Understanding the Oldsmobile Oil Life System and Service Lights

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

Smart technology like General Motors' (GM's) Oil Life System (OLS) automatically monitors your vehicle's oil life with an advanced algorithm-driven on-board computer system that alerts owners when it's time to change the oil so they can solve the problem quickly and without hassle. When a service light comes on, such as the "ENGINE OIL CHANGE SOON" light, 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 Oldsmobile Oil Life System Works and What to Expect

Oldsmobile Oil Life System is not just an oil quality sensor, but a software-algorithmic device that takes into account various engine operating conditions and determines the need for an oil change. Certain driving habits can affect oil life as well as driving conditions such as temperature and terrain. Lighter to 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 OLS determines oil life:

Attention: Engine oil life depends not only on the factors listed above, but also on the specific car model, year of manufacture and recommended type of oil. For more information on which oil is recommended for your vehicle, see your owner's manual and feel free to seek advice from one of our experienced technicians.

The oil life counter is located in the information display on the dashboard and counts down from 100% oil life to 0% oil life as you continue to drive; at some point, the computer will prompt you to CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON. The computer will remind you of about 15% oil life end, giving you plenty of time to plan ahead for your vehicle's maintenance. 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 or within 600 miles. In addition, Oldsmobile vehicles, like most other vehicles, require an oil change at least once a year, regardless of whether the car is rarely driven short distances or is the queen of garages. If OLS hasn't worked on your Oldsmobile for a year or more, take your vehicle in for service as soon as possible.

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 Oldsmobile:

Oldsmobile also recommends the following scheduled maintenance items throughout the life of the vehicle:

After completing an oil change and service, you may need to reset the OLS in your Oldsmobile. Some service people neglect this, which can lead to premature and unnecessary operation of the service indicator. There are many different ways to reset this indicator, depending on your model and year. Please refer to the user manual for instructions on how to do this for your Oldsmobile.

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. Proper maintenance will greatly extend the life of your vehicle, ensuring reliability, driving safety, a manufacturer's warranty, and greater resale value. Such maintenance work must always be carried out by a qualified person. If you have any doubts about what Oldsmobile OLS stands for or what services your vehicle may require, feel free to seek advice from our experienced technicians.

If your Oldsmobile's OLS shows 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.