Bad Oil Change Experience @ Dealership
Site Moderator-Dodge Tech
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Nashville, Tennessee
my shocked face !!
Last edited by TNtech; Jul 7, 2013 at 09:24 AM.
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 304
Likes: 1
From:
The GM problem with the 4-cyls wasn't limited to people using the wrong oil. It was timing chain stretch that happened even if you used synthetic. So they reprogrammed the oil change light.
The latest generation of GM vehicles that require DEXOS oil have an oil life monitoring system that records how many cold starts, how long the drive, under what loads and temps, RPMs and then calculates how long the oil will last. They can do that because they know exactly which oil you put in it. If you don't use DEXOS, you void your warranty.
From what I'm reading in the trade press, we can expect other manufacturers to follow.
They're trying to get away from the wild claims of extended oil changes being made. Because, in reality, nobody can predict how long an oil will last unless they know how you drive the vehicle. Lots of short trips in stop and go driving is really hard on the oil, so is hauling a trailer.
The latest generation of GM vehicles that require DEXOS oil have an oil life monitoring system that records how many cold starts, how long the drive, under what loads and temps, RPMs and then calculates how long the oil will last. They can do that because they know exactly which oil you put in it. If you don't use DEXOS, you void your warranty.
From what I'm reading in the trade press, we can expect other manufacturers to follow.
They're trying to get away from the wild claims of extended oil changes being made. Because, in reality, nobody can predict how long an oil will last unless they know how you drive the vehicle. Lots of short trips in stop and go driving is really hard on the oil, so is hauling a trailer.
Last edited by RickMN; Jul 7, 2013 at 10:57 AM.
Professional
Joined: Nov 2011
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I've been going to the same mechanic for over 20 years. He does the work I can't do or don't have time to do. He's not cheap, is ex Mopar and I trust him with our cars which are not cheap either. He doesn't mind it when I buy the parts and supplies because I can get them cheaper than he does. Bottom line, find a local mechanic and don't use these "speedy" places.
Amateur
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 28
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From: Brampton, ON, Canada
Is there any similar requirement for Dodge Grand Caravans?
I don't seen anything so strict for my 2011 DGC, was wondering about newer models or the T&C.
I don't seen anything so strict for my 2011 DGC, was wondering about newer models or the T&C.
Record Breaker
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,873
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No requirement as far as warranty concern. Just regular SAE/API standard oil is fine. But I think the owner's manual's 8,000 mile interval is for Synthetic Blend oil. If you are using conventional oil, I would NOT go over 5,000 mile oil change interval.
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
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I leave it up to you whether Chrysler actually "requires" or just "recommends" oil meeting MS-6395.
For me, I will only use an oil that specifies, on the container, that it meets MS-6395 (at least as long as my powertrain warranty is in effect). There are several name brand oils that specify that they meet MS-6395, and they are priced comparable to oils that do not.
I have included some quotes from 2011 literature, you will find very similar if not identical passages in literature from 2008 thru 2013.
The following quote is from the 2011 Users Guide:
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES Engine Oil with Filter 3.6L:
API certified 5W-30 engine oil, meeting the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your oil filler cap for correct SAE grade.
API certified 5W-30 engine oil, meeting the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your oil filler cap for correct SAE grade.
Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles (E-85) and Gasoline Vehicles
FFV vehicles operated on E-85 require specially formulated engine oils. These special requirements are included in MOPAR engine oils, and in equivalent oils meeting Chrysler Specification MS-6395. The manufacturer requires engine oils that are API Certified and meet the requirements of Material Standard MS-6395. MS-6395 contains additional requirements, developed during extensive fleet testing, to provide additional protection to Chrysler Group LLC engines. Use MOPAR or an equivalent oil meeting the specification MS-6395.
FFV vehicles operated on E-85 require specially formulated engine oils. These special requirements are included in MOPAR engine oils, and in equivalent oils meeting Chrysler Specification MS-6395. The manufacturer requires engine oils that are API Certified and meet the requirements of Material Standard MS-6395. MS-6395 contains additional requirements, developed during extensive fleet testing, to provide additional protection to Chrysler Group LLC engines. Use MOPAR or an equivalent oil meeting the specification MS-6395.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only recommends engine oils that are API certified and meet the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
For best performance and maximum protection under all types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only recommends engine oils that are API certified and meet the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
As far as synthetic vs conventional, the following quote, from the 2011 Owners Manual, leads me to believe the intervals specified in the manual are for conventional oil.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recommended oil quality requirements are met, and the recommended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes are followed.
