Technical Twin air oil change reset

[Steveetee55]

Hi all well after a stressful week i'm up and running ready to do my panda twin airs oil service, I've bought the oil filter and new sump plug and washer my multiecuscan is up and running, question is it mega important to do the oil reset or is it a load of 'ahem' B.S, I read and heard conflicting information any of you done this out of interest

 

[lunchbeers]

I've done the reset, made sod all difference

 

[TTR]

Steeveetee55

Eh up, im a bit jury out on this point.

I get the point on my BMW when replacing the battery the IBS needs to understand that’s it’s new and there adjust the charge supply rate.

I’ve had my TA since 2015 and never done a reset - never any issues.

That said I could never find out what a oil reset did

Does it effect the uniair module and how it works or some other area

So if I had the militiscan kit I’d use it and reset, although I drop the oil and filter every 12 months regardless so maybe because the oils refreshed regularly it’s done me no harm.

Just my thoughts

 

[Steveetee55]

Steeveetee55

Eh up, im a bit jury out on this point.

I get the point on my BMW when replacing the battery the IBS needs to understand that’s it’s new and there adjust the charge supply rate.

I’ve had my TA since 2015 and never done a reset - never any issues.

That said I could never find out what a oil reset did

Does it effect the uniair module and how it works or some other area

So if I had the militiscan kit I’d use it and reset, although I drop the oil and filter every 12 months regardless so maybe because the oils refreshed regularly it’s done me no harm.

Just my thoughts

It's done 5100 miles since it was last serviced when i bought it, was done by the bloke I bought it off I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have done the reset on it that's why I'm wondering if it's a bit of a red herring, I'm gonna do the oil change see if it runs OK 1st

 

[Eltezz]

The general belief is that for optimum operation of the Uniair module, the ECM needs to calculate what the viscosity of the oil is at any given point. So it will take a snapshot of operating conditions and apply the necessary adjustments to get correct valve timing. Performing the oil reset gives the ECM a starting point for oil condition. From this point onwards it will begin to make allowances as the oil condition degrades.

How much difference this really makes in day to day running…who knows?

 

[Steveetee55]

Well oil change sorted 1/2 hour of swearing as whoever done the last service chewed up the sump plug got it out, just as well I bought a new plug and copper washer, started her up took her for test drive round the block convinced it's running quieter now, used the selenia 0w30 from shop4parts we'll happy going in for a cider or two and get the log burner fired up do the oil reset tomorrow morning that's one thing of my mind for now

 

[The Panda Nut]

The oil viscosity index changes as the oil ages. Resetting is only sensible as the tolerances to oil irreguarities are unknown. If it didnt mattr whey would they do it. The engine has a viscosity sensor and this factor is a KEY component of its running right. I would read the information on the multi air engines in downloads and if you still think it doesnt matter fair enough, but dont try selling it to me down the road. The TA is a hightly sophisticated design. Far to complex for comfort. If it was such a cracking idea it would be in wider use. I love mine but I fear its abillity to bankrupt me, so I play by its rules. You will not know how vital it is to treat it properly until it failes.

If you want to feed it carots or spuds, buy a horse lol. If it doesnt likemits grub, it will just leave it.

 

[The Panda Nut]

It's done 5100 miles since it was last serviced when i bought it, was done by the bloke I bought it off I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have done the reset on it that's why I'm wondering if it's a bit of a red herring, I'm gonna do the oil change see if it runs OK 1st

It will still go, but the ecu will be making adjustments based on progrmmed expectations, that it may not require having fresh oil. The valve opening varies, and the valve timing varies to deliver the best available performance from the tiny engine. I want mine doing its best and not losing 10 or 20% which is clearly possible. It would be interesting to try cars run on different oil and service regimes and see how they drive and what MPG they deliver.

TA and , Multi air are unique designs, they are high tech. Not a lot of point in buying a high tech engine and trearing it like a tractor. Personal choice but why ever not follow the service guidance. Gambling with a £2000 repair fro a few extra £ on the right oil and a reset is a no brainer for me.

