Ok, so let me see if I got this right. Due to my driving habits, I got the oil change light/chime at around 2500 miles. So if I want to keep my warranty intact, I will probably have to change my oil every 2500 miles?? And I thought changing oil every 3,000 miles was too often.... I guess the only way I'll get to the 6,000 mile oil change limit, is if I only drive it on the freeway on long trips.

 

The recommended oil change intervals are in the manual. That's what the factory would judge things by if there was an oil-related warranty issue to deal with. The computer's oil life monitor attempts to be 'smarter' than the manual but you're not obligated to obey it. Besides, I think the 2500 mile interval is kind of default for the first change, then it gets longer.

Rob

 

Mopar Mag had a good write up on the oil monitoring light.
http://www.moparmagazine.com/2009/ma...ing_light.html

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%

If severe usage is determined, the oil change message is activated at 2,500 miles; otherwise, the message is not displayed until additional mileage has accumulated.

I have had the change oil light come on at 2500 miles, That was a time in which I did mostly very short trips (1-3 miles), during the winter. Most of the time I make it to the 6 month (3 to 5 K) without the light coming on, but I change the oil anyway at 6 months. Bottom line I only need to do 2-4 oil changes per year. with following the manual or light monitor (6 months or X miles, whichever comes first.)