Security & Change Oil Soon

[MagnumFiredNeon]

'99 3100 series

More stuff I guess. Security light comes on after awhile while I'm driving, and remains on for awhile. Then it goes off. I read in the manual that this means PassKey II has malfunctioned and needs to be replaced/repaired. Is that system something even worth fixing?

Secondly, I just changed my oil about 300 miles ago. (5W-30 Valvoline conventional) I added some Valve-Medic to the crank shortly thereafter, and now today, the CHG OIL SOON light illuminates and remains on for about a minute after I start the car. Is the sensor just very sensitive and is picking up a different viscosity, or should I change the oil again just to be safe? I know the $30 would have been wasted for the last change, but that's better than having something fucked up later on.

Also, the factory CD player has died. It was the "AM-FM Stereo / CD with Automatic Tone Control", and I'm just wondering now, theoretically, if I were to take it to a GM dealer, how much would it cost to have them replace the unit with a new, identical one?

If that's impossible, which aftermarket CD player would you suggest that has good dimensions to fit as seamlessly as possible in the Lumina? Mine has bench seats, there is no "console". Most aftermarket CD players I've seen in '95-'01 Luminas and Montes looked like crap, so I'm wondering if any of you have found one that fits and blends in nicely.

Thanks

[jeffcoslacker]

1. The VATS key system will prevent the car from starting once it goes. If you have another copy of the key, try using it for a while and see what happens. That light has been coming on in mine too for a while. I'm ignoring it.


2. The oil change interval is not a SENSOR, per se, but rather the ECM keeping a running tally of miles, conditions, idle time, etc, to estimate oil life. I think it's just coincidence.

3. I bet you can find one of those units pretty cheap if you check around. I bought one from a guy who got an upgrade, the CD deck with SCV, for $50. It had the same one before only cassette, so it fit right in.

4. Check online Crutchfield for aftermarket fit options.

[jeffcoslacker]

PS I bet the light was never cleared after the last oil change. You have to reset it manually...

[MagnumFiredNeon]

Ah, thank you jeffco. Now that I think of it, VIOC probably either didn't know about the monitor or how to reset it.

Is this the proper way to reset the oil life monitor?

Turn the ignition key to the on or run position, DO not crank to start, the engine must be off! Depress the gas pedal all the way to the floor three (3) times within five (5) seconds. On the third depression, hold the gas pedal to the floor, the message center will flash then go out if done properly. Turn the ignition key off for about ten seconds. Start the vehicle, the message reminder should be out.

-I believe that was for a 1999 Silverado, but you'd think it would work for a 1999 Lumina as well. I'll just ask before I try it, although I'm sure there's no harm in trying either.

Later last night, I drove the car around, and Security lit as a bulb check, remained on for about 5 seconds, and shut off for the entire drive every place I went. Must have just been acting up (same key, otherone is in safe keeping back at home...damn expensive keys).