Oil Change Frequency Query (Honda CR-V)

John Kimble on 03/01/2019 - 10:34
Last edited 03/01/2019 - 22:01

Hi,

I have a 2018 Honda CR-V we picked up in July 2018.

The "Engine Oil replacement Due Soon" recently comes up every time we start the car, but it's only done about 5,500kms. It says it needs to be changed in 1,100kms. Does anyone here know how sophisticated the monitoring system is? Does it actually calculate based on driving history/style and conditions, or is it just a distance thing?

We live in Sydney and I wouldn't think we drive outside of normal conditions…

I am not 100% sure, but when we first bought the car and I was fiddling around with the menus and such, I vaguely remember it saying the oil condition was 100% and it would need to be changed in 7,500kms…which makes me think it is not very sophisticated and just a distance thing (although it's odd that 5,500 + 1,100 <> 7,500???). If this is true, then are Honda being sneaky when it comes to 12 months or 10,000kms by adding the last bit to "12 months, or 10,000kms, or when the engine oil monitor light illuminates"

Googling:
- Someone experienced a similar issue here: https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/q-and-a/honda-cr-v-2…
- Appears in general most people say to just "trust" the car and change it…but I suspect they are not Ozbargainers.

Thoughts? Comments? Trolls?

Thanks in advance.

DJK

PS - I have not contacted Honda to discuss given the response the person got in the link above and that I believe they will just respond the same to protect their butts or ensure they get an earlier service out of me…
- I am not the type to change it myself; which would likely void the warranty given my lack of automobile expertise.

Edit/update: Thanks to oscargamer, I read my service manual more carefully and there are "severe conditions" that may cause the car to prompt an earlier engine oil change notification. I don't think we regularly do any of these, but who knows…some are not clearly defined (to me at least). See https://imgur.com/a/Ac3b27E

Poll Options

  • 5
    Change it within 1,100kms
  • 14
    Wait till 12 months or 10,000kms
Automotive Engine Oil

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 03/01/2019 - 10:40
    +2

    Have you tried visually checking the condition of the oil yourself?

    • John Kimble on 03/01/2019 - 10:58
      -2

      No I haven't…but have no idea what it's supposed to look like anyway. In my Googling on this topic, someone said a visual inspection is not always accurate for colour and viscosity at least?

      https://www.crvownersclub.com/forums/137-2017-present-offici…

      The MM isn't stupid; if you make a lot of short trips, it will adjust the oil life accordingly. And color isn't an indication of much of anything. You expect used oil, even in good usable condition to be very dark. Lastly, when the stock oil is 0W-20, it's gonna be thin out of the bottle, and it's what the engine was designed to expect. You can't really make useful viscosity judgements by eye; you need to have an analysis done.
      Lastly, the idea that we need to keep to the same 3,000 mile interval as was used many decades ago with lousy engines and even lousier oil doesn't make much sense.

      • TheBilly on 03/01/2019 - 11:18
        +2

        Check the level of oil, not the appearance. Oil level could be low, nd hence the sensor is picking up on this. Appearance doesn't mean anything unless you are Investigating a serious mechanical issue or failure, which I don't believe is your issue at such low KM's.

        • John Kimble on 03/01/2019 - 11:27

          OK, will do. But I would have thought that would be a separate warning indicator.

          • Cheeper on 03/01/2019 - 11:35
            +3

            @John Kimble: That light is commonly known as the too late light. (the damage has been done)

          • TheBilly on 03/01/2019 - 12:11

            @John Kimble: There is usually a dip stick in the engine bay that you can pull out and check. Youtube should have a guide.

        • John Kimble on 03/01/2019 - 12:31

          Just checked the logbook it says " Note: The Honda Engine Oil Monitoring System will not monitor the engine oil level, only the condition of the oil."

          • dcep on 03/01/2019 - 14:03
            +1

            @John Kimble: No that's BS.

            I refuse to believe your car came equipped with "Honda Engine Oil Monitoring System" that capable of examine/analyse the condition of the oil on the fly.

            It's just a dumb counter.

            • John Kimble on 03/01/2019 - 14:06

              @dcep: I guess that is the whole point of my post; if anyone actually knows for sure. :)

            • John Kimble on 03/01/2019 - 22:07
              +1

              @dcep: Apparently it does have some smarts! See bottom of https://imgur.com/a/Ac3b27E

              • dcep on 03/01/2019 - 22:18
                +1

                @John Kimble: i see.

                it logs your driving behavior.

                the oil change algorithm based on driving condition does makes sense,
                though i would have thought city driving on frequent short trips with start/stop traffics are pretty common as a norm these days.

