[paulri]

I know how to make the light go off by working the odometer button. But is there a way to increase the number of miles in between the times when that light flashes?

 

[Zembonez]

I know how to make the light go off by working the odometer button. But is there a way to increase the number of miles in between the times when that light flashes?

That light comes on based on complex computation of engine temps, rpms, load, use, etc. It's designed to tell you when you need to do your maintenance... not to be used as a timer for your chosen oil change interval.

It's a pretty smart system. I've never seen one that was user adjustable.

That said... I just change mine at 5000 mile intervals using synthetics. Easy to remember 5,10,15, 20K... etc.

 

[paulri]

That light comes on based on complex computation of engine temps, rpms, load, use, etc. It's designed to tell you when you need to do your maintenance... not to be used as a timer for your chosen oil change interval.

It's a pretty smart system. I've never seen one that was user adjustable.

That said... I just change mine at 5000 mile intervals using synthetics. Easy to remember 5,10,15, 20K... etc.

I wasn't aware that it could vary from one oil change to another--I thought it just came on at the same mileage interval each time.

Anyways, ok I can just turn it off whenever it comes on.

 

[Zembonez]

My Camry, Accord, Scion XB, and GMC truck all come on a different mileage every time. Anywhere from 5000 to 8500 miles. I still change everything at 5K by habit though.

 

[cb91710]

Your GMC truck comes on anywhere from 5k to 8500, but your Toyotas are just 5k countdown timers.

 

[Zembonez]

Your GMC truck comes on anywhere from 5k to 8500, but your Toyotas are just 5k countdown timers.

I'll have to test that theory. The light always comes on well after I've done my 5K service, but I normally reset at oil changes. My 14 Accord comes on about 8500 miles. I assumed my others were doing the same.

 

[Zembonez]

I wasn't aware that it could vary from one oil change to another--I thought it just came on at the same mileage interval each time.

Anyways, ok I can just turn it off whenever it comes on.

UPDATE. It appears the Toyota system is indeed a 5000 mile reminder. It's smarter than that on my Accord and GMC.

Thanks cb91710

 

[cb91710]

4500 it will flash a few times on startup, then at 5k it comes on solid until reset.

 

[Zembonez]

4500 it will flash a few times on startup, then at 5k it comes on solid until reset.

Yep. Just read that in my XB manual. I always change it before it comes on, so I thought they were the same as my other vehicles. Thanks for the input.

 

[cb91710]

Yep. Just read that in my XB manual. I always change it before it comes on, so I thought they were the same as my other vehicles. Thanks for the input.

The GM oil life monitor does have a fair amount of intelligence behind it, apparently Honda does as well.
Toyota went the easy way out, perhaps because of the long term plans to go to the 10k OCI on newer engines running 0w20.

 

[Zembonez]

The GM oil life monitor does have a fair amount of intelligence behind it, apparently Honda does as well.
Toyota went the easy way out, perhaps because of the long term plans to go to the 10k OCI on newer engines running 0w20.

The Honda and GMC also report percentage of oil life remaining in their displays. Pretty handy.

 

[gregee]

service_indicator

Since I change my oil and filter every 6 months (April and October) regardless of mileage, I simply ignore my service light and wait for it to illuminate before setting it back to zero.
Greg