Maintenance I and II Schedules Descriptions

Maintenance I Service Package:

Change the engine oil and filter

Reset oil life system

Inspect engine air cleaner filter – replace as needed

Rotate tires and check inflation pressures and wear

Inspect brake system

Check engine coolant and windshield washer fluid levels – add fluid

Perform any needed additional services

Maintenance II Service Package

(includes everything in Maintenance I plus):

Inspect suspension and steering components

Inspect the engine cooling system

Inspect the wiper blades

Inspect restraint system components

Lubricate body components

Inspect the throttle system

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Questions and Answers for the

GM Oil Life Monitor System (OLMS)

How does the system work?

The GM Oil Life Monitor System is not a mileage counter. It is actually a computer based software algorithm that determines when to change oil based on engine operating conditions. There is no actual oil condition sensor. Rather, the computer continuously monitors engine-operating conditions to determine when to change oil. Over the years, millions of test miles have been accumulated to calibrate the system for a variety of vehicles. The system was first introduced in 1988 and is now on about 95 percent of the vehicles that GM produces today and on a wide variety of models since the mid-1990's. There are roughly 30 million vehicles on the road today equipped with the GM Oil Life Monitor System.

How do I operate the system?

The GM Oil Life Monitor System is very easy to use. First, refer to the vehicle owner’s manual for a description of the specific ‘change oil’ message and the instructions for resetting the system. When the vehicle has been driven the appropriate miles, the ‘change oil’ message will be illuminated on the instrument panel or driver information center when the vehicle is first started. An oil change should be done within two fuel tank fill-ups from when the message was first displayed. Immediately after the oil has been changed, the system must be reset. After resetting, the ‘change oil’ display will no longer be displayed after engine start up.

I change my oil every 3000 miles, so of what use is this system?

You can continue to change your oil every 3000 miles if you so choose, but remember to reset the system after changing the oil or you will get a false “change oil” message. However the GM Oil Life Monitor System will allow you the ability to extend the mileage between changes without harming your engine. This will save you time and money as well as helping to protect the environment by minimizing the amount of used oil.

Do I have to use special oil?

The GM Oil Life Monitor System is calibrated for use with standard “Starburst” mineral-based automotive engine oil. Synthetic oils are not required except for the Corvette. Make sure to read the owner’s manual and select the viscosity and oil grade that is correct for your engine. Any oil selected for use should carry the ILSAC "Starburst”.

How many miles can I expect to go between oil changes when using this system?

The beauty of the GM Oil Life Monitor System is that it will automatically adjust the oil change interval based engine characteristics, driving habits and the climate in which the vehicle is operated. For instance, mild highway driving in a warm climate will maximize the interval between oil changes. Depending on the vehicle, this could be in excess of 7000 miles and as high as 12,000 miles. On the other hand, short trip driving in cold a climate may limit the oil change to 3000 miles or less. In general, most people that drive a combination of city and highway schedules find that the GM Oil Life Monitor System will indicate an oil change every 7500 to 8500 miles

What happens if I change oil and forget to reset the system?

Since the GM Oil Life Monitor System does not actually sense oil condition, it is important that the engine computer knows when an oil change takes place. By enabling the reset, which is covered in the owner’s manual, it lets the computer know an oil change has taken place. In the event that an oil change is done without resetting the system, the ‘change oil’ indicator will remain illuminated until the system is reset. The more miles that are driven without the system being reset, the more inaccurate the GM Oil Life Monitor System will be. If more than 500 miles have been driven after an oil change without resetting the GM Oil Life Monitor System, the oil change interval should be defaulted back to 3000 miles. After the oil has been changed and the system reset, normal use of the system can be resumed.

Do I have to check my oil level now that my vehicle is equipped with the GM Oil Life Monitor System?

Yes, the system does not sense oil level. It is recommended that you check your oil every time you stop for gasoline.

I prefer to have my oil changed still around 3,500 miles, what should I do?

It is ok to change oil prior to being notified by the vehicle. Be sure the system is reset even if the GM Oil Life Monitor System light has not illuminated.

Can any dealer perform Maintenance I and Maintenance II services?

While we like to recommend coming back to us, any GM Goodwrench dealership can perform the Maintenance I and Maintenance II service and reset the GM Oil Life Monitor System.

I use synthetic oil, should I expect to get more miles before the trigger point with GM Oil Life Monitor System?

The GM Oil Life Monitor System is calculated based on the factory fill requirement. While some benefits may exist, the oil drain interval is not extended due to the use of synthetic oil.

 The oil change service station recommends that I change oil every 3000 miles. Why should I not believe them?

 The 3000 mile oil change is a very conservative approach to maintaining your vehicle that dates back to 1968. Many advancements in engine and oil technology have been made since then. These advancements, in conjunction with using the GM Oil Life Monitor System, allow engine oil drain intervals to be increased without risking harm your engine.  

I change my own oil, should I reset the system myself?

You can reset per the vehicle owner's manual.

Will I damage the car if I don't get the oil changed soon after the light comes on?

It is recommended that oil be changed within 600 miles of the change oil light / message.

During Summer I drive my vehicle in a very hot climate, do I need to change oil more often?

The beauty of the GM Oil Life Monitor System is that it calculates for severe climate use and determines the oil change interval just as it does for trailer towing as well as stop and go operation. There is no need to adjust the oil change based on climate, as well as vehicle use.

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Dave Kirk Automotive
2955 N Main Street
Crossville, TN 38555
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