Oil change--really? Already?

[gspot01]

Indicator light came on this week on my 2012 Ram 1500 5.7l V8. I last changed it on July 11, 1980 miles ago, and I've only towed about 550 of those miles (roughly 25%).

I change my own oil, usually every 3-5k depending on how much towing I've been doing. The light coming on this soon seems a bit excessive to me. Would you ignore it for another 1k or go ahead and change it?

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[donniedu]

The indicator is based on a number of factors, total miles in only one of them. Add in idle time, , towing time, and it can come on much earlier than expected.

[gspot01]

Originally Posted by donniedu

The indicator is based on a number of factors, total miles in only one of them. Add in idle time, , towing time, and it can come on much earlier than expected.

Thanks, Donniedu. So, are you saying you'd go ahead and change it then?

[Chpusmc]

Did you reset your oil change indicator light the last time you changed the oil? It sound like you change your oil every x,000 miles. If so, the light may not have been on last oil change and is usually forgotten when it comes to resetting it.

[gspot01]

Originally Posted by Chpusmc

Did you reset your oil change indicator light the last time you changed the oil? It sound like you change your oil every x,000 miles. If so, the light may not have been on last oil change and is usually forgotten when it comes to resetting it.

That's a good question. I don't remember if it was on in July and necessitated a reset.
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[325BH]

Originally Posted by gspot01

That's a good question. I don't remember if it was on in July and necessitated a reset.
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To be clear, it needed a reset whether it was on or not. If you didn't reset it at the last oil change, it has continued to accumulate miles.

Not sure if you meant that or not.


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[gspot01]

Originally Posted by 325BH

To be clear, it needed a reset whether it was on or not. If you didn't reset it at the last oil change, it has continued to accumulate miles.

Not sure if you meant that or not.


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Yes, I see. I actually didn't know that, that it needed to be reset regardless of whether the light was on or not. I'll have to make sure I do that in the future.

Regardless, the more I think about it, the more I've convinced myself that the light was on in July and I had to reset it. I seem to remember doing some errands afterwards and telling myself for a day or two that I needed to reset it. Another reason I think the light wad on in July was because I had gone 5k miles before that oil change (big trip).

I just can't decide whether to go ahead and do it. The reason it's such a dilemma is because I could go hop in the truck right now, drive to Mountain View and catch a bluegrass concert tonight, or I could stay home and do the change and possibly take a chance on not being able to make it. Decisions, decisions...

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[donniedu]

500 miles over is not going to kill anything as long as you are using the correct grade and a quality oil.

[gspot01]

That's a good point. I could always change it Sunday when I got back

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[Chpusmc]

I have a 5.7L 07 charger. I keep her happy with 5k oil changes with full synthetic 5w-20 oil and a quality filter. I try to keep the HEMI happy. Happy HEMI = happy life.

[raspivey]

The oil calculations in the newer cars seems to be much better than the older systems. I've been told they calculate based on RPM, engine temp, exterior temp, and a number of other factors. My SS Camaro went around 10K miles on 8.5 qts. of synthetic and never had any issues after 81,000 miles. My Corvette gets about the same on 10.5 qts of synthetic. I just had the motor apart for a cam / heads / bottom end job at 75,000 miles and there wasn't any sign of abnormal wear (and I drive it hard). So, I'd just let the light come on and change it then.

I don't know exactly how true it is, but I've also heard that the newer trucks with a tow mode will change the calculations when towing to account for the increased load.

[aceinspp]

There are times when one can not change the oil when the time arrives as being told by a computer. Best advice change at your earliest convenience. Your not going to hurt anything as long as your using good quality grade oils. Later RJD

[lbrjet]

Just do a reset now, stick to your 3-5K schedule and then remember to reset it each time you change your oil and it will never go on again.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

[325BH]

Originally Posted by lbrjet

Just do a reset now, stick to your 3-5K schedule and then remember to reset it each time you change your oil and it will never go on again.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

Personally, I would stick to your schedule and not worry about it. Just reset it and change the oil on your own calcs.


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[JohnVtx]

On my 2012 Ram 6.7 diesel it comes on at 7500 mile intervals period. Doesn't matter what happens in between.

[gspot01]

Thanks, everyone. I'm just going to reset it and change it after 3000 miles. I just can't imagine that it really needs it at this point.

[m2kamp]

Did you have a lot of time idling? Excessive idling will dump tiny bits of fuel into the oil. The oil monitor computer will account for this.

In the owners manual it states that if extended idling time, then switch to severe service schedule.

Hope that helps

[CedarCreekWoody]

Originally Posted by gspot01

Thanks, everyone. I'm just going to reset it and change it after 3000 miles. I just can't imagine that it really needs it at this point.

I agree, do that. I expect it was not on in July and you failed to reset it.