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Oil Change Light

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Old Apr 26, 2008 | 07:04 PM
  #1  
Jay-mak's Avatar
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From: Louisville, KY
Oil Change Light

I have a 2001 Z and don't have an owner's Manual....how do I reset the "oil change" light?

Thanks.
Old Apr 26, 2008 | 07:08 PM
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From: Oshawa - Home of the 5th-gen
With ignition key "on", press and hold your trip meter reset button for approx. ~12 seconds. The "change oil" light will flash. Done.

OR (I've never actually done this method, but apparently it works too, without resetting your trip meter)...

... turn ignition "on", and push the gas pedal to the floor fully 3 times within 5 seconds.
Old Apr 26, 2008 | 10:37 PM
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From: Orange County, CA
Originally Posted by Capn Pete
With ignition key "on", press and hold your trip meter reset button for approx. ~12 seconds. The "change oil" light will flash. Done.

OR (I've never actually done this method, but apparently it works too, without resetting your trip meter)...

... turn ignition "on", and push the gas pedal to the floor fully 3 times within 5 seconds.
I did both, but I think it was the second that got rid of the oil light.
Old Apr 26, 2008 | 10:41 PM
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From: Little Rock, AR
Originally Posted by Jay-mak
I have a 2001 Z and don't have an owner's Manual....how do I reset the "oil change" light?

Thanks.
For future use you can get a manual here.
Old Apr 27, 2008 | 05:32 AM
  #5  
Capn Pete's Avatar
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From: Oshawa - Home of the 5th-gen
Originally Posted by ss.slp.ls1
I did both, but I think it was the second that got rid of the oil light.
FWIW, my Owner's Manual (had the car since day one ) says nothing about the gas pedal method, and only says to use the trip meter reset.

However, based on knowledge/experience of other vehicles, the gas pedal trick is a known method of resetting the light that people have used on the Camaros too.

But the trip reset should work.
Old Apr 27, 2008 | 01:47 PM
  #6  
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Thanks guys. I like the pedal method. I tried it first and it worked. Shoebox, thanks for the website for Owner's Manuals.
Old Apr 27, 2008 | 02:31 PM
  #7  
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Originally Posted by Capn Pete
FWIW, my Owner's Manual (had the car since day one ) says nothing about the gas pedal method, and only says to use the trip meter reset.

However, based on knowledge/experience of other vehicles, the gas pedal trick is a known method of resetting the light that people have used on the Camaros too.

But the trip reset should work.
The pedal method is how I reset the light on my 97 Grand Prix.

Interesting.
Old Apr 27, 2008 | 02:46 PM
  #8  
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Theres an oil change light?? Didn't know that.
Old Apr 27, 2008 | 03:52 PM
  #9  
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From: Haslett, Michigan
It's part of the GM's ECM: An algorithm that calculates oil life based on engine load and duty cycle. GM won an excellence in engineering award in 2001 for this particular algorithm, and I got to attend a presentation by the designer where she discussed the research that went into the design of the algorithm.

Here's a bit of information on it from a couple different websites.

---
GM's oil system challenges standard 3,000-mile service recommendation

GM claims it can double or even triple the time between oil changes in vehicles when compared to the common 3,000-mile recommendation simply by being able to evaluate driving conditions using its patented Oil Life System.

30 Mar 2004, 18:03 GMT - The oil system is currently fitted in about 95% of GM manufactured vehicles as well as on a wide variety of models since the mid-1990s. In total there are an estimated 20 million vehicles on the road that are equipped with GMOLS. The system itself uses an algorithm that tracks engine revolutions and temperature and predicts oil life based on these parameters and driver use.

The technology represents a departure from a convention industry approach based upon maintenance intervals on mileage.

FOR RELEASE: April 22, 2004

GM’s Simplified Vehicle Maintenance Can Save the Environment

3000-Mile Oil Changes May be Unnecessary

Earth Day

Grand Blanc, Mich. -How frequently should drivers change their engine oil? Most technicians will say 3,000 miles while others say 5,000 or 7,000. But ask Mr. Goodwrench and he'll offer a simple solution - let your vehicle tell you when. By following this simple recommendation, consumers can protect their wallets and the environment from unnecessary oil changes, helping reduce pollution and conserve resources this Earth Day.

