Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Wrong Oil????

[ErniePink]

Hey Guys and Gals,



Getting ready to leave Phoenix for the 4 month summer 5th wheel trip on the interstates and had the dealer change oil/filter today. Requested 15w-40 and think I got 10w-30 in error. Only clue is windshield reminder sticker showing next change due in xxxx miles and oil used this time was 10w-30. How can I tell for sure?



Dipstick oil looks very transparent and real clean (of course) but quite thin. Paperwork printout shows 15w-40 but Tech wrote out the sticker mentioned above and listed 10w-30. Sure, he could have made an error but engine noise seems a little louder; could I be imagining things that aren't really there? As I'll be pulling real heavy I don't want 10w-30. Again, how can I tell for sure?



Your thoughts please.....

 

[TStinson]

I'd be at the dealer's door ASAP and settle for nothing less than whatever it takes to get satisfied!!

Lot of YOUR $$$$$$$ on the line if the "Professional Oil Changer" screwed up!!

 

[Big-D]

Erine,



If it were me I'd touch base with the dealership and the person changing your oil and filter. If not satisfied with the outcome I would change the oil myself prior to leaving on your trip. I purchase Chevron Delo 400 15W40 for . 84 cents a quart. For my own peace of mind I would spend the nine bucks, use the new filter already installed and call it good if the dealership didn't do it for free.



Needless to say I would never return to that dealer again if not satisfied.

Dave

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

If someone screwed up, good luck getting them to admit it. A friend of mine had a Dakota and had the dealer do a complete lube change, instead of ATF in the transfer case the monkey put in gear lube, a while later it munched the transfer case, for 70,000 miles he fought with the dealership until the truck was finally bought back by Chrysler. His paper work said ATF was put in but they were the only ones to ever do service on the truck. I would check with them and see if you could get them to change it out, if not I would just go quitely and change it myself, I would grab a sample of it while draining it and get it checked. If it was the wrong oil, then I would go to the dealership and demand to be reimbursed. Doesn't hurt to try. In the end I would either be happy with the dealership or never go back there again for anything.

 

[Ron Bissett]

How to tell ?

If all fails with dealer . Drain ,suck , a quart of said oil use a clean large cup , container , plastic deep dish ,etc with small pin hole not more than a 2/32 hole ,uncover the hole time to empty , then time to empty a 15w 40 if same time OK if longer for 15 w 40 the oil is a lighter grade and will flow faster . I know this will not replace a viscosity meter but in a pinch will ease your mind . just a thought. Ron Bissett in Metro Louisville KY

 

[RKohn]

OH NO!!!

Ernie,



You probably already ruined you motor. Get rid of that truck right away. I'd take it off your hands for $10k. Just kidding.



This kinda stuff happens all the time. Take it back to the dealer and have them put in the right stuff. Make sure you see the label. Some dealers aren't bright enough to use a diesel rated oil. That would be more of a problem.

 

[RobertMiller1]

diesel rated?

If it is diesel rated oil, and it is not hot ambient temperature outside, I would probably run it. you might see a slight fuel mileage increase... . maybe

 

[ErniePink]

TO ALL REPLERS:



Thanks for the repies. Dealer service writer got back to me after being off for two days, says paperwork shows use of "bulk" oil which he knows is 10w-30 as their 15w-40 comes to them in jugs. So, the deal is they'll redo the oil change-no cost to me. Have to admit, service writer Brian Scherer at Earnhardt's Dodge here in AZ is an upfront guy.



Over and out for this problem.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I'm tellin' ya, the quality of grade-school dropouts DC is hiring as "techs" is sure going down the tubes lately...



SURE glad NO ONE services my truck but ME!

 

[RKohn]

Not just dealerships make mistakes...

My neighbor did his van last week and didn't catch that the old filter gasket stuck to the block. He left a 3 ft. wide trail from the end of his driveway to just around the corner, where his dash lit up like a xmas tree. Too late!!!