2012 oil change interval

[zetatre]

After about 3,600 miles from the last oil change, EVIC is asking for a new one. In general I don't have any particular reason not to just obey (I guess I now have two old ladies that dictate my weekend plans)...

In general I buy into the theory that the regeneration requirements (of both DPF and LNT) as well as emission profile (higher PM generated in the combustion as a result of higher EGR rate) put additional strain on the oil. At the same time, I hear post-SCR models (2013+) call for a 15,000 miles oil change. I simply cannot believe that a 4x-5x factor applies, particularly since even if there is a difference in fuel consumption between pre 2013 and 2013+ models it is rather minimal.

Instead of yet another pointless collection of opinions I just wanted to see if anyone with a pre 2013 simply adhere to the 7,500 maintenance schedule for oil change and disregards EVIC, particularly if this decision comes as a result of oil analysis.

Thanks!!

 

[Ram4Sam]

After about 3,600 miles from the last oil change, EVIC is asking for a new one. In general I don't have any particular reason not to just obey (I guess I now have two old ladies that dictate my weekend plans)...

In general I buy into the theory that the regeneration requirements (of both DPF and LNT) as well as emission profile (higher PM generated in the combustion as a result of higher EGR rate) put additional strain on the oil. At the same time, I hear post-SCR models (2013+) call for a 15,000 miles oil change. I simply cannot believe that a 4x-5x factor applies, particularly since even if there is a difference in fuel consumption between pre 2013 and 2013+ models it is rather minimal.

Instead of yet another pointless collection of opinions I just wanted to see if anyone with a pre 2013 simply adhere to the 7,500 maintenance schedule for oil change and disregards EVIC, particularly if this decision comes as a result of oil analysis.

Thanks!!

At the risk of sounding pointless..... Next time you change your oil, do an oil analysis and see what the lab science says.....It's going to be more accurate than a bunch of algorithms in the EVIC.

Sam

 

[zetatre]

At the risk of sounding pointless..... Next time you change your oil, do an oil analysis and see what the lab science says.....It's going to be more accurate than a bunch of algorithms in the EVIC.

I haven't changed oil yet and I'm probably going to get the oil sampled. At the same time I wanted to leverage other people's sampling or whatnot.

 

[dougsram]

I go through the oil reset procedure on my 2011 after each oil change. However, it appears the reset doesn't take place unless the EVIC is telling me to change my oil. The EVIC normally comes on at six months or around 7K miles. I only tow with my truck on the freeway long distances. No grocery getting and idling. The reset procedure always works the first time once I get the notification. So maybe the Duty Cycle indicator is telling you to change the oil that you already have?

 

[zetatre]

So maybe the Duty Cycle indicator is telling you to change the oil that you already have?

Last time I changed the oil was because the EVIC said so. It was my first oil change since I bought the truck and it coincided with the 60K miles service.

This is pretty much my commuter vehicle to get to and from work, I'd say 70% freeway with CC on and 30% off freeway but not really city driving. My MPG per fuel tank is normally between 15 and 16 (I log all my fillups). I do some towing, probably once a month for some 400-600 miles to the race track (call it a 8000lbs toy hauler).

 

[dougsram]

Was your EVIC telling you to change your oil before you changed it 3,600 miles ago?

 

[zetatre]

Was your EVIC telling you to change your oil before you changed it 3,600 miles ago?

Yes it was.

 

[dougsram]

Since the engine oil change indicator is duty cycle base--how the truck is driven--I don't think an oil sample is required just yet. The indicator wouldn't come on if you had fuel or coolant in your oil since that isn't monitored. I'd change the oil and filter and wait to see if you have a short interval again before worrying about your engine condition. The cost of the oil sample will almost pay for 3 gallons of 15-40, especially if you can pick it up on sale.

 

[zetatre]

You know what... I realized something tonight coming home from work.

I guess that although my route is 70% freeway, because of traffic, I end doing a lot of coasting at idle. And when you idle around at 20 to 30 mph, the mileage is still good.

In other words, I don't do a lot of stationary idling, but rolling idle may be more than I'd like to admit... But I guess idle is idle and perhaps that explain the sort of short interval despite the higher MPG and greater freeway driving...

 

[gtoli]

I have never seen the "change oil" message on my Ram. It still has less than 40k on the clock so I change the oil about once a year instead of basing it on mileage.
I go through the reset procedure when I do the service, maybe that's why I never get the message.

 

[Camperman]

Everyone has a what is best. My 2012 is stock. I got the 'change oil soon' message at 3,7xx miles this time. Has been as high as 4200-4400 miles before the message appears. I change when prompted by the EVIC. I change the oil myself. For the $55-60 it costs me to do it, I figure changing oil is a pretty cheap insurance policy. I'm not right, and the next person is not wrong. Just how I do my oil changes. I'm a low mileage owner, 9,500-10,500 miles per year.

 

[zetatre]

Everyone has a what is best. My 2012 is stock. I got the 'change oil soon' message at 3,7xx miles this time. Has been as high as 4200-4400 miles before the message appears. I change when prompted by the EVIC. I change the oil myself. For the $55-60 it costs me to do it, I figure changing oil is a pretty cheap insurance policy. I'm not right, and the next person is not wrong. Just how I do my oil changes. I'm a low mileage owner, 9,500-10,500 miles per year.

Actually that's a helpful data point. Thanks for sharing!

 

[RUSSELL5000]

I have a 2012; around 10K each year. Have never gotten a message, but minimum of two changes per year. Manual says every six months; also go to the 5W40 in winter as sometimes can be cold (-15 F). Use the stratapore filter ordered from Geno's.