I tried doing some searches without any luck so if this has been answers a dozens times, many apologies. I usually only change my oil when the light comes on to tell it is time and always use Mobil 1 full synthetic. I was thinking it has been some time since my last oil change, then I realized that I have done a bit of work here and there that needed the battery to be disconnected. Does that reset the oil life meter (or whatever OLM stands for)? If not, how are people checking these percentages? A regular code scanner or will Autozone read those for you if you ask? Does anyone have a recommendation on a reasonably priced scanner for an occasional weekend DIYer? Any help is always much appreciated.
Oil Life Meter?
- Thread starter rictus8791
- Start date
Uncle Blazer
Member
- Dec 8, 2011
- 263
for a good read on people's opinions on when to change the oil, take a look at http://gmtnation.com/f23/when-should-i-change-my-oil-715/
Thanks, I scanned through most of that thread but only saw the eternal debate, nothing that answered my questions.
Uncle Blazer
Member
- Dec 8, 2011
- 263
I think the point made by the debating is that some people let the computer tell them when to change the oil, and others change it at a set interval. To each their own. Will disconnecting the battery reset the OLM, I dont know; I go by miles driven and dont pay much attention to the change oil light. somebody else will have to chime in on that one.
For your second question, most people around here use Scangauge 2.
For your second question, most people around here use Scangauge 2.
Thanks for the information on the OLM. Is the ScanGauge2 worth the investment for the occasional tinkerer and DIYer? Or is this more something for a hardcore tinkerer and tweaker?
Voymom
Member
- Feb 3, 2012
- 2,523
rictus8791 said:
I think the answer for this is more of a personal choice. A lot of people do just about ALL if not ALL their own mechanical/maintenance work on top of their own modifications and tweaks. I personally feel that it's worth every penny. I do almost all the mechanical and maintenance plus mods on my truck like many other members here do(I said almost cuz hubby helps as he has more muscles lol). I also have a truck that just adores spending my hard earned cash, as we seem to have an issue every other week with it, so for me it's extremely useful.
Plus I live in a VERY VERY small town, and no one here owns a scan tool, even the BIG time mechanics don't have one, so if something were to happen where a scan tool is needed, I'd have to travel quite a ways. The closest scan tool is at O'reilly's, but the PCM has to be throwing a code in order for it to even read anything. Plus not to mention that dealerships can charge a freaking arm and a leg to diagnose a mechanical/electrical problem. It cost me almost $200 bucks just for them to diagnose a failing fan clutch, luckily my extended warranty paid for all those costs.
SO I think the decision is a personal one, but just know that it has been pretty damn handy for those who have spent the money for one, even if they aren't using it all the time, or even frequently at all, at least they have the peace of mind knowing that if there comes a time, or need...they will have one ready to go to work for them. It makes diagnosing issues of all kinds so much easier!
AtlWrk
Member
- Dec 6, 2011
- 674
bleu7 said:
The app is called Torque. This is what I use and it has been sufficient for 99% of my needs. I never cared/looked at trying to get oil life from it but recent versions allow you to create your own PIDs. I don't see any reason it wouldn't be possible. The app is actively supported and under constant improvement by its developer. My primary reason for getting it was transmission temperatures and that works well now.
A word of caution: there have been numerous reports of super-cheap chinese-knockoff bluetooth OBD modules that are dead-on-arrival or flakey. I fortunately gambled and won with one. YMMV
and for under $20, and i have had no issues getting replacement for items ive bought with warranty