Oil life indicator

[Cheryl]

Hi, can someone tell me if when the oil life indicator goes into the negative (ex. -100.00) does this mean if I don't get my car to the Honda place asap that it'll be damaged? I've only driven about 3,300 miles since my last oil change which in my other cars wasn't that bad cause I was getting to the shop that week. Due to life circumstances I haven't been able to get the car to the Honda service department until tomorrow or Friday (1-2 days hence). Am I doomed?:eek:

[ItFitsMe]

I think my indicator didn't go off the first time, until I had gone over 5000 miles. I wouldn't push it beyond the recommended limit, especially now that my mechanic told me to ignore the indicator and just change it every 3-400 miles--like clockwork.

[Shaelyn]

wait, did they reset the indicator? if they didn't, there's no need to panic. what I've seen says the indicator's based on mileage, rather than by the quality of the oil itself.
if you've gone only 3k miles, they probably didn't reset it.

you could check the oil...if it's like black and thick and burnt-smelling, you have a problem. if it's lighter, no problems.

or...like ItFitsMe suggests, you can go ahead and get it changed and not worry about it anymore :p

[mattftl]

you are not doomed..however i would recommend that you never do that again...try to get the car in for an oil change a couple weeks before if you know you are going to be too busy to take it in..
it is better to get the oil changed early rather than late...it might cost you 40 bucks now and get it done early rather that spending hundreds of dollars later depending on what type of damage is done due to old oil.
but check the oil when the car is cold and look at the color. what color is it? if it is dark brownish/gold..then it is ok. the only time you have to worry is when it is really dark brown with no gold, black or looks burnt.
i would recommend changing your oil every 5,000 miles regardless of the Maintence Minder system...anyone telling you to do it every 3,000-4,000 miles is just trying to make money off you. all the Honda technicans i talked to said that 5,000 miles is the safest bet without wasting money.
also every 5,000 miles, replace not only the oil, but the oil filter. not only is fresh oil important, but so is the oil filter since the filter takes care of the loose stuff that can ruin your engine.
also with every oil change..if you can afford to rotate your tires, do it...it is only about 10-15 dollars. this will add life to your tires and make them wear evenly since the tires on the Fit are only estimated to last 40,000 miles.

[fmoore]

How do "they" reset the oil life indator? I prefer to change my oil and filter myself.

[manxman]

How do "they" reset the oil life indator? I prefer to change my oil and filter myself.
Hey, Mr. Moore,
I just noticed your post. I replied to your question on the Noobie forum. There should be instructions for resetting your oil life meter in your owner's manual, but if I am wrong, just PM me. I have the factory Service Manual for the '09 Fit and it does have the reset instructions.

For sure, do not trust any quick oil change services, and don't pay the $100. plus per-hour labor rates at a dealership to do such a simple thing for you.

Some more free advice- buy the Fumoto Oil Drain Valve. It is worth 4 times its price. I have used this on three cars including my '07 Fit Sport that was wrecked. I have a new valve to go on my '09 sport next month when my first oil change comes due. My oil life still shows 70%, but it has been one year since I drove the car home. I don't want to leave the old oil in there any longer.

[claymore]

Ditto on using the fumoto valve. Get the one with the nipple on the end and a short piece of hose and you dump the oil right where you want it not on the floor. You can see one here:

http://www.hondafitforums.com/showthread.php?t=540