest rated filters.

[JLw7123]

well i either use ac delco or mobile 1 oil filters i am probably going to use mobile 1 filter this time. I really like mobile 1 filters.

[billytheman1188]

I dont think we have any wix or purolater at the wal marts around here.....i always get delco....but if they arent that great then i wanna switch....hmmmm

[JLw7123]

Ya we do not have wix filters anywere were i live

[zzyzzx]

Ya we do not have wix filters anywere were i live

Around here, Wix filters seem to be mail order items only. I suppose that one could call around though.

[TheEdgeofSanity]

From My 2000 Alero Manual:

Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by
the GM Oil Life System
(or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). Reset the system. The system
will show you when to change the oil -- usually between
3,000 miles (5 000 km) and 7,500 miles (12 500 km)
since your last oil change. Under severe conditions, the
indicator may come on before 3,000 miles (5 000 km).
Never drive your vehicle more than 7,500 miles
(12 500 km) or 12 months without an oil and
filter change.
The system won’t detect dust in the oil. So if you
drive in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil and
filter every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner if the
CHANGE OIL light appears. Remember to reset
the Oil Life System when the oil and filter have been
changed. See “Oil Life System” in the Index for
information on resetting.
An Emission Control Service.

so, according to the manual, the light comes on at varying times depending on how the vehicle is driven.... this would be very misleading for GM to publish if the system comes on only at 3000 miles.

for the record, mine has come on before 3000 miles and after 3000 miles. I usually change my oil at 5,000 miles and the light has come on maybe 2 or 3 times since I have owned the car. I reset it every time I change the oil.

[[ion] C2]

so, according to the manual, the light comes on at varying times depending on how the vehicle is driven.... this would be very misleading for GM to publish if the system comes on only at 3000 miles.
Everyone's results seem to vary..