How does Engine Oil Lamp Work?

K

krravi

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I am just curious how the engine lamp that ask us to change oil works.

Does it have some sort of a viscosity sensor in the oil reservoir or is it just the ECU computing how you drive?

I used regular oil and changed it every 5k miles. Now i have switched to Castrol Synthetic and i am wondering if i can stretch it to like 7k miles.
 
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Its just a preset odometer warning. I think you may be able to change the amount with the factory scantool, not sure never bothered to check it at work.
 
I'm pretty sure that the light is based on mileage alone and if you're going 5k on conventional, I'd say that 7k on synthetic would be no problem. Some say that even 10k is doable on a quality synthetic.


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Use only the Factory Reccomended Toyota Certified Super secret formula Synthetic blend for 10k Miles!

Just kiddin' But yeah, I would say if you're running synthetic and you do a lot of city/stop and go, 7-8k is a good interval, if you do a lot of freeway, you can stretch it to 10k.
 
A couple times ive had the oil changed (at 3k intervals ALWAYS) and about 2k into the driving cycle the MAINT light has come on due to the tech not doing the reset for the computer-reminder preset cycle, but NOT the OIL light.
 
I recall my OM stating that the light in my '07 comes on after 7,000 miles. But since I use full synthetic at 8k-10k mile changes (and HAVE been using that same frequency on numerous vehicles with over 150k and some over 200k miles) I consider the reminder a nuisance and just reset it.

Changing full synthetics at anything under 8k-10k miles is a waste unless you're towing a battleship or racing a LOT.
 
12guns said:
I just had an oil smple done after running Pennzoil Ultra Synthetic for 10k miles. Here's the link. They said I should try 11k next oil change. You should be fine w/ 7500 or more, but just to make sure, check out Blackstone Labs and have yours checked out. Cost is $25 for standard test or $35 with the test to see how much additive is left in the oil.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/85912-oil-sample-results.html
Click to expand...

I am going to do the Blackstone lab check. But i just changed oil, wondering how to get a sample. Maybe i could get a vacuum pump somewhere and try it through the dipstick.
 
I try to answer as many questions as I can. But the truth is that just cuz I am a Master Certified Tech doesn mean I know everything about every car.
Like my Auto Shop teacher says, "I don't expect you guys to actually remember all this stuff, but I expect you to know where to find it if you need it!"

Also, I can only access the Scantool at work and the samething with the TIS (Toyota Information System) Website and AllData... They have IP Locks on them so I can't log in anywhere but at a Dealership computer! :(
 
On my last SUV got 300k miles out of it and still ran great when i sold it, I ran synthetic and changed about every 10k +/- miles.
 
Ensure that the odometer switch displays the ODO.

With the ignition OFF, hold the button for the odo down.

Holding it down, turn on the ignition, but do NOT start the engine.

The light will blink some three times and then go off.

You are done.....at least for another 5000 miles.
 
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