Phil6049
Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
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when to change the oil in new vehicles. Just got Dakota 4.7 earlier this year. They said 10,000 km (6000 miles) between oil changes. However, at 5000 km they gave me a free oil change and now at 10,000 km the change oil light is on again. Does the software "sense" when oil should be changed or does the mechanic set it for 5000 or 10,000 depending on the kind of driving thats being done.
Thanks
Phil & Wendy
2008 Dakota 4.7 4X4 Crew Cab
Trail Cruiser 19 RDB
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Intheloonybin
Twin Cities, Minnesota
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I'm not really sure how it determines it- whether it keeps track of the kind of driving you do (short vs long trips), or if there is a sensor that "sees" how dirty the oil is.
My milage is all over the place when the light comes on. A lot of highway miles extends the time in between changes.
I just go by the oil change light on my truck. Not the "3000" mile rule. In fact, I'm overdue. Thanks for the reminder  .
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riddellr
Belleville, IL, USA
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I can't speak for your Dodge, but the "Maint Required" light in both of my Honda's are set to go yellow at 6000 miles and red at 7500 miles, which happens to be the recommended oil change interval. I have a friend with a Audi (too expensive for me) that gives you a percentage of your oil life remaining depending on the computer's perception of your driving habits.
Bob
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trop-a-cal
Palm Coast Fl
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Break-in oil changes are usualy qiuck, as the theory is the engine may have small metal particles in it from manufacturing. After that there is the heavy use high speed schedual, and the normal use schedual. Personaly, I go with the 3000 mile changes, as I think the longer you go the faster the engine will wear out. Some one years ago, said as soon as it looks dirty, change it. Of course back then they did not have the engines of today. Some say the high reving small engines need more frequent changes, however the oil is much better than it was back then.
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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As to your original question, there is a line of code in the computer that tracks engine hours/RPM/vehicle speed and a few other parameters and determines based on its program when it is best to change the oil. Leave it in till the light comes on and change then. Save the dyno oil for us oil burners.
Donn
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LIKE2BUILD
Mt. Zion, IL
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donn0128 wrote:As to your original question, there is a line of code in the computer that tracks engine hours/RPM/vehicle speed and a few other parameters and determines based on its program when it is best to change the oil.
Don's on the right track. Below is a quote from Mechanical Engineering Magazine:
Mechanical Engineering Magazine wrote:The Oil-Life System compensates for different driv-ing styles and conditions. The math model involves computerized monitoring of engine revolutions, operating temperature, coolant temperature, oil temperature, and other factors to calculate the rate of engine oil degradation and predict when it should be changed. Rather than depend on fixed oil change schedules that may not be suitable for all situations, the monitoring system customizes oil change schedules based on the vehicle's engine and transmission type, as well as on an individual's driving habits.
I use only Mobil 1 Full Synthetic in the wife's '02 Pontiac Montana and my '04 2500HD. The OLS warning on the 2500HD usually trips around 5,000 miles, although I'm not really sure how long it's been since I last changed it. I've been using a more fuel efficient car as a daily driver and have only put on about 3,000 miles this year 
I just changed the oil in the van last week. The OLS light didn't come on for nearly 10,000 miles  I last changed the oil in December '07 before we took a 3,000 mile trip to Delaware and back. I've routinely checked the oil in that time period and it has maintained well, only needing to add maybe 1/2 quart. It kind of spooks me to leave in oil that long, but Mobil 1 claims 15,000 mile protection. I guess I'll put myself in the hands of these engineers  Is that really a safe thing to do
Just for grins, I should have sent a sample of that 10,000 mile oil to Blackstone Labs just to see exactly where it stood.
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Phil6049
Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
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I have alwats followed the theory that the best thing to be done for any engine is to change the oil frequently. I was just a little cheesed off that the sales guy said 10,000 kms and then the light comes on after 5,000 - and with a larger oil sump to fill! All the advise points to "ca\hange it frequently and rely on the light", so that's what I'll do.
Thanks to everyone who replied. Very comforting.
Phil
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jay2003
San Joaquin Valley, California
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My Tacoma is set for every 5000 miles no matter what I know exactly when the oil light is going to come on.
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old guy
Oregon (pronounced Or e gun)
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I use Pennz oil and have changed every 5K, when I had the old pu over hauled they told me the intake manifold was clean enough to eat off of. Pays to keep good care of things
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rconkin
Johnson City, TN
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riddellr wrote:I can't speak for your Dodge, but the "Maint Required" light in both of my Honda's are set to go yellow at 6000 miles and red at 7500 miles, which happens to be the recommended oil change interval. I have a friend with a Audi (too expensive for me) that gives you a percentage of your oil life remaining depending on the computer's perception of your driving habits.
Bob
Our Honda Fit that we just bought tells the percentage of oil life remaining.
97 2500 CTD, US Gear Exhaust Brake, Prime-Loc, Silencer Ring removed
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"For those that fought for it, Freedom has a flavor that the protected will never know!" Semper Fi
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