 

[TTR]

Eh up steveetee55

I thought it might effect the uniair system, mines never played up not resetting but if you’ve got the kit I’d use it

Good job enjoy the cider

 

[Steveetee55]

Eh up steveetee55

I thought it might effect the uniair system, mines never played up not resetting but if you’ve got the kit I’d use it

Good job enjoy the cider

I'll reset it in the morning found it on mes,I'm enjoying the cider while I sit by my open fire in the living room

 

[euroben]

I'll reset it in the morning found it on mes,I'm enjoying the cider while I sit by my open fire in the living room

Any update since resetting it? Did it make a difference?

 

[Steveetee55]

Any update since resetting it? Did it make a difference?

No not really i thought it did at 1st but it doesn't sound or run any different, I drove it 190 miles yesterday to see my parents mums not well sadly, mostly on motorway and dual carriage way and it has been fine, I find it quite comfortable on a long run nicer than my wifes suzuki s cross all grip

 

[TTR]

Steevetee55

Eh up - well if I had the kit I’d do it, least you know it’s had a reset

As said I’ve always changed oil n filter every 12 months so I’m guessing the oil deterioration is minimal so if it affects the uniair module “gubbins” ( its a technical term) then hopefully on mine it’s negligible.

Good to get your feedback on this point

 

[Steveetee55]

Steevetee55

Eh up - well if I had the kit I’d do it, least you know it’s had a reset

As said I’ve always changed oil n filter every 12 months so I’m guessing the oil deterioration is minimal so if it affects the uniair module “gubbins” ( its a technical term) then hopefully on mine it’s negligible.

Good to get your feedback on this point

My dad always said gubbins it's an old school technical term take it apart and have look at the gubbins inside

 

[Zardo]

The oil viscosity index changes as the oil ages. Resetting is only sensible as the tolerances to oil irreguarities are unknown. If it didnt mattr whey would they do it. The engine has a viscosity sensor and this factor is a KEY component of its running right.

Interesting.
I couldn't find information on a viscosity sensor. However, there's a dedicated fast temperature sensor for engine oil, which seems to be used to infer the viscosity of the engine oil rather than measure it.

UniAir uses a defined volume of oil that is confined in the so-called high-pressure chamber. This oil volume can be varied using a 2/2-way solenoid valve. When the solenoid valve is closed, the oil acts as a hydraulically rigid pushrod.

Despite compensating the tolerances of the individual components, it is still necessary to optimize the precision of the switching times by means of an appropriate compensation function. This compensation is active during the entire lifecycle of the product and therefore also counteracts changes in switching times caused by aging.

First of all, the on and off times of each solenoid valve must be mentioned here. They are individually monitored using the current curve during each switching process for each cylinder and then readjusted depending on the operating condition using data maps in the engine control system. The special challenge in this case is the detectability of the current curve over the entire required temperature range and the oil viscosity associated with it. All solenoid valve components must be perfectly matched to each other to ensure this function.

It is necessary to monitor the oil viscosity, particularly during cold starts and the subsequent rise in internal temperature of the system. In this context, and as the only additional sensor for this system, the temperature sensor (Figure 13) is an important component. The sensor measures the oil temperature in real time and supplies an important input for the control unit for determining the oil viscosity. The temperature measurement sensor already present on the engine for measuring cooling water and engine oil is not fast enough.

The sensor with a NTC element (negative temperature coefficient) is specially calibrated for use at low temperatures (highest precision at 0 °C) and has a response time (T90 in water) of a maximum of 1.4 seconds.

UniAir – The first fully-variable, electro-hydraulic valve control system

Now that would explain why the UniAir action is highly dependend on engine oil temperature reaching the UniAir unit and therefore, whether the engine is cold or hot.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Interesting.
I couldn't find information on a viscosity sensor. However, there's a dedicated fast temperature sensor for engine oil, which seems to be used to infer the viscosity of the engine oil rather than measure it.







UniAir – The first fully-variable, electro-hydraulic valve control system

Now that would explain why the UniAir action is highly dependend on engine oil temperature reaching the UniAir unit and therefore, whether the engine is cold or hot.

You are right its temp. Also means the right vicicity index oil does have a bearing. Like most things it will work on a lot of oils but explains its needy behaviour. I dont wish to provoke mine..... Its odd enough when its OK!