How does the Oil Life gauge work?
 

Does it actually have sensors, or does it just go off your mileage?

The reason I ask is because, the first time I changed my oil, the gauge was at 70%, and then after the oil change, it remained there.

The next time, it was at 40%, and I accidentally used 5w-30 instead of 5w-20, but it jumped up to 100% again.

I'm probably going to do oil changes on mileage, so it doesn't really matter to me, but I'm curious.

RE: How does the Oil Life gauge work?
 

do you own a honda? if so, what type?

RE: How does the Oil Life gauge work?
 

I have an 08 Accord coupe EX. I thought only Honda had that gauge.

RE: How does the Oil Life gauge work?
 

BMW does something similar, as well as other manufacturers. It would do you well to put your vehicle information in your signature.

in my 07, i have to reset it after completing a service. i would guess it goes off of the amount of gas used, the mileage varies based upon driving conditions.

RE: How does the Oil Life gauge work?
 

I believe its a complicated counter that keeps track of starts, cold-starts, time, total revolutions, probably weighted by temperature,how much throttle, etc...

Several companies are doing that. Saab starteddoing thatin 2003.

RE: How does the Oil Life gauge work?
 

you think it's that complicated Jim? I would be surprised.

RE: How does the Oil Life gauge work?
 

Magic!!!

RE: How does the Oil Life gauge work?
 

** Thanks Ed for reminding the Member to put his info about hais car in his signature..All of the members who ask questions about their cars should do that..**

Thank You :)

WheelBrokerAng [sm=pimp.gif]

RE: How does the Oil Life gauge work?
 

Saab & then GM is like that. I would be surprised if Honda was far behind.
You DO have to reset it, in both cases. Septimus primes story sounds like he didnt reset it after his first oil change, but DID reset it after the second??

I dont believe Honda or Saab/GM use actual sensors on the oil itself. But Ive heard that VW is doing that.

RE: How does the Oil Life gauge work?
 

i guess that's not too surprising. it would probably aid them in denying warranty claims.

two of my vehicles have little more than an engine computer on them. its refreshing.