FAQs
What is the best oil?
This question is often asked. There are many factors to consider in determining the best oil such as cost, additives, regional conditions, driving habits, etc. The IntelliStick can help you determine which oil works best in your particular engine by allowing you to see when the additives deplete for any oil brand and how long the oil lasts prior to oxidation.
What do the additives in oil do?
Every motor oil today uses additives to help extend the life of the oil. One major class is metal phenoxides which prevent oxidation that can lead to sludge formation. They also serve as detergents and carry particulates to the oil filter for removal. The other key additive is ZDDP composition (zinc dialkyldithiophosphate) which provides anti-wear, anti-oxidant, and anti-corrosion inhibitors.
Will IntelliStick fit my vehicle?
The IntelliStick is designed to fit most vehicles. A list is being developed to determine all years, makes and models of engines the IntelliStick is known to fit. Please call customer service at 888-812-5988 to see if your engine is listed. However, some engines use a small diameter dipstick tube or may crimp the bottom of the dipstick tube restricting the diameter of the tube. In these cases, the IntelliStick may not fit without modification to the dipstick tube.
Will any brand of PDA work with the IntelliStick?
No, only PDAs equipped with Bluetooth and Windows 5.0 or later can communicate with the IntelliStick. Check the IntelliStick website for compatibility with future Windows and Bluetooth releases.
What tools are required to install the IntelliStick?
Only basic hand tools are required to install an IntelliStick; a drill and drill bit, screwdriver, wire crimpers/strippers, a permanent marker, and an allen wrench (included in the kit).
How can I check oil level with the IntelliStick?
To determine oil level, the IntelliStick must be measured using the original dipstick (ssee the User Manual). Draw a line with a permanent marker to indicate the “Add” and “Full” measurement marks corresponding to the original dipstick “Add” and “Full” marks. Due to manufacturer warranty issues, we recommend you use your OEM dipstick to verify oil level.
Where can the electronics assembly be mounted?
The electronics assembly can be mounted under the hood on the firewall (recommended) or in the passenger compartment.
Why does it take so long for the data to download from the IntelliStick to my PDA?
Since every PDA is different, it may take up to 5 minutes for the Bluetooth device to find and synchronize with the IntelliStick electronics assembly. Some PDAs only take a few seconds to locate and synchronize. Depending on the PDA manufacturer, surrounding electronics noise and other conditions, your PDA may communicate fast or slow. Laptops have the quickest download time.
Which PDA is best suited to communicate with the IntelliStick?
Although IntelliStick does not recommend any particular brand of PDA, we have found that several Smart phones and PDAs perform better than others. Refer to the list of compatible devices or contact IntelliStick for recommended products.
Sometimes the graphic data shows high or low spikes, what does that mean?
These spikes can mean different things, including; the IntelliStick is removed from oil, a contamination (water/coolant/fuel) in the oil, new oil or an additive has been added, there is a major oil loss, or data is not collected in a timely manner. The graph will spike with high points or low points, depending on what occurred and the current oil condition. Contact IntelliStick with questions.
After I changed my oil, there does not appear to be any noticeable change in my graph, why is that?
The IntelliStick will begin to recognize the difference in electrical properties of changed oil after the oil has reached a temperature of 150°F. It will often take two or three 'engine at temperature' events for the IntelliStick to reset the graph points and become clearly noticeable on your display.
Does data get lost if using two separate devices, for example downloading to my PDA and my PC?
No, the data does not get lost. However, some gaps in the data may appear if data is not collected by both devices.
How much data will the IntelliStick store?
The IntelliStick will store about 2 weeks worth of data. If you do not download data at least every 2 weeks, some data will be over-written and replaced with new readings, depending on how often you drive. If data is not collected, data may appear to have gaps or spikes as new data is downloaded.
Why do I need to save my original dipstick?
The original dipstick is the most accurate measuring device for the specific engine type, therefore; IntelliStick recommends saving the original dipstick. In some cases, your original dipstick may need to be inserted for factory servicing.
