Oil Change Already?

[sbattle76]

So, today when I started my truck, a message popped up that said I need to change the oil. My rig only has 2,162 miles on it... . Gonna have to ask the dealer about that one!

 

[Cummins12V98]

What type of driving are you doing?

 

[Dman]

Oil level check

Check oil level. If its about 1/2 inch high on dip stick (about 2 quarts), It could be a problem. Either it was overfilled from dealer or (More likely) engine is putting the fuel in as many of us on here have found. Either way I would start at the dealer and get oil changed (Free-Warranty) and maybe dealer could check truck for proper operation of emissions system. Much to read on here about "growing" oil levels.

 

[sbattle76]

What type of driving are you doing?

Some city, some highway, but mostly county roads 50 and slower 6 miles one way to work. I've only towed once with it so far.

 

[Tryingit]

I drive about the same. The message comes on for me approximately every 4K... ... .

 

[Cummins12V98]

With that few of miles and the type of driving I would say that is not too soon.

 

[n7gxz]

I had mine come on at about the same time. It went about 6500 miles on my trip to Alaska back in February.

Kevin

 

[EGroeneveld]

My first oil change was at about the same mileage. And I seem to have about the same drive. 5 miles each way to work, then haul camper and tow toys out of town most weekends. But when i got my truck it was in January and that is the begining of tax season (partner in a CPA tax/accounting) firm so I really am driving to work 6 or 7 days a week and only one weekend a month getting out of town (if that).



My summer oil changes seem to be 6 or 7,000 miles apart before the light goes on.

 

[sbattle76]

I called the dealer this morning, and they said that the first oil change is always really early. I booked an appointment for Wednesday.

 

[kkelley]

We do a lot of shorter trips with ours, and it came about 3k after the first change I gave it. I expected 7k miles but not with this rig and my driving.

 

[sbattle76]

We do a lot of shorter trips with ours, and it came about 3k after the first change I gave it. I expected 7k miles but not with this rig and my driving.

I'm a bit confused at the fact that the oil change message seems to come on randomly. What makes our trucks show "Oil Change Needed" at 2,162 miles, or 3,278 miles... . it seems too random. Does it have some sort of oil sensor? Might be a stupid question but I'm new to diesels. I asked the shop guy why it is random and he didn't know.

 

[hintonc393]

The new class 8 Allison transmissions have the same thing they call it prognostics. It uses heat and time to give you a oil life expectancy. I know Allison put thousands of engineering hours into making the software and I'm sure that cummins has done the same. It seems the guys that drive many short trips have the same short oil change intervals. Take that truck out and run it down the interstate as much as you can and you should see the intervals get further apart.

 

[ALSAN]

My first change on my 11 came on around 7,300k second time at 13,900K I live in rural Wis and most of my running is 30 or more miles or long trips pulling the 5ver

 

[Cummins12V98]

My first change on my 11 came on around 7,300k second time at 13,900K I live in rural Wis and most of my running is 30 or more miles or long trips pulling the 5ver

That sounds right. You are working the truck like it should be.

 

[sbattle76]

That sounds right. You are working the truck like it should be.

Glad somebody gets to work it like it should be. I don't have the opportunity to drive the truck "like it should be" most of the time because I'm in the Military, and I can't just take off any ole weekend. I will be towing my wifes car across to Florida in Feb, at which point I will be buying a 32Ft camper. I'll be retiring out there (hopefully) and will be pulling every other weekend (hopefully). Can't wait!

 

[Cummins12V98]

Glad somebody gets to work it like it should be. I don't have the opportunity to drive the truck "like it should be" most of the time because I'm in the Military, and I can't just take off any ole weekend. I will be towing my wifes car across to Florida in Feb, at which point I will be buying a 32Ft camper. I'll be retiring out there (hopefully) and will be pulling every other weekend (hopefully). Can't wait!

Good for you, thanks for your service!

 

[SHobbs]

Mine pops up about every 4k so far. All my driving is highway above 60 mph, some towing and NO short trips.

 

[sag2]

The reason it is random is because it is based on an algorithm based on actual driving conditions when the fuel dilution is estimated to be around 4-6%.

 

[jkern]

The protocol that it uses to determine oil change frequency is based on numerous parameters that each person driving and type of use will influence. Things like drive cycles (long vs. short trips), idle time, hours, milage, load (% on the engine), and oil dilution (because of the EGR system) all influence the oil change interval. If you drive long distances and get the truck completely warmed up every day to help "boil off" some of the contaminats in the oil, you will get a much longer oil change interval. Short trips like some of you describe of only 6 or 7 miles will require more frequent changes than your long distance brethern.

 

[Cummins12V98]

The reason it is random is because it is based on an algorithm based on actual driving conditions when the fuel dilution is estimated to be around 4-6%.

I guess my system is working well. 7,500 on last change. Blackstone lab test 0. 5% fuel dilution. They said I could go longer when the iron is lower. It was 71ppm. The TBN was 4. 7.