Engine Oil Life Index

OPERATION
This vehicle is equipped with an "Oil Life Index" which calculates engine oil life. This is done by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) which uses vehicle speed, coolant temperature, and engine RPM data to determine when the oil should be changed. Once the PCM determines it is necessary to change the oil, it lights the "CHANGE OIL SOON" telltale on the Driver Information Center (DIC). This is advising the driver that the remaining oil "Life" is under 10%. [This is not to be confused with oil level]. On a new vehicle or one which has just had the index reset, the oil life is 100%. This percentage will slowly decrease based on the inputs to the PCM.

The DIC will also display a "CHANGE OIL NOW" message when the engine oil life is at 0%. Both messages will be displayed upon each ignition cycle and will also be accompanied by a slow five second audible chime. The driver must acknowledge each of these messages by pressing the "RESET" button on the DIC.

A steady "CHANGE OIL SOON" message indicates that a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) 61 has been set. This is meant to further assist in diagnosis of a shorted switch. To further assist in diagnosis, the oil life remaining (in percent) can be displayed by pressing the "OIL" button on the DIC and advancing through the messages until the oil life index is displayed.

The oil life index will not detect excessively dusty conditions or engine malfunctions which may affect the oil. If you drive in dusty areas, change the engine oil after every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 3 months (whichever comes first), unless instructed to do so sooner by the DIC. Also, the PCM does not measure the oil level. Therefore, it remains the owners responsibility to check the oil level.

RESETTING OIL LIFE INDEX
After the engine oil has been changed, display the oil life index in the DIC, then hold the "RESET" button for five seconds. When a DIC message of "RESET" is displayed and the oil life index equals 100%, the reset is complete.