Spaceballsthelunchbox

So I am looking to buy a 2018 CTR and the odometer shows 236 miles, but the oil life indicator shows only 20% oil life left.
Does the oil life indicator use elapsed time as well?

TheShodan

iTrader: (14)

that's actually a good question. so far with our '17 SI, it's been much more accurate compared to our TSX from a decade earlier. I'm wondering what algorithm is begging used to calculate the oil use..

Spaceballsthelunchbox

So I take it Honda doesn't use an actual oil sensor, the oil life is calculated then....

TheShodan

iTrader: (14)

I wouldn't go so far as to saying that. It uses an oil pressure sensor, still, yes. But I can easily see it as being a combination of factors to determine the percentage of "use" that the oil has remaining similar to newer BMWs that no longer use a dipstick:. Oil Pressure, average rpm use, mileage, etc. to create a type of algorithm. I just don't see how it can use an "on the go" oil sensor to test oil viscosity, parts per million of possible contaminants or particles, etc. Even oil level is determined by oil pressure.

I think its some combination of the readings of the actual oil pressure sensor among other factors, that's all.

zeroptzero

it doesn't sound right to be at 20% unless it sat for 8 months and used age to de-rate the oil life. I guess it is technically possible but it sounds odd to me unless age of the oil is a big variable within the oil life algorithm. I know it is a factor but how much is unknown. If I bought the car I'd put in some fresh oil regardless, keep the oil filter and go for some fresh oil.

Chrisfrom1986

iTrader: (1)

For less than $10 there's no reason not to replace the filter as well.

turbociv910

you guys are way over thinking this.. its probabaly never been reset since it left the factory 2 years ago. time or mileage, which ever comes first.

BMW uses a level sensor (w a temp sensor build in), not a liquid chromatography sensor as that does not exist in a small form factor.

TheShodan

iTrader: (14)

Interesting.. makes perfect sense

turbociv910

only reason i know anything about bmw oil sensors is becuase I had a 135 race car and the customer wanted to use the factory oil level sensor to keep oil changes easier but the data is on a can..it is not a simple 0-5v sensor and dechiphering the can signal was a nightmare. 0 out 10 would not recomend.

thecca

I'd seriously think that the odometer was rolled back if I were you, and stay away from that car. It is impossible that 250 miles would take 80% oil life, even if you would run it pedal to the metal. My car currently has 1500miles and it is at 90% right now. It was freezing cold when I had it. Your oil life monitoring system takes several factors into consideration such as temperature, engine rev, speed, engine run time, outside temperature, etc.

Check with Honda USA to see if the oil life monitor takes into consideration the time since the last oil change (engine running or not). I highly doubt it. Perhaps a ''service'' message will appear on the dash, but your oil % should not decrease when your vehicle is not in use.

chi town brat

I'm just glad you bought it. Now let's meet up at the Shop and go get lunch!

wunfstgsr

My 2019 Jeep is the same the oil life indicator needs to be reset, the dealer does my oil change and they reset it to 100% so im sure maybe this is similar with your case.

Scotty23ef9

As a service advisor from Honda , this is correct. It uses multiple factors to determine when to change the oil or perform "maintenance" on the vehicle. Time is a factor but also heavy use of the vehicle as well. It could have been hot rodded or sat for a period of time.