Overview of Chevrolet Oil-Life Monitor (OLM) System and Indicators

Car symbols or lights on the dashboard serve as a reminder to maintain the car. The Chevrolet Oil Light Monitor shows you when your car needs service and when.

Performing all scheduled and recommended maintenance on your Chevrolet vehicle is necessary to keep it running properly so you can avoid many untimely, inconvenient and possibly costly repairs due to negligence. Thankfully, the days of a standardized manual maintenance schedule are coming to an end.

Smart technologies like General Motors' (GM's) Oil-Life Monitor (OLM) system automatically monitors your vehicle's oil life using an advanced on-board computer system algorithm that alerts owners when it's time to change the oil so they can decide problem quickly and without hassle. All the owner has to do is make an appointment with a trusted mechanic, take the car in for service, and the mechanic will take care of the rest; it is so simple.

How the Chevrolet Oil Life Monitor (OLM) System Works and What to Expect

The Chevrolet Oil Life Monitor (OLM) system is not just an oil quality sensor, but a software-algorithmic device that takes into account various engine operating conditions to determine the need for an oil change. Certain driving habits can affect oil life as well as driving conditions such as temperature and terrain. Lighter, more moderate driving conditions and temperatures will require less frequent oil changes and maintenance, while more severe driving conditions will require more frequent oil changes and maintenance. Read the table below to find out how the OLM system determines oil life:

The oil life counter is located on the information display on the instrument panel and will count down from 100% oil life to 0% oil life as you continue to drive, at which point the computer will prompt you to "Change Oil". Engine oil coming soon. After about 15% of the oil life, the computer will remind you that "Oil Change Required", giving you enough time to schedule your vehicle service ahead of time. It's important not to put off servicing your vehicle, especially when the gauge shows 0% oil life. If you wait and the maintenance is overdue, you run the risk of seriously damaging the engine, which can leave you stranded or worse. GM recommends changing the oil within two fills of the fuel tank from the first message.

The following table shows what the information on the dashboard means when the engine oil reaches a certain usage level:

When your car is ready for an oil change, GM has a standard checklist for servicing your Chevrolet:

Chevrolet also recommends the following scheduled maintenance items throughout the vehicle's life:

After completing an oil change and service, you may need to reset the OLM system in your Chevrolet. There are two options for first generation and second generation models. Find out how to do this by following the instructions below:

For third generation models (2014-2015):

Step 1: Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn the car to the "ON" position.. Do this without starting the car.

Step 2: Press the left arrow button on the right side of the steering wheel..

Step 3: Select the "INFORMATION" option.

Step 4: Scroll up until you find "OIL LIFE" and select it..

Step 5: Press and hold the "CHECK" button.. Hold until the OIL LIFE display changes to 100%.

For second generation models (2007-2013):

Step 1: Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn the car to the "ON" position.. Do this without starting the car.

Step 2: Press the accelerator pedal to the floor three times within five seconds.. The CHANGE OIL SOON indicator should start flashing, which means the system is rebooting.

Step 3: Turn off the ignition as soon as the light stops flashing.

While engine oil percentage is calculated according to an algorithm that takes into account driving style and other specific driving conditions, other maintenance information is based on standard time tables such as the old maintenance schedules found in the owner's manual. This does not mean that Chevrolet drivers should ignore such warnings. Proper maintenance will greatly extend the life of your vehicle, ensuring reliability, driving safety and a manufacturer's warranty. It can also provide great resale value. Such maintenance work must always be carried out by a qualified person. If you have any doubts about what the GM Oil Life Monitor (OLM) system means or what services your vehicle may require, feel free to seek advice from our experienced technicians.

If your Chevrolet's Oil Life Monitoring (OLM) system indicates that your vehicle is ready for service, have it checked by a certified mechanic such as AvtoTachki. Click here, select your vehicle and service or package, and book an appointment with us today. One of our certified mechanics will come to your home or office to service your vehicle.