I know I've seen threads before about oil changes, but I can't seem to find them now.

Anyway, I've hit the 3k mile mark but do not have the change oil idiot light yet...Should I wait or get it done? First one at the dealer is free so I'm taking it in to them and to check for recall/updated flashes.

 

It boils down to personal preference. I did my first at 1,500 miles. I don't put a lot of miles on my vehicles and do short trips. I have always done changes at 3K or 6 months whichever comes first. Look at your owners manual. Dodge basically says 6K or 6 months for normal driving.

 

I recommend the first change at 2500 miles and then again at the 5000 mark. After those first two, every 5000 will be fine regardless of indicator.

 

Does anyone know what logic the oil change indicator uses to tell us when to change? Is it really looking at oil contamination or is it a combination of time, RPM's, temperature, etc.? Mine has been coming on a tick over 6,000 miles each time. This truck is predominately used for trips that last over 30 minutes each way and longer in most instances.

 

Up to if want to do any oil change, but it is not do for one until 6000 miles or 10000 KM.
5W20 oil

 

I was equally surprised.

I even called the dealer to check if it was normal by 6000 miles. Lo and behold, the very next day it came on!

I did about 1500 of those miles in two longish roundtrips. The rest is in Atlanta traffic though, 25 miles each way to work.

 

I had mine changed today. 6228 miles and 198 engine hours. My light never did come on. I had it changed at 3000 miles so I don't know if the dealer "reset" the light or what. They also did the ABS Flash today 09-041