You can change the oil at 3,000 miles, but it's just a waste of money and oil. Conventional oils can go approximately 6,000 miles and synthetics can be extended even further. Changing every 3,000 miles is old school and out-dated, but you have the right to change it that often if you like.

FYI, the owner's manual recommends changing every 6,000 miles.

 

[quote=Daves Dodge;2288415]My oil change due message just popped up and I only have 2800 miles on my truck, is that normal.

If it is your 1st oil change no, mine was like that on the 1st oil change

 

Check this out:

http://www.moparmagazine.com/2009/ma...ing_light.html

 

Good read.Some makes up to 10,000 miles now is acceptable.

 

Thanks for the link. I had the oil changed by the dealer and the light came on about 20 to 30 miles after the change. I brought it back to the dealer and they could not get the light to go out, I tried pressing the diesel pedal 3 times but the light stayed on after many tries to turn it off. I went to the link and the key word is pump the pedal SLOWLY

 

It uses and Algorithm based on driving conditions..

 

all depends on the type of driving you do. In my case living in a small town many trips are very short (less than 3 miles), less than 600 miles/month. Oil can start to look pretty dark in 3k.

Basically I do 2 oil changes a year. (6 months of 3K, whichever comes first). If I was doing a long trip then I would agree with you on a 6K change.

 

According to Chrysler's "MOPAR MAGAZINE"

There are six inputs used by the PCM. The factors which indicate severe use (and a shorter oil change interval) for each of these inputs are listed below:

• Ambient temperature – extended periods of low temperature operation
• Average vehicle speed – stop and go driving
• Engine run time – prolonged idling
• Trip length and coolant temperatures – short trips
• Engine speed and load – trailer tow usage
• Flex-fuel percentage – ethanol percentage of more than 60%

No mention of oil viscosity or blend above...Could Flex Fuel or ambient temp have been the cause?