Oil life computer
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Oil life computer
Just took my 2015 C7 Z51 out of winter storage. last oil change (second since new) at 2300 miles and maybe a year ago, I now have 4400 miles and the oil life remaining is 11%. What's up with that?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,382
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From: Lake Havasu City Arizona
The oil must be changed yearly. No matter how many miles you have driven it will be down to 0% after a year. It appears you have a month and a half to go, or so, and it will hit zero.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Toronto, Canada
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
The older GM cars did not count down by time - the C7 takes the worse of the time and usage of the oil (breakdown due to driving) and is not cumulative.
Last edited by Mad*Max; Apr 17, 2019 at 08:29 PM.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 630
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From: Florida
Every 6 months or 5,000 miles whichever comes first. More frequently in the old days (every 3,000 miles). Never had an oil related problem in over 50 years and 90 cars and trucks.
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Team Owner
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Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: Chirper Island
As numerous of us have pointed out.
Let us know when you have run out of warranty, so we can quit reminding you, unless you are still recklessly giving someone bad advice about this.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 925
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From: Cape Cod Peoples Republic of Massachusetts
I ran into the same thing. Car had been in storage since October and the first time out this month, I was shocked to get a "change engine oil now" message.
So, I checked oil life and sure enough it read 0%!
I went back through my OnStar reports and my last one on Oct 15 showed 47% oil life!!!
So, since October I drove 0 miles, but used up 47% of my oil life???
What a waste - geo
So, I checked oil life and sure enough it read 0%!
I went back through my OnStar reports and my last one on Oct 15 showed 47% oil life!!!
So, since October I drove 0 miles, but used up 47% of my oil life???
What a waste - geo
Last edited by nhisfan; Apr 18, 2019 at 12:34 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 26,228
Likes: 4,356
From: Chirper Island
I ran into the same thing. Car had been in storage since October and the first time out this month, I was shocked to get a "change engine oil now" message.
So, I checked oil life and sure enough it read 0%!
I went back through my OnStar reports and my last one on Oct 15 showed 47% oil life!!!
So, since October I drove 0 miles, but used up 47% of my oil life???
What a waste - geo
So, I checked oil life and sure enough it read 0%!
I went back through my OnStar reports and my last one on Oct 15 showed 47% oil life!!!
So, since October I drove 0 miles, but used up 47% of my oil life???
What a waste - geo
The OM always has said at X % or one year. Now the OLM tells you when the year is up. BFD. Nothing has really changed.
Ignore it at your peril! Have any sort of engine problem, be prepared to prove you did all the maintenance necessary.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 32,042
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Mobil 1 probably has a straight jacket in your size if you think their oil is defective at 2K miles. .
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 32,042
Likes: 4,610
I ran into the same thing. Car had been in storage since October and the first time out this month, I was shocked to get a "change engine oil now" message.
So, I checked oil life and sure enough it read 0%!
I went back through my OnStar reports and my last one on Oct 15 showed 47% oil life!!!
So, since October I drove 0 miles, but used up 47% of my oil life???
What a waste - geo
So, I checked oil life and sure enough it read 0%!
I went back through my OnStar reports and my last one on Oct 15 showed 47% oil life!!!
So, since October I drove 0 miles, but used up 47% of my oil life???
What a waste - geo
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 26,228
Likes: 4,356
From: Chirper Island
It's not what the oil is Capable of.
IT IS WHAT THE OLM SAYS THAT YOU SHOULD DO TO MAINTAIN YOUR WARRANTY!
Pro
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 630
Likes: 384
From: Florida
Interesting article from Amsoil that discusses the effects of time on oil in an engine regardless of mileage. Title is "Chemical Reactions Occur In Motor Oil, Even When Not In Use." Worth reading.
http://www.1st-in-synthetics.com/Tec...Not_In_Use.htm
http://www.1st-in-synthetics.com/Tec...Not_In_Use.htm
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 67
Likes: 13
From: Lebanon, Ohio
If you want to "game" the OLM, change the oil in the early Winter before storing (get out the old oil before long term storage), then reset the OLM at the first drive in the Spring. That way you have an accurate indication of true oil life remaining.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 329
Likes: 101
From: Chiggerbranch, MS
Man y'all slay me. At most an oil change is $100 and at the least you have a $70K car with a high performance engine. Give me a break and argue about something important while you change your damn oil.