2008 300C SRT8 EVIC-Oil Change Required?

[BobFam]

I have a 2008 300C SRT8. I have 2,800 miles on it and the EVIC is showing a message "Oil Change Required- Contact Dealer". I don't see any message like that in the Owners Manual. I see that the recommended oil change interval is 3,000 miles for heavy duty service (short trips, stop/start driving) and 6,000 miles for regular duty. Can anyone explain the message and why it came on at 2,800 miles? Thanks, regards, Bob.

[jd8486]

I have a 2008 SRT8 Charger and it came on also. I believe the computer sets it to come on at certain intervals. I changed the oil myself for 1/3 what the dealer wanted and reset the message myself.

[BobFam]

Hi. OK. Thanks. The Tech at my dealer said it comes on from a "Viscosity Sensor" which I did not believe. What mileage did yours come on at? How did you reset it? He reset it by turning the key on and pressing and releasing the gas pedal three times in 10 sec. and turning it off. Then when the engine was started it was gone. Regards, Bob.

[Kenny Pollock]

Yep, that's the procedure: Ignition switch on (don't start the engine), gas pedal to floor 3 times, switch off.

[dhounsell]

first oil change is correct at the mileage
will come on at plus 6000 miles

[BobFam]

first oil change is correct at the mileage
will come on at plus 6000 miles

Hi. Why did it come on at 2,800 miles? Regards, Bob.

[dhounsell]

not sure but it went 6000 the next time, Dealer does free first oil change so I did not question Doug NH

[BobFam]

not sure but it went 6000 the next time, Dealer does free first oil change so I did not question Doug NH

Hi Doug. OK. Thanks, regards, Bob.

[bandaid]

Hi. Why did it come on at 2,800 miles? Regards, Bob.

Advance notice, Chrysler expects you to book an appointment for two hundred miles from the time of the message.

[BobFam]

Hi Bandaid. OK. Thanks. Regards, Bob.

[karfreek]

I have a 2008 300C SRT8. I have 2,800 miles on it and the EVIC is showing a message "Oil Change Required- Contact Dealer". I don't see any message like that in the Owners Manual. I see that the recommended oil change interval is 3,000 miles for heavy duty service (short trips, stop/start driving) and 6,000 miles for regular duty. Can anyone explain the message and why it came on at 2,800 miles? Thanks, regards, Bob.

Most car people and engine builders suggest changing the oil at 1/2 the interval the first time. So, since the normal interval is 6,000 it said 3,000 for the first one. It gave you 200mi notice.

Is the service oil light on the 2008s controled by an algarithym or is it just a mileage count down timer?

From what I have read GM perfected the algarythm back in the late 80's early 90s that takes into account engine temp, ambient temp, Throttle position, engine RPM and then calculates oil life. Honda then bought the rights to this to use in their cars.

Jay

[Cam]

If you have NAV, you can go into the menu settings and change the mileage requirements as well as reset it.

[GasGunR]

I bet if you turn on the ignition and press the gas pedal to the floor 6 times in 10 seconds the interval will be 6000 miles;)

[Tbird100636]

Hi. OK. Thanks. The Tech at my dealer said it comes on from a "Viscosity Sensor" which I did not believe. What mileage did yours come on at? How did you reset it? He reset it by turning the key on and pressing and releasing the gas pedal three times in 10 sec. and turning it off. Then when the engine was started it was gone. Regards, Bob.
No viscosity sensor, read my next reply.

[Mr. iNCREDIBLE]

If you have NAV, you can go into the menu settings and change the mileage requirements as well as reset it.


2008's have a auto feature Cam, not the set it yourself one we have..

[jd8486]

Hey Cam, I have NAV on my 2008 Charger and I see no menu options for changing the mileage requirements for oil changes.

[fnkychkn]

chrysler vehicles use an algorythm based oil change indicator system. might be the same as GM

from '08 FSM:

The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) equipped vehicles, “Oil Change Required” will be displayed in the EVIC and a single chime will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, “Change Oil” will flash in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change indicator message will illuminate. This means that service is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 mi (805 km).

NOTE:

The oil change indicator message will not monitor the time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle's oil if it has been six months since your last oil change, even if the oil change indicator message is NOT illuminated.
Change your engine oil more often if you drive your vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 6,000 mi (10,000 km) or six months, whichever comes first.


Your dealer will reset the engine oil change indicator message after completing the scheduled oil change. However, if a scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than your dealer, the message can be reset by performing the following procedure.
OIL CHANGE INDICATOR - RESET

Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change indicator system. The “Oil Change Required” message will flash in the EVIC display for approximately 10 seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and release the Menu button. To reset the oil change indicator system (after performing the scheduled maintenance) perform the following procedure:

Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position (Do not start the engine).
Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three times within 10 seconds.
Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position.NOTE: If the indicator message illuminates when you start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.

[Tbird100636]

Most car people and engine builders suggest changing the oil at 1/2 the interval the first time. So, since the normal interval is 6,000 it said 3,000 for the first one. It gave you 200mi notice.

Is the service oil light on the 2008s controled by an algarithym or is it just a mileage count down timer?

From what I have read GM perfected the algarythm back in the late 80's early 90s that takes into account engine temp, ambient temp, Throttle position, engine RPM and then calculates oil life. Honda then bought the rights to this to use in their cars.

Jay
Damnit!!! Fnky beat me to it!!! I'll leave it anyways...
Read this, copied from past STAR Center news:
Oil Change Indicator System Takes Guesswork out of Maintenance Intervals
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 will roll out on most models during normal 2008 model year introductions.
The system should not be confused with the Active Service System, or ASSYST, which is found on Sprinter and Crossfire. For further information about ASSYST, see the Sprinter segment in this month’s Master Tech program.
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 message may also include the 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.
With the move to the new Oil Change Indicator system, dealerships will need to make sure that customers are made aware of the existence of the messages and their significance. Doing so should begin with new vehicle delivery and continue during service. Be sure to explain to customers that because the PCM is making decisions based on varying conditions, oil change intervals can also vary.
Service departments must also be aware of how to reset a service indicator. The oil change indicator can be reset using the following steps:
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.
Repeat the process if the indicator does not reset.
The Maintenance Schedules in the Lubrication and Maintenance Groups on TechCONNECT and Service Bulletin 08-014-07 also contain information about the Oil Change Indicator System so be sure to refer to these additional resources.


With its sophisticated calculations, the new system will help take the guesswork out of maintenance schedules for both customers and dealerships. In addition, the messages are a good way for dealers to position themselves as the customer’s first choice for maintenance and service.
What this means is you could have this come on prematurely at say 1,800 miles... actually had a 6.7L diesel Ram do this... customer was quite p---ed off when he found out he had to pay for an oil change (my old Dodge dealer did free oil changes on every vehicle we sold until the last couple years we were open, at which time we stopped including diesels and Sprinters... anyone who purchased one before the change was not affected)

[BobFam]

Hi all. My thanks to all who answered my question. I really do appreciate all the help. I got my free synthetic oil change and have the Chrysler Maintenance Plan for oil changes at 6,000 mile increments for 5 years. My present mileage is 2,800 and I guess the EVIC calculated that it was time for the change soon as I mostly have driven short trips with a lot of stop-start driving. It tells me that I have to drive it more! Thanks to all and best regards to all, Bob.

[stevesrt8]

an important note in all this blizzard of details...

The factory oil change indicators are calibrated for cheap Dino oil. Users of quality synth are wasting products if you follow the algorithim-derived indicator. Using an inexpensive oil analysis will confirm this.

Of course you must still change at the factory guidelines if a warranty is involved.