I just hit 2500 miles and when i start my car a get a oil change message. Is it normal for the first change to come before 3000? I assume there is a sensor that reads the oil which is cool. I drive 40 miles round trip daily to work and have taken a couple of 300 mile trips.

My main concern is that Hurrican Ike is headed my way so I dont know if I can get to it this weekend, I like to do it my self and dont trust shops to change oil, I guess i'm old school that way.

 

I have seen a number of posts covering the oil change monitor and a general consensus
is that the determining factor is your style of driving combined with temp/braking and acceleration input from the control computers which determines the milage.
A lot of posts indicate 2500 to 3400 miles being the most usual numbers.
You turn it off by turning key to RUN and depressing gas pedal 3 times.

 

Thanks, bigtsr. After I change the oil do I have to "turn it off" or will it reset on it's own? I looked at the dip stick and oil still looks cleanish and is in the safe level. Due to time constraints and quality of oil Im gonna wait till closer to 3k.

 

The posts I have read indicate that you must reset the reminder yourself.

 

The "Oil Change" is a reminder and come on about 2600 miles.
I just reset mine this morning on my 2008 Dakota with 2732 miles.
The dealer just changed oil & filter (Free) in the 2008 Caliber yesterday
with 3199 miles and the "Change Oil " reminder never came on... go figure????
might come on next week .... LOL

In your Owners manual, it tell you how to reset the reminder.

You turn it off by turning key to RUN (Not starting)and depressing gas pedal 3 times
within 10 seconds and then turn key off.

 

Thanks all for the info. The job is done. I have reset the 'reminder' and all is good!