DC_//S4

Hi guys, the "Service INSP" readout came on below my odometer so I got out my manual and looked it up. It doesn't say if the car needs the oil changed, a regular tune-up or what. The manual just tells you how to reset it.

I've only had the car for two months and it has 45K miles on it (it's a 1998). The oil change sticker on the windsheild says the oil's good until 46,600 but I have a feeling that I should just change it.

Any idea how to tell exactly what needs to be serviced when this alert comes on?!

beep-beep

But in general: the "indicator" counts miles since the last reset. You don't know when it was reset and you did not check the service intervals in your computer (somebody might changed it). It is not like a chemical lab, which tests the oil contamination. If you depend on the service indicator to remind you about the service, the manual provides enough information for you: "see indicator - bring the car to the dealer".

If you want to take care about car by yourself, I would suggest following your manual with 45K service. I also would suggest changing the oil right after buying the car.
If you do not want to spend these $50 on oil change right now - check the oil dipstick. If oil is still light - you can wait

DC_//S4

So I don't know why it can't say "Service INSP- OIL" or "Service INSP- 45K Maintenance".

Don't tell me I'm supposed to blindly turn my car over to a dealer and give them carte blanche every time this thing comes up on my dash?!

Whatever, like you said, I should change the oil and get a basic check-up since the car is new to me anyway.