      • [Deactivated] on 03/01/2019 - 12:17
        +1

        Nothing is ALWAYS accurate.

        But if the oil is as black as night, or thicker than honey then it is a pretty good indicator that it needs to be changed.

        • dcep on 03/01/2019 - 14:04

          I won't say color is the right indicator of the oil condition.

          • [Deactivated] on 03/01/2019 - 14:28

            @dcep: It is one of the many indicators.

            For example, if you oil looks like chocolate milk…. It is clearly not a good indicator.

  • swapsey on 03/01/2019 - 10:56

    The warranty will only be voided if something related to oil change goes wrong and they can draw the line connecting the two. Is it worth the risk to save $100 or so? You are talking about ~7,000 for first oil change vs 10,000km.

    Could it be that the engine knows 6 months has passed and it's 10,000km or 6 months for oil change?

    • John Kimble on 03/01/2019 - 10:59

      I don't think it's a time thing, it started late December which is only 5 months? Plus Honda spruik 12 month service intervals, not 6 months.

      I'm kind of also thinking long term though, if I have to change oil/service every ~7,500kms, then it falls well short of their 12 month, 10,000kms service interval schedule and would add up over the years…essentially being "short changed" 25%.

      • swapsey on 03/01/2019 - 11:05

        Interesting stuff from Honda once you do some reading, like this:

        But depending on what you own, the servicing schedule may be different. Older Honda models require maintenance every six months or 10,000km, where newer examples from the Japanese company need servicing every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever occurs first.

        Those intervals are worse than plenty of competitors (many now have annual or 15,000km intervals), but Honda makes up for it with transparent pricing, including costs for additional extras.

        Source: Honda capped price servicing - cost, schedule & info

        • John Kimble on 03/01/2019 - 11:09

          One of the main reasons we got the new CRV was it was 12 months/10,000kms. Says on their website and in the logbook (along with that "or when the engine oil monitor light illuminates")

          • swapsey on 03/01/2019 - 11:11
            +1

            @John Kimble: Yeah my friend had a cr-v a few years back and said it was one of his best purchases ever. The fixed price servicing is a nice feature, as long as they aren't trigger happy on other "services" while the car is in their shop.

    • KingNgope on 03/01/2019 - 11:06

      I've also wondered especially new cars - if they are recommending 10k intervals and I change 5k myself and the 10k at the dealership.
      Surely this won't affect warranty right?
      As we all know the more frequently you change the oil the better it is for the engine.

      • swapsey on 03/01/2019 - 11:08

        Just keep receipts and fill out log book yourself. Receipts for recommended oil and filter would help show you did the change yourself.

      • Aesir5 on 07/01/2019 - 21:31

        Are you a qualified mechanic?

  • Cheeper on 03/01/2019 - 11:34

    "when we first bought the car and I was fiddling around with the menus and such"
    Could you have changed the km to miles in the oil change area?
    You would have got a owners handbook with your new car.. if it says 10k first service in there then just ignore the light for a few k's and report it when you get it serviced at 10k.

    • John Kimble on 03/01/2019 - 11:50

      I doubt it, but will check, thanks.

  • oscargamer on 03/01/2019 - 12:20

    Do what the printed manual says.

    The electronic thing either guesses when it's due, or just counts down.

    • John Kimble on 03/01/2019 - 12:27

      They've covered their butts because the printed book says "12 months, or 10,000kms, or when the engine oil monitor light illuminates".

      • oscargamer on 03/01/2019 - 12:34

        Then do the oil change when the first of these occurs…..you had to ask, having read the manual?

        • John Kimble on 03/01/2019 - 12:45

          Because as I said in the OP, it seems very odd I would need to do it sooner given we don't drive abnormally and it would be almost misleading if they advertise predominantly "12 months or 10,000kms", but then have to do it every 7,500kms.

          Cell just posted that in their case it wasn't reset correctly, so perhaps that's what happened here.
          https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/6801008/redir

          • oscargamer on 03/01/2019 - 13:50
            +1

            @John Kimble: What's your definition of 'abnormally'?

            Have you read the bit in the manual about 'severe driving' or similar wording?

            Most city dwellers fall into the category of 'severe driving'.

