Introduction to Hummer Oil Life Monitor Service Indicator Lights

Performing all scheduled and recommended maintenance on your Hummer 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 with an advanced algorithm-driven on-board computer system that alerts owners when it's time to change the oil. so they can fix 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 the Hummer Oil Life Monitor (OLM) System Works and What to Expect

The Hummer Oil Life Monitor (OLM) is not just an oil quality sensor, but an algorithmically controlled software 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 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 the OLM system determines oil life:

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. After about 15% of the oil life, the computer will remind you that "OIL CHANGE NEEDED", giving you enough time to plan ahead for servicing your vehicle. 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, Hummer cars, like most other vehicles, require an oil change at least once a year, whether the car is rarely driven short distances or is the queen of the garage. If the oil life monitor fails on your Hummer for a year or more, have your vehicle serviced 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 vehicle is ready for an oil change, Hummer recommends a series of checks to help keep your vehicle in good running condition and can help prevent untimely and costly engine damage, depending on your driving habits and conditions. Hummer has very specific scheduled maintenance schedules for your vehicle for a specific model and year. Click here and enter your model, year and mileage to find out which service package is right for your vehicle or refer to your owner's manual. Depending on variables such as vehicle year, model, and your specific driving habits and conditions, service information may vary depending on the frequency of maintenance as well as maintenance performed.

After completing an oil change and service, you may need to reset the OLM system in your Hummer. 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 your user manual for instructions on how to do this for your Hummer.

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 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 Hummer'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.