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recommended oil quality requirements are met, and the recommended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes are followed.
Veteran
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 256
Likes: 5
The GM problem with the 4-cyls wasn't limited to people using the wrong oil. It was timing chain stretch that happened even if you used synthetic. So they reprogrammed the oil change light.
The latest generation of GM vehicles that require DEXOS oil have an oil life monitoring system that records how many cold starts, how long the drive, under what loads and temps, RPMs and then calculates how long the oil will last. They can do that because they know exactly which oil you put in it. If you don't use DEXOS, you void your warranty.
From what I'm reading in the trade press, we can expect other manufacturers to follow.
They're trying to get away from the wild claims of extended oil changes being made. Because, in reality, nobody can predict how long an oil will last unless they know how you drive the vehicle. Lots of short trips in stop and go driving is really hard on the oil, so is hauling a trailer.
The latest generation of GM vehicles that require DEXOS oil have an oil life monitoring system that records how many cold starts, how long the drive, under what loads and temps, RPMs and then calculates how long the oil will last. They can do that because they know exactly which oil you put in it. If you don't use DEXOS, you void your warranty.
From what I'm reading in the trade press, we can expect other manufacturers to follow.
They're trying to get away from the wild claims of extended oil changes being made. Because, in reality, nobody can predict how long an oil will last unless they know how you drive the vehicle. Lots of short trips in stop and go driving is really hard on the oil, so is hauling a trailer.
I'm sure it probably works great when everything is shiney and new, BUT how about 6-7 years later, when she's starting to get old and tired?
Gee, it seems like a long time since that last oil change, but I really don't remember for sure. No problem because HAL would never let me down.
I'd trade that oil monitoring system for an oil pressure/temperature GAUGE, along with dip sticks that don't require a trip to the dealer. And oh yes, a piece of paper and something to write down the mileage, so I'll know when to once again crawl underneath and change the oil. Just a useless rant from a knuckle-dragging, prehistoric caveman
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is time to take the vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) equipped vehicles “Oil Change Required” will be displayed in the EVIC and a single chime will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles “Change Oil” will flash in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change indicator message will illuminate, this means that service is required for the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE: The oil change indicator message will not monitor the time since the last oil change. Change the vehicles oil if it has been 6 months since the last oil change even if the oil change indicator message is NOT illuminated.
Change the engine oil more often if you drive the vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Oil change indicator - Reset
The vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change indicator system. The “Oil Change Required” message will flash in the EVIC display for approximately 10 seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and release the Menu button. To reset the oil change indicator system (after performing the scheduled maintenance) perform the following procedure:
Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position (Do not start the engine).
Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three times within 10 seconds.
Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position.
NOTE: If the indicator message illuminates when you start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.
At Each Stop for Fuel
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the level is at or below the SAFE or MIN mark.
Check the windshield washer solvent and add if required.
Once a Month
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage.
Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals as required.
Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, power steering and transmission and add as needed.
Check all lights and other electrical items for correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
Change the engine oil filter.
Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
Now you can reset the maint lamp until the next oil change. Does your van have a 3.6 motor? If it does, you may go thru an oil pump before 6 or 7 years.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) equipped vehicles “Oil Change Required” will be displayed in the EVIC and a single chime will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles “Change Oil” will flash in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change indicator message will illuminate, this means that service is required for the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE: The oil change indicator message will not monitor the time since the last oil change. Change the vehicles oil if it has been 6 months since the last oil change even if the oil change indicator message is NOT illuminated.
Change the engine oil more often if you drive the vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Oil change indicator - Reset
The vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change indicator system. The “Oil Change Required” message will flash in the EVIC display for approximately 10 seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and release the Menu button. To reset the oil change indicator system (after performing the scheduled maintenance) perform the following procedure:
Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position (Do not start the engine).
Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three times within 10 seconds.
Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position.
NOTE: If the indicator message illuminates when you start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.
At Each Stop for Fuel
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the level is at or below the SAFE or MIN mark.
Check the windshield washer solvent and add if required.
Once a Month
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage.
Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals as required.
Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, power steering and transmission and add as needed.
Check all lights and other electrical items for correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
Change the engine oil filter.
Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
Now you can reset the maint lamp until the next oil change. Does your van have a 3.6 motor? If it does, you may go thru an oil pump before 6 or 7 years.