Here is a quote from another post and it's got me a little confused as to how the heck they know what the % of oil life is left. Can someone please help!!!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif





I do both use the system and my own intervals. I've an Amsoil dual remote system and right now with just over 5K on my oil the system indicates 45% left. My oil is still as clean on the dipstick as the day I changed it. I'll use the monitor now w/o reservation bc my oil is so clean. Maybe I'll have an analysis done next change to see what's going on.

Based on what I've been reading....


The Oil Life Sensor has no idea what condition your oil is in. The sensor is merely a computer-based algorithm that determines when to change the oil based on engine operating conditions. The algorithm starts with a pre-determined maximum oil mileage of 12,000 miles, according to GM, based on numerous oil analyses of optimum driving conditions using mineral-based oil. The system then monitors engine operating conditions and deducts oil life or mileage during less than optimum conditions, such as short-trip driving in cold climates. The system then displays the percentage of oil life remaining, or the percentage of the pre-set maximum 12,000 miles. The system will give the same readings whether you are using the cheapest quality oil or a premium synthetic oil.


In your quote above, it sounds like he is putting a little more trust in the Oil Life Sensor because he is using a premium synthetic oil along with the dual remote system which includes a bypass filter, which is far better filtration than a standard full-flow filter alone.


The only way to truly know the condition of your oil is to use oil analysis, which will show the wear metal content, viscosity, airborne dirt, additive concentration, and the oil's ability to neutralize acids due to combustion (TBN), among other indicators.


Hope this helps!

When or where does it display the percentage left. I have a 02 maybe my truck wasn't equipped to display the % left?????

The 02's just display 'change engine oil' in the message center....they don't show percentage of life remaining...

Thanks, now I can stop screwing around with trying to get it to read a %. I must have reset the stupid thing 10 times!!! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif oh well guess I better change the oil to make sure I don't go over my miles.


Thanks for the info.