Just bought a 2001 LS. The oil change indicator came on at 15,908 miles. Is that normal or is it responding to service by the previous owner? The manual says it should be changed every 3,000 miles. I bought the car with a little over 14K original miles on it and I changed the oil at 15K. I'd like to reset the indicator so it comes on again at 18K, and every 3K afterward. Is that doable?

Michael

 

The oil change indicator comes on when the system determines it's time for the oil to be changed. I run synthetic and generally go 8000 kms between oil changes sometimes more sometimes less, just depends on what type of driving I have been doing and how long it has been. Oil is recommended to be changed every 3 months regardless of how many miles you have put on the car.

Personally if the light came on, I would first check to make sure it has not lost oil, in case you are seeing the low oil light, and secondly change the oil and reset the system by pushing the gas pedal 3 times quickly while the key is in the on position (I think that's what it is at the moment lol, it could be the acc position) just to keep her running smooth.

Just looked at your post again and you only went 908 miles after the oil change? Did you reset the oil change light when you did the change, or did you just change the oil and keep going? If you didn't reset the light, then you probably just need to do that by doing the above mentioned method, if you did, definitely check to ensure you are not low on oil

 

Yea it sounds like it just needs to be reset. But like Ken said check it just to be sure. Oil is cheaper than a motor. That's what my dad always said.

 

Yes, I had changed the oil but I hadn't reset the indicator because it wasn't on at the time. However, I have reset it now and I'll be changing my oil at 3,000 mile intervals. I never feel comfortable going much longer than that. Thanks for the feedback.