28th Jun 2005, 08:45

Actually, both descriptions of the oil life monitor are incorrect. The computer monitors several engine parameters such as number of cold starts, trip duration, ambient and engine operating temperature, and many others. It does not monitor oil viscosity, and it is not set to alert at a given mileage. It is correct that the computer algorithms that calculate oil life are for traditional (non-synthetic) oil, so synthetics most likely have more life beyond the monitor. The monitor illuminates at approximately 10% oil life remaining.

This is the same oil life monitor used in many GM cars and is described both online and in your owner's manual.

7th Sep 2005, 14:50

I have had three "part failures" on my 2005 Ion, which I've only had 8 months. It only has 5800 miles on it. The last two were within the same week and it appears that the service on the 2nd problem should have fixed everything but didn't. I literally had the same malfunction within 10 minutes of picking up the "fixed" car. This is my 4th Saturn and the first one with problems that I thought were uncommon given this company's reputation. The dealership's response to my questions about why this is happening to a relatively new car are that they don't know and this is what the warranty is for. I am not sure I will be buying another Saturn.

3rd Jan 2006, 22:58

You should check with you local dealer. I was told they only honor the engine for life program if you have you oil changed every 3,000 miles.

26th Jan 2006, 09:12

Your check engine light could be coming on because your gas cap isn't sealed tight enough. Mine kept doing that and the service department suggested this and it works! Stupid feature, but easy fix.

22nd Aug 2016, 00:14

You have to reset the oil life monitor every time you change the oil. That's why you had such a "short" oil change interval. Read the owner's manual. It tells you how to re-set the monitor. Don't trust the tech to do it each time.