Originally Posted by dwightdmagee
Just a reminder, the FSS can be read by pushing the left trip **** in twice, briskly. The car should get around 7K between changes. The system does not measure distance or time, but oil contaminants - the meter measures electrical resistance through the oil supply. Oil alone offers no electrical resistance, but dirt does. As the oil becomes contaminated, the meter measures electrical resistance across the oil supply and does the miles-to-next-change count-down.
Like hwcoleman said, the idiot light indicates low oil pressure/volume. Check this pronto.
Good luck.
So how come if you let the car sit for 2+ years (as some dealers did on their lots) the FSS will display DAYS overdue for an oil change and not miles?
Does oil get dirty just by sitting there?