            • John Kimble on 03/01/2019 - 13:56

              @oscargamer: Anytime where one is accelerating/braking excessively or unnecessarily, taking turns at a higher speed than needed? Basically driving like your stereotypical teenager/hoon?

              No, but I will take a look and see if there is anything defined in the manual.

              • oscargamer on 03/01/2019 - 13:57

                @John Kimble: Your definition would be more appropriate for wear and tear on suspension items and brakes, not really engine related.

                • John Kimble on 03/01/2019 - 14:05

                  @oscargamer: Surely it would put extra strain on the engine also?

                  • dcep on 03/01/2019 - 14:08
                    +1

                    @John Kimble: Yes, more engine wear on city start/stop driving compares to highway mileage

                  • oscargamer on 03/01/2019 - 14:09
                    +1

                    @John Kimble: Just read your manual about severe conditions/driving……….

                    • John Kimble on 03/01/2019 - 21:57

                      @oscargamer: https://imgur.com/a/Ac3b27E

                      Might do A occasionally…

                      C - Would sitting in the car idling with A/C on for about 1 hour (baby and/or toddler sleeping in the car) be considered an "extreme idling condition"? Still don't do that regularly…

                      • abb on 07/01/2019 - 11:32

                        @John Kimble: I would guess that idling for longer than ~5 minutes could be classed as extreme. 1hr, definitely.

  • JIMB0 on 03/01/2019 - 12:22

    The only way to know for sure would be to take an oil sample and get it analysed.

    • John Kimble on 03/01/2019 - 14:21

      Do people actually do this???

      • [Deactivated] on 03/01/2019 - 14:29
        +1

        For diesel machinery, yes it is very common.

        Regular cars? Rarely.

  • cell on 03/01/2019 - 12:38
    +4

    I had the same issue with my Civic RS, oil light popped up around 6000 kms a few months after purchase. Called the dealership, they confirmed that the oil indicator wasn't reset properly before delivery, and showed me how to reset the alert. Ended up servicing at around 10500kms with no issues.

    • John Kimble on 03/01/2019 - 12:48
      +1

      Interesting, I might ask them too and see what they say. Cheers!

      • oscargamer on 03/01/2019 - 13:51
        +1

        If you do, make a note of the name of the person you spoke to and date and time. Make sure you cover your axxx by getting advice from a real mechanic not the cleaner or salesman.

  • theguru1 on 04/01/2019 - 07:25
    +1

    Change the oil as per the indicator/ manual.
    Despite your normal driving being city cycle, stop/ start driving is service service for the engine and should be serviced as such.
    Car dealerships can/will deny warranty if the service intervals are not followed. Expensive.

  • andyhui01 on 04/01/2019 - 10:09

    Pretty sure it calculates based on driving conditions. Do you do alot of stop start inner city and next to no freeway driving?

    I know for a fact on BMW's they go by Fuel used and not km. This way even cars only driven in inner city or spends lots of time idling are serviced appropriately.

  • gbones on 05/01/2019 - 23:22

    i just purchased a CRV. any questions i should ask when i go and collect the car?

    • John Kimble on 06/01/2019 - 20:51

      Nothing I can think of…the important questions should be asked before you buy???

  • porsche804 on 09/01/2019 - 01:16
    +1

    Google "CRV oil dilution" issue. Your early oil change notification might be due to a known CRV worldwide issue that is currently fixed on the 2019 CRV and is being fixed in a software update in some parts of the USA.

  • John Kimble on 06/03/2019 - 09:06

    Update: Ended up getting the service at about 7,000kms in mid Feb. Since then, only driven about 500kms and the car is saying oil change im 6,000kms again! FML!

    • BuddhaBoy on 25/05/2019 - 16:54
      +1

      Hi John,

      I got a brand new CRV in July 2018 and did around 6000km by Nov 2018 and the engine oil came on. from what I remember, I had 1500km left before the first service so I kept driving and ended up doing my 10,000km in Dec 2018.

      I too was disappointed as initially I thought the car only wanted service once and year but that is wrong.

      After first service in Dec 2018, this time, right before I reached 19,000kms and the light came on. I am due for my 20,000km service in two weeks time.

      For me I think it’s just that I drive around 100km a day but I can see the second engine oil light came right closing to 19000km.

      Also, FYI - don’t worry about engine oil dilution issues. That has only occurred in countries with sub zero temperatures.

      Overall my car is running well.

      Btw, I have the VTI-LX model.

      Cheers

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