2006 DIC/oil change question

WT2k6 · February 18, 2007

2006 Silverado (v6, auto trans)

My truck is more or less the base model. As far as I can tell from the owner's manual it has some rudimentary form of the DIC (message only I guess). I was under the impression that it will tell me when to change my oil based on some kind fluid-monitoring calculation. I've gone a little over 7k with no change. I started expecting an indication around 4k but I decided to wait on the system to prompt me. I'm getting nervous at this point but I don't want to mess up the system's calibration. I read something on a GM website about how you can expect to go up to 10k between changes under certain circumstances. My driving is about a 70/30 mix of highway/city.

My questions are:

1. Do I even have a DIC or DIC-like system that will prompt me to change my oil based on something more scientific than "every 3-5k miles"?

2. If I do, why hasn't it piped up yet?

3. A corrollary to question 2: Should I just go ahead and change the oil without the indication? If we can somehow determine that I do have the system but for some reason it isn't working properly, how do I reset it after I change the oil?

Thanks in advance.

Ranger · February 19, 2007

I always change my oil based on mileage. The DIC OLM is just based on engine revolutions and operation conditions, not mileage. You can conceivably wait til it comes on, but I wouldn't leave regular oil in the engine longer than the 5-6k. I change mine at 3k cause I do a lot of towing and hauling.

TonyMazz · February 19, 2007

You have the OLM in your truck if it's a 2006.

Don't be surprised if you in fact run further....since the OLM is based on revolutions, temp, engine load, fuel input, closed loop time, open loop time, etc....much more that someone who thinks they on top of their oil and work strictly by mileage.

I have done extensive analysis on OLM and if you want to explore for yourself check the the patents out....I have also allowed the OLM to tell me when to change...i.e. 8900 miles with both convention and synthetic...the TBN additive package had plenty left on the oil at 8900 miles....unlike the old oils and engines that barely could make 3000 miles before they looked like 3 day old coffee...

Thye marketing of oil and old school teaches us that 3K OCI's are best ...and certainly you can hurt your motor....don't think for a second that GM is going put in the OLM to hurt motors and get warranty recalls...the conditions, tracking in real time of your motor is more effective than anyone can do manually.....that said...there is one condition it does not consider (because it can't) and that's the dirt condition..i.e. dusty roads, etc.....no way of calculating dirt factor...that requires common sense of driver.

While I would consider following the oil life monitor the most effective way to keep your oil expense down, oil changes efficient, I certainly have nothing against a fanatical approach either....I am a die hard 3K OCI guy who has backed off and am using the OLM on an 04 Hoe' and 05 Equinox with success....

Too each his own...but you are ok....BTW the OLM was created with conventional oil in mind....our oils today are 100 times better than they were in the 60,70,80's !!!

Lastly....if your engine is under extreme load, hauling, hot, hard working conditions.....the OLM will trip in as little as 1500 miles or so...have never seen this personally, but know of folks that have ......so if you follow your 3000mile rule then you'd be hurting your engine.....just an FYI......

"Set it and forget it...."....

WT2k6 · February 19, 2007

Thanks a lot for your response, Tony. I will look at the patents you recommended when I have some spare time.

Dirt roads are not a concern as I live in a throroughly paved city (Houston); nor do I tow or haul regularly.

lpetersonjr · February 20, 2007

Thanks a lot for your response, Tony. I will look at the patents you recommended when I have some spare time.

Dirt roads are not a concern as I live in a throroughly paved city (Houston); nor do I tow or haul regularly.

WT2k6, I do oil analysis for my customers and remember reading an article about GM's OLM and the number of oil analysis they ran to ensure the system works. Bottom line, in every case, there was still 25% oil life left when the OLM indicated the oil needed to be changed.

The article said GM dealers collected oil samples from customers that normally had their oil changed at the dealership and sent them in for analysis to make sure nothing was tampered with. I'll be honest I've tried several Google searches since to find that message again and haven't found it yet. If anyone on this forum has seen it or has it please post it here.

My daughter's Trailblazer averages 9800 miles before the light comes on. She drives 25 miles to and from work so the oil is getting fully warmed up and she doesn't do any towing or racing. My Tahoe averages 6500 miles but I'm much closer to town and sometimes find myself next to a Dodge or Ford at a stop light and might lean on it a little bit...

HTH,

Lynn