GM's OLM (Oil Life Monitor) System

Matt · 08-13-2010, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordo!

It really all depends on how well the algorithim models emprical data... it won't be 100%. That said, if it does better than a human staring blankly at a dipstick, it might be useful.

However, if you can't even select something to indicate dino vs synthetic, that adds in a lot of potential error right there...

I'd like to see how they developed the tech, the theory underlying the model, and how well their predicted values map onto empirical UOA's for a given oil, but my first blush response is it's nice idea but an even better gimmick.

The OLM has a specific set of constants to use during its calculations. One of those constants is the type of recommended oil. In cars like the CTS-V, the OLM is actually designed to only presume synthetic is in the car. On a Cobalt, it's always gonna presume there's dino in there.

But you're right, when a cobalt owner switches to Mobil 1, a common solution is to go through 2 cycles of the OLM, which pretty much defeats the whole purpose of system. (and should even make you question its validity)

Here are some of the variables that systems such as the OLM use to determine the remaining "life" of your oil:

Quote:

Conductivity -- how easily electric current passes through the oil (typically, the lower the electrical resistance, the more contaminants are in the oil)

Mechanical properties -- piezoelectric sensors can tell how thick the oil is by the force feedback it gives when sloshing around

Soot concentration -- dirty oil's days are definitely numbered

Presence of water -- water is an impurity in oil, since it hampers the oil's effectiveness and can corrode metal surfaces

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