Cadillac CTS oil life percentage

[HondaEXrider22]

Hello, I have a 2005 CTS that has the computer thing that reads the engine oil life percentage. What is the "proper" percentage to change it by?

[MOFO]

I was just talking to a co worker about this since our company vehicles have this feature (new Impala's).

Personally, I do not follow this - I change my oil every 5k.

The percentage will vary based on driving style (highway driving - low RPM and stop and go - high RPM). I think there are other factors that come into play as well. Obviously the harder you drive your car, the faster the percentage will drop.

If you choose to use the car's oil computer, don't worry about watching your percentage as it will display "Change oil soon" once it reaches a certain level (~5% I think).

Hope this helps...

[HondaEXrider22]

Yea, it it going in for a change next week, even though the percentage still reads about 65%

[MOFO]

Originally posted by HondaEXrider22
Yea, it it going in for a change next week, even though the percentage still reads about 65%


Keep in mind that during the oil change it will require someone to reset the counter. Most places won't do this unless its a GM dealer (and even some GM dealers overlook this).

If I remember right, you have to turn your key to the on position (don't start the car) and pump the gas pedal 3-4 times. This should reset the counter if they do not catch it.

[beaker1214]

yeah Im pretty sure that the percentage is set for 6000 miles even though I go ahead and change mine every three.

[parkers30]

As MOFO commented the Life % is actually a calculation based on a number of inputs, run time, temperature, throttle position, RPM, etc...

[Flip_SideEX]

Yes if you have to reset it, my gmc sierra required 5 pumps of the gas pedal with the key turned to the step right before fire up. though it might be a little different. it will say it in the manual. ;)

[mineralgrey01gt]

id just change it every 3K with synthetic fluids

[Toadz400]

Originally posted by Flip_SideEX
Yes if you have to reset it, my gmc sierra required 5 pumps of the gas pedal with the key turned to the step right before fire up. though it might be a little different. it will say it in the manual. ;)

Yep. I would check in the manual for sure. I know a few of the newer vehicles are a bit funky.

[HondaEXrider22]

OK, thanks alot guys. I will also ask the dealer as they will be changing it anyway.(Got a hell of a deal)

[1fastR]

Originally posted by mineralgrey01gt
id just change it every 3K with synthetic fluids


why would you do that? that would be a waste of money, on a full synthetic oil you get about a 6000-7500 mile range per oil change. thats the perk of buying it plus the add protection. full synthetic oil runs about $5-$6 per qaurt. your run of the mill valvoline is $1.25-$1.99 per qaurt.