NOTE: A change oil indicator is standard equipment on all instrument clusters. However, on vehicles manufactured for export markets, this indicator is electronically disabled. This indicator is located within the odometer/trip odometer Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) unit, or on newer models, within the EVIC display. The change oil indicator consists of cycling textual CHANGE and OIL messages which appear in place of the odometer/trip odometer information in the odometer VFD unit.

2008-2012 models (gasoline engines)

The oil change indicator system was introduced on most 2008 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models. This system displays a "Oil Change Required" or "Oil Change" message at appropriate intervals on the instrument cluster.

Schedules A and B have long been a part of required and recommended maintenance on Chrysler Group vehicles. One drawback of using these schedules is that customers sometimes end up making a best "guesstimate" of the correct maintenance interval.

With the introduction of the Oil Change Indicator system, that's going to change - customers are automatically notified via the cluster or EVIC that an oil change is required. In addition, the system does away with Schedules A and B and instead combines both into easy-to-use lists and tables.

The Oil Change Indicator system uses the Powertrain Control Module to process a variety of inputs and then decides on an oil change interval. The factors which point toward severe use include the following:

• Ambient temperature inputs which indicate extended periods of low temperature operation
• Average vehicle speeds which indicate stop-and-go driving
• Run time which indicates prolonged idling
• Trip lengths and coolant temperatures which indicate short trips
• Engine RPM and engine loads which indicate trailer tow usage
• Fuel indications of an ethanol percentage of 60 percent or greater

The system cannot keep track of dusty conditions or time elapsed since the last maintenance. In fact, it is possible for the maximum allowable maintenance time interval to elapse without an oil change reminder. In such a case, it is the owner's responsibility to ensure that maintenance is performed according to the recommended interval.

Based on the inputs, at a fixed number of miles since the last reset, the Powertrain Control Module decides on the severity of the operating conditions. If one or more of the conditions indicates severe use, the PCM sends a message over the bus so that the appropriate message can be displayed. If the PCM decides that the normal service interval applies, it waits until additional mileage has accumulated before sending out the request for a message.

The EVIC message may also include A dealership's name and phone number, which can be programmed into the vehicle with a scan tool. However, the dealership must receive the customer's approval before adding this information. Hitting the trip button will temporarily end the message, and it will reappear with the next key cycle.

In addition to the oil change, the related items listed in the Service Information should also be performed when service is indicated. All other items will follow a single maintenance schedule with the same calendar/mileage intervals no matter what the oil change interval.

2013-2014 models (gasoline engines)

2013 model year vehicles will be equipped with a new variable automatic oil change indicator system. Operating conditions such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures, or E85 fuel usage will influence when the "Change Oil" message is displayed indicating service is required. Severe operating conditions can cause the change oil message to illuminate AS EARLY AS 3,500 MILES SINCE THE LAST RESET.

NOTE: ALWAYS CHANGE THE ENGINE OIL AND FILTER WHEN PROMPTED BY THE OIL CHANGE INDICATOR SYSTEM AND UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD OIL CHANGE INTERVALS EXCEED 10,000 MILES OR TWELVE MONTHS, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.

Certain maintenance services are now coupled with the oil change indicator system rather than being listed at THE REVISED FIXED INTERVALS - 12 MONTHS / 10,000 MILES. Listed below are the maintenance services that are required to be performed at every oil change interval as indicated by oil change indicator system:

• Change engine oil and filter. Oil changes prompted by the oil change indicator system can be recorded in the oil change log section.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air filter if using in dusty or off-road conditions.

Oil change maintenance schedule changes

2007 MODEL YEAR AND PRIOR

Separate schedule A (Normal) and schedule B (Severe)

2008 MODEL YEAR

New 6 months or 6,000 miles interval maintenance schedule and automatic oil change indicator. Severe condition oil drain interval 6 months or 3,000 miles.

2011 MODEL YEAR

Maintenance schedule revised to 6 months or 8,000 miles (except SRT). Severe condition oil drain interval revised to 6 months or 4,000 miles.

2013 MODEL YEAR - VARIABLE OIL CHANGE INTERVAL

Maintenance schedule revised to 12 months or 10,000 miles (Except SRT models and Diesel engines). Fully variable metrage algorithm based automatic oil change indicator system. Improves customer satisfaction and reduces environmental impact. Monitors driving habits, hardware differences and environmental conditions continuously compared to the previous system that did not adjust the oil drain interval beyond 3,500 miles. Supports, "Percent Oil Life Remaining" dash display along with the "Change Oil Soon" and "Change Oil Now" dash display features.

How to reset the oil service indicator

The oil change indicator can be reset using the following steps:

A. Vehicles without push-button start:

1. Turn the ignition key to ON but do not start the engine.
2. Slowly depress the accelerator to the floor and release it three times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.

B. Vehicles with push-button start:

1. Without pressing the brake pedal, press the ENGINE START/STOP button and cycle the ignition to the ON/ RUN position (Do not start the engine).
2. Slowly depress the accelerator to the floor and release it three times within 10 seconds.
3. Without pressing the brake pedal, press the ENGINE START/STOP button once to return the ignition to the OFF/LOCK position.

C. Vehicles with diesel engines (export models):

1. Cycle the ignition to the "ON/RUN" position (Do not start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal and keep it fully depressed for at least 30 seconds.
3. Press and release the brake pedal six times while holding the accelerator pedal pressed.
4. Perform one ignition OFF-ON cycle, start the engine and verify that the reminder has been reset.

Repeat the process if the indicator does not reset.

--WK2Jeeps.com