Change Oil - Light

[Trey24]

Hey guys,

Just purchased a 99 with 50k miles. The dealer changed the oil last and the sticker says it's been 3000 miles. The "change oil light" did come on. Do I need to wait till it does or just ignore it and change it at 3000k intravals each time.

Thanks -

Trey

[Labatt]

The light is just an indicator or reminder. Go with the mileage on the truck or the use of the truck. You can reset the light and proceed. I change mine evry 3000 - 3500 miles and I have over 210 000 miles without any problems.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by Trey24

Hey guys,

Just purchased a 99 with 50k miles. The dealer changed the oil last and the sticker says it's been 3000 miles. The "change oil light" did come on. Do I need to wait till it does or just ignore it and change it at 3000k intravals each time.

Thanks -

Trey

The light does not come on for a 3000 mile change. more like 5 to 8-10K
If it has 3K on it and you are going to use the 3K oil change intervial get it changed.

[grego10r]

i change my what ever i see the lite its like 3000+ sometimes 3500mis the lite comes on but not 8 to 10 k mils i dont thing so

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by grego10r

i change my what ever i see the lite its like 3000+ sometimes 3500mis the lite comes on but not 8 to 10 k mils i dont thing so

Yours must have a little smarter computer than most.
Most manf set them up to go for the 5-8K oil changes.
Even one went as far as a 20K oil change but had a class action suit over that deal.
Or in other words so do and some do not.
So do not believe a word of what that light tells you.
MT

[TexasF355F1]

The lights a piece of crap and never works correctly. It did when I first got my truck about twice, then didn't come on for like 10,000 miles. The different intervals since then.

[grego10r]

are you talking dessel motor or gas

[twomorestrokes]

The light intervals have nothing to do with mileage. There is a whole lot of variables that go into the length of time that it takes for the light to trip, such as engine run time, idling time, length of trips, speed etc. A car driven mainly on the highway everyday will see much longer intervals between the warning light. All city driving will trip the light quicker. Mine comes on roughly every 5k which is very useable for me with Mobil 1 in the crankcase.

There has been a couple of very interesting threads on this forum that explain the workings of the warning light, and all of the variables that control it. It is very involved. Oil life can be much longer for one driver, where his neighbor may work in town and have to change it much more frequently.

If you are concerned about it, use the old sticker routine and change the oil on intervals that you are comfortable with.

[jeverett]

THe chevrolet place told me to trust the light that theres a sensor in the pan that checks the visocosity of the oil, so I did..then 7000 miles later it came on. I didnt like that so I just started watching the miles.

[twomorestrokes]

There are many sensors controlling it. According to GM, 7000 miles is fine for your driving habits. I don't blame you for watching the miles yourself and changing oil earlier.

[silverado122775]

I know it does not monitor dirt in the oil. so if you drive in dusty or dirt roads alot I would go with the 3K rule. Mine comes on betweeen 5-7K miles.. just really depends.. the more hwy trips I do.. the longer it takes to come on.
The more city trips I do.. it comes on sooner.. like at 5k miles or so.