GM's award-winning Oil Life System (GMOLS) uses an algorithm that evaluates engine speed and temperature and the system informs the driver when to change the engine oil with a simple change oil message on the dash. By bringing their vehicle into the nearest GM Goodwrench dealership at this time drivers can double or even triple the time between oil changes when compared to the common industry recommendation of 3,000 miles.

Why it's important

According to industry experts, oil changes can pose a significant environmental problem. The American Petroleum Institute estimates that more than 640 million gallons of motor oil are sold each year, about half of which is used by do-it-yourself oil changers. While gas stations, quick oil change shops and car dealerships generally follow good practices and return the used oil for recycling, only about a third of the do-it-yourselfers return used oil for recycling. That means hundreds of millions of gallons used motor oil are going unrecycled and often end up dumped on the ground, poured down storm sewers or sent to landfills.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that do-it-yourself oil changes are the single largest source of water pollution in the United States. Just one quart of improperly disposed used oil can contaminate 1 million gallons of water, enough to meet the needs of 50 people for a year.

"This car care season, we want owners of GM vehicles not to worry about deciding when to change their engine oil because leading-edge technology will determine the right time," said Peter Lord, executive director, GM Service Operations. "Simply visit your GM Goodwrench dealership when the vehicle signals and you won't have to worry about how many miles you have driven. There's also an extra level of comfort in knowing that this also can help tackle a growing environmental problem."

GMOLS is on about 95 percent of the vehicles that GM produces today and on a wide variety of models since the mid-1990's. There are roughly 20 million vehicles on the road today equipped with GMOLS. Together, these vehicles can help save an estimated 120 million gallons of oil if consumers simply follow the change oil light recommendation.

GM received the first-ever Environmental Excellence in Transportation Award from the Society of Automotive Engineers in 2001 for the Oil Life System.

GM's New Simplified Maintenance Schedules Challenge Industry Assumptions

GMOLS technology allows GM and GM Goodwrench dealerships to offer all new Simplified Maintenance Schedules on most 2004 vehicles to simplify maintenance for GM customers and to build long-lasting customer relationships. The new schedules are a departure from the typical industry approach of basing maintenance intervals on mileage. Instead of a complicated list of different services to be performed at different mileage intervals, GM's new Simplified Maintenance Schedules are based on the change oil light/message.

The first time the message on the dash appears, GM Goodwrench dealerships will offer a Maintenance I service package which includes an oil and filter change, a four-tire rotation, visual inspections of the fluid levels and brakes and a resetting of the system. The next time the message appears a Maintenance II service package is recommended, which includes everything in Maintenance I, plus a professional inspection of the suspension and steering components and the transmission. After the first two visits drivers will alternate between the two schedules as the prompt appears on the dash for the life of the vehicle. Since the system must be reset to work properly and many of the required maintenance services can be complex, GM recommends taking GMOLS-equipped vehicles to the GM experts at Goodwrench dealerships for proper service.

"Simplified Maintenance Schedules are a major convenience to drivers because it takes the guesswork out of when to change oil and it eliminates the need to make decisions regarding routine maintenance," Lord said. "Basically, when the light comes on you bring the vehicle in for maintenance and the technician can perform an oil change along with other necessary maintenance items such as checking belts, rotating tires and changing the air filter."

Consumers should check their owner's manual to determine if their GM vehicle has GMOLS. If it does, a GM Goodwrench dealership can service and reset the system at the vehicle's next oil change. If it doesn't, they should follow the oil change recommendations listed in their owner's manual. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year even if the GMOLS indicator does not come on.

The GM Oil Life System is available on all light-duty North American GM cars except for some models of Buick Park Avenue and Le Sabre, Pontiac Bonneville and Sunfire/Sunbird, Chevrolet Tracker, Cavalier and Malibu, S10/Sonoma trucks, Astro/Safari Vans, and the Pontiac Vibe. For more information about the GM Oil Life System, visit www.gmability.com.

GM Goodwrench is the service brand for GM vehicles. With more than 7,000 dealerships, the GM Goodwrench network is one of the largest automotive service chains in the industry. GM Goodwrench technicians receive specialized training from General Motors to provide expert care for GM cars and trucks. Genuine GM replacement parts are manufactured to the exact specifications of the GM vehicle. For more information, visit the GM Goodwrench web site at http://www.goodwrench.com.
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