First reaction...WHOOOAAAAA. Someone needs to get slapped for not taking care of their vehicle!
Clearly abuse.
Sludge = lack of maintenance. Period. Doesnt matter that you have a failing component, oil doesn't get like that with a single oil change!

Chrysler products notorious for Sludge due to design flaws:
1998-2002 Chrysler
1998-2002 Dodge Dakota
1998-2002 Dodge Stratus
1998-2002 Plymouth Breeze
1998-2002 Chrysler Cirrus
1998-2002 Dodge Intrepid

Failed PCV is most typical culprit. Headgaskets can cause Sludge, short trips as well.

 

Hmm, 80W?

 

glenn.d.smith,

As the manufacturer, it is strongly recommended that you visit a certified Chrysler dealership to service your vehicle. This information and further details can be found in your Warranty Information and Maintenance Schedule booklet.

It is important to keep all records of your maintenance and ensure your are following the recommended intervals. Following these guidelines is the best way to ensure trouble-free operation. Be sure to use the correct engine oils and recommended fluids as well. In the event an issue occurs, these documents may be requested by your dealer during the diagnosis process.

 

But to clarify to the thread starter, you will NOT void your warranty by doing your own oil changes. Just save your oil and oil filter receipts and keep track of the mileage. This way you have proof the right parts were used in the right time frame.

Some dealers like to scare people into thinking that they have to have basic maintenance items performed by a dealer but this is simply not true. I for one have had more damage done to my past truck by having them perform the service then by doing it myself. Spilled oil onto the valve covers, grease on the steering wheel, dirty mats. They even misrouted the washer pump wiring when they replaced it under warranty and ended up causing more damage. Just because a shop specializes in the brand of vehicle you own does not magically mean they have the skills to do work on that vehicle better then anybody else. In fact my local mechanic i use worked at the Dodge dealer i bought my Ram from for 8 years as a mechanic before he came to the shop i use now.

 

Well the hemi got her first oil change. I put Moble 1 synthetic in it and changed it myself (I'm a licensed mechanic) with dodge filter, I've done the same with my 2012 journey r/t since new. I keep record of all oil changes.

 

Thanks to all who have posted. Whoever took the photo of the sludged up valvetrain...wow! I'm much too **** to let something like that happen. I change the oil when it is needed and use what's recommended. I too have been burned by dealerships and garages in the past and that's why I have been doing my own oil changes for the last 20 years. That being said, I'm 40 now and maybe its time to stop crawling around under my vehicles and have someone else get dirty. Problem is you have kids doing this sort of stuff at the dealerships and ignorant mechanics who think they know everything. For example I once had a mechanic tell me that my 2003 Ram had 2 catalytic converters and 4 O2 sensors...wrong. Now I would think that a Chrysler mechanic would know that this particular year did not have that configuration. Also, the salesman who sold me my 2012 didn't know that the hemis are recommended to take 89 octane fuel!!! He said they put regular fuel in all of their vehicles If I'm paying someone $120 bucks an hour to work on my truck, they had better know more than me.

 

Not saying yours did, but some of them did. Certain emission set-ups had 2 cats and and an upstream/downstream O2 sensor for each.

 

My 06' Hemi absolutely had 2 cats and 4 O2 sensors. I should know, i changed all 4 O2 sensors twice. Not sure for 03'.

Speaking of Catalytic converters, imagine having to invest in one of these:

http://www.autoaccessoriesgarage.com...Converter-Lock

 

Holy crap, those things are crazy. Not much of the cat theft around here to worry about this stuff.......yet

 

I had not even heard of it till recently. But i have never heard of anybody i know ever having it happen. When you read the comments under those locks, some people commented that it happened to them multiple times!