Do the oil change yourself or only drive the vehicle 7500 miles a year.

 

Har Har

 

Hello folks, I own a 2018 Camry XSE and for the second time the dealership hasn't adjusted my next oil change to 7500mi as asked. Does anyone know how to do that and can tell me?

What do you mean? Are you talking about the little sticker?

 

no, they change the computer to a specified number for the next oil change. but set it at 5000 vs. 7500 like ive asked. so, when I hit the 5000 mark, every time I start the car, there is a warning on my instrument panel to take it in. I can delete that, but it get old after the first 200 times.

 

I seem to remember a post somewhere that described the process to define the miles for the interval. I don't use it so I may be off a bit. On some of the reset procedures (older models?), the "A" trip ODO showed zero's lined up and then it dropped the zeros one at a time until completed. I think on that style of reset you could define the interval by releasing the ODO reset button prior to all of the zeros disappearing. Hopefully someone can give more info on this subject for you. I think it was something like 1000 mi extra for each of the zeros. Again, I don't use this method and am only going by my [poor] memory. I honestly don't know if the later models have the ability to have the change interval modified.

The preset interval is setup the way it is so that you are reminded to do regular checks and rotate your wheels at 5K. Every other 5K interval coincides with the recommended 10K OCI. You could use one of your trip ODOs for your interval (I use the "B" trip) and watch it. You could also do a reset 2500 mi after your oil change. That way the reminder would be for your 7500 mi goal. Many here have chosen to do OCIs of 5K too.

 

I believe the distance is non-adjustable. I have done a bit of Google searching and come up with nothing.
Just going to have to reset it for the 201st time I suppose.

 

I should take it back to the dealership and make them do it.

 

It's not an oil change reminder, it's a service due reminder. Regardless of how you drive, the floor mats need to be inspected every 5k, and the tires rotated as well.

 

It's not an oil change reminder, it's a service due reminder. Regardless of how you drive, the floor mats need to be inspected every 5k, and the tires rotated as well.

Quote of the year!

 

TedL : Ah! Unintended Acceleration! I have run into the ECU changes made to counter this "problem".

In August of 2018 I responded to burban0428 on this forum about an experience with our 2018 LE.

I brake with my left foot in city driving and may have encountered this very situation. Engine unreponsive (did not accelerate even though I pressed on the gas pedal) and left me coasting thru an intersection with an active yellow light. Unable to reproduce & dealer clueless. Some more details on this if you have them. Related to the unintended acceleration events in the news a few years ago?

His response to me.

Again if you have both pedals depressed at the same time even the smallest amount it will not let you accelerate. There is nothing wrong with the car. It's a safety to keep people from riding down the road with your foot on the brake. I drive with both feet as well but do not have this problem as I keep my left foot off the brake. Technically you should only drive with one foot around town to avoid ever mistaking pedals.

My thoughts.

I continue to brake with my left foot in city driving BUT have made a conscious effort in the last couple of months to now rest my left foot on the floor when not actually braking and I have not had any more Engine unreponsive events in our 2018 LE. So I am convinced that I was resting my left foot on the brake pedal enough to lead the ECU to believe the brake was applied and it then ignored the gas pedal signal and sent the engine to idle causing these events. Must be several variables involved here as I cannot readily reproduce this. Have always braked with my left foot in our 94 Camry and never had it refuse to accelerate and no, I don't have to replace brake pads more often.

 

TedL : Ah! Unintended Acceleration! I have run into the ECU changes made to counter this "problem".

I have always (50+ years of driving) switched to left foot braking (two foot driving)when the circumstances warrant, and I'm not in a manual. I also change the intensity of my focus. Circumstances warranting, for me, include stop and go on highways, tight city traffic, or other circumstances where I choose not to maintain my normal generous spacing from the car in front of me. I know that accepted teaching is to the contrary. I have weighed that, I do what actually works for me. Learned to drive in NYC, live in an Upstate suburb.

 

@billt460
I believe that controls both reminders. so you just need to do that.

 

The computer firmware is a 5,000 maintenance reminder interval and it probably can't be reset. That said, a Toyota Master Technician ("The Car Care Nut" on YouTube) advises that you and your Toyota will be best served by a 6-month/5,000-mile oil change interval. Period. Toyota's recommended 10,000-mile interval has proven to be unsuitable for today's engines with variable valve timing and low-tension piston rings. The Car Care Nut has personally torn down over 100 Toyota engines due to oil burning issues and believes that the best way to prevent that is a shorter oil change interval. Word to the wise.

 

Clear the 5000 Maint Alert yourself, set trip B to zero at each oil change, and count to 7500.

 

Just change your oil/filter every 10K miles (use full synthetic oil). There's no reason to change oil every 7500 miles if you use full synthetic. I've been doing this on my 2006 Corolla since new and it runs PERFECT with 360,000 + miles on the odo, which stopped at 299,999 miles (dealer said that was normal). I now have to use the trip meter to keep track of milage for the oil change interval. I just set the 'oil change clock' to zero and when it lights up at 5K miles reset it to zero. Next time it comes on I know I have to change the oil. Far as I know there is no way to change the intervals to 7500 mi. Even though my 2019 Highlander's recommended oil change intervals are 10,000 miles, the light comes on at 5K miles. So I reset and change oil at every other light.

 

I just don't see any logic to 10,000 mile oil changes. Or even 7,500 miles for that matter. You can buy a 5 quart jug of top grade, full synthetic oil at Wal-Mart for under $25.00. Whatever weight you wish. And in spite of countless arguments in countless threads, that engine IS NOT addicted to 0W-16 oil. A filter is less than $5.00 more. And it takes under 30 minutes to change it. And over half of that is waiting for it to drain.

I'll save money elsewhere, but not on oil changes. There is simply no point to it. What are you saving by stretching it? The cost of a delivered pizza and a 6-pack of Coke?..... Without a tip. That hardly seems worth it to me.

 

I agree! I get 5 quart jugs of M1 0W40 and Walmart for $22-$26 per-jug. I think the norm for my Walmart is right around $24 most of the time. I have been using the cheapest filter I can get which is normally a SuperTech for over 12 years and never had an issue. For a long time I bought premium filters but with a lot of testing I found it made no difference at all. Just like I could buy Red Line Motor Oil @ $16 a quart but in my daily driver application it made no difference at all compared to the much more affordable M1 0W40 I buy retail. At the end of the day changing your oil 2x a year is not going to break the bank. Even if you went to a fast oil change place and used conventional oil 2x a year is not going to break the bank compared to all the money you spend on gas and other maintenance items over the life of the car. I am not a fan of conventional oil today because of the low tensions piston rings and higher head temps for emissions but that is a different topic for a different thread!

 

Yes write it down on an oil change reminder sticker and stick it on top of your w/shield. The maintenance reminder is set for 5,000 mile interval's and can not be calibrated any differently.

 

OCI is kind of a seperate thread, or should be; just like 'what is the best brand of oil'. In any case, my '19 Highlander XLE owner's manual specifically states 10K mi OCI, unless severe driving conditions, ie.: towing, excessive idling, plowing, etc. Now, I'm not telling anyone when to change their oil/filter or what brand to use (I like Mobil1 synthetic and Mobil1 Filters), like they say...'there's an ass for every toilet'. Most publications will tell you that with todays' modern synthetics and filters, 3000 mi. OCI's are not necessary-under normal driving conditions. If you get better sleep changing your oil every 3K-5K, you have my blessing...you could spend more on sleeping pills. As I stated above, my '06 Corolla has tons of good fuel efficient miles on the odo with regular 10K OCI, since new. And no, there is no gas making it's way into the oil. The Corolla truly shows 'full' on the dipstick just before I do the oil change. The oil isn't too dirty, doesn't remotely smell like gas, etc...so why mess with a good thing. It's worked for me on my '13 RAV4 and my wife's '04 Civic (200K+ mi), as well. My son works in Plano, Tx. for Toyota. He tests various toyota/Lexus systems, etc.
He has often assured me that Toyota USA stands by their recommended 10K OCI, again, under Normal driving conditions, even though the maintenance light comes on at 5K. I wouldn't go farther than 10K and some times I go less than 10K, strictly for convenience-no one wants to do an oil change during vacation trip, etc. I think common sence has more to do with it than any strict, dogmatic belief in the 'good old days' when we all used dino oil every 3K.

 

I guarantee gasoline and combustion gases are making it into your oil past the rings. It is physically impossible for it not to. If that was not the case your oil would last almost forever. Combustion temperatures and blow by are the main drivers of oxidation and contamination of the oil. Why do you think it changes colors, becomes acidic and wears out? If you drive enough hwy miles most of the gasoline will be burnt out of the oil but not all of it. People that do mostly around town driving like me might think their oil is full then they make a long road trip and find they are 1/2 a quart low. They think they burnt a lot of oil but what really happened was the oil was already consumed and fuel dilution was keeping the oil level reading full. The long road trip allowed the fuel trapped in the oil to burn off rapidly making it appear as if they suddenly burnt a lot of oil. Cold winter temp.'s and lots of short trips exasperate this normal action but do not allow for full burn off. If you wipe your dipstick on a napkin and sniff it assuming you do not have Covid-19 you should smell a faint fuel smell as well as the smell of the oil. It should be faint though not strong.

I can guarantee that if you drop an oil sample for used oil analysis UOA you will find fuel in the oil in the report! It is normal! Only if it is excessive is it a problem.

 

I can never remember what each vehicle reset procedure is. Every manufacturer is different and even vary between models. So I find it easiest to just refer to the owners manual and earmark the page. Or write it on a post-it and stick it in the front of the book.

 

Currently at home I have 2 Toyota's, 1 Saturn, 1 Chevy, and 1 Nissan.....I dog ear the owners manual as well for light bulbs, oil life reset, capacities etc......I do not choose to remember all that stuff. LOL I do well to remember which oil filter each engine takes!

 

I just keep an eye on the sticker and change it every 3000 miles, synthetic only. I find a Grupon to keep the cost down. I pamper my Highlander. It takes care of me so I take care of it.

 

I have been driving my 2003 Camry like I stole it and am on the run from the police since she was new with just 4 miles on her when I bought her from the Toyota dealer. She still does not burn any observable amount of oil on the dipstick between oil changes! I do pamper my manual transmission I freq. changed my gear lube every year. Now I do it every 2 years. I have tried conventional oil in my car when new including BP Gas Station15W40 and Delo 15W40. The first 5 years I tried everything from rather mundane conventional to Boutique Synthetics to European Only Oils. After that I pretty much settled on M1 and eventually M1 0W40. I used my car as a rolling laboratory for all kinds of things and she is mechanically like new. I also used to drain my radiator every year and refill with a gallon of new Toyota Ultra Long Life. Now I do it every 2 years.

Using high quality lubricants, changing when needed and pushing a vehicle a bit but not too far is the trick to long life. Neglect maintenance and they do not last. Push them too hard for too long and they do not last. I have found that pampering a vehicle though as in driving like a little old lady does not do an engine any favors. Freq. they have issues with corrosion inside the engine, stuck rings, glazed bores and gummed up emission systems etc....

 

OP's original question has been reasonably answered and this thread is now closed.