Chrysler Oil Life Monitor — How it works

Chrysler Oil Life Monitor — How it works

How the Chrysler oil life monitor works

The Chrysler oil life monitor is not simply a mileage-based system. It’s designed to let you know when to change your oil based on an algorithm calculation. The algorithm takes into account the following factors:
• Your particular engine size and type
• The number of engine revolutions since the oil life monitor was reset
• Ambient temperature and engine temperature at startup and during driving (frequent cold starts and overheating conditions will reduce oil life)
• The types of driving. For example, lighter driving in more moderate temperatures will result in longer oil change intervals while more severe driving (heavy accelerations, cold starts, stop