How does the oil change algorithm know synthetic or mineral oil in car?

[cboswell]

2010 4Runner w/ 113000 miles.

The oil age "sensor" is apparently an algorithm that uses vehicle usage and ambient conditions to calculate when to change the oil. Since synthetic oil is much more resilient than petroleum oil, what is the calculation based on? Do I assume the system is assuming petroleum oil is being used, or does it have a magic dipstick that senses synthetic oil. In other words, how real is the notification to change the oil if I'm using synthetic oil?
thanks.

 

[AuSeeker]

2010 4Runner w/ 113000 miles.

The oil age "sensor" is apparently an algorithm that uses vehicle usage and ambient conditions to calculate when to change the oil. Since synthetic oil is much more resilient than petroleum oil, what is the calculation based on? Do I assume the system is assuming petroleum oil is being used, or does it have a magic dipstick that senses synthetic oil. In other words, how real is the notification to change the oil if I'm using synthetic oil?
thanks.

The "Maint" /oil change light comes on based on mileage, it doesn't care what kind of oil you use because it's just a reminder light set to come on after a certain number miles after it was reset during the last oil change!

On my 4th Gen it's 5000 miles.

 

[jimmied]

It doesn’t know.

 

[pDubs]

Your 2010 4runner takes 0W-20 oil, which only exists in synthetic...

 

[LandCruiser]

It has an idiot light that comes on with mileage intervals that is supposed to be reset by the service tech, but it rarely is.

 

[pDubs]

Also, as other have mentioned, it's simply every 5,000 miles, the "Maintenance required" comes back on.

My wife has a Chevy Suburban which calculates idle time, cold starts, vehicle speed, RPM, mileage, etc to factor in when the oil should be changed. Much more realistic than just saying replace every X,000 miles.

 

[LandCruiser]

Also, as other have mentioned, it's simply every 5,000 miles, the "Maintenance required" comes back on.

My wife has a Chevy Suburban which calculates idle time, cold starts, vehicle speed, RPM, mileage, etc to factor in when the oil should be changed. Much more realistic than just saying replace every X,000 miles.

My Macan does that, also measures the oil level since there's no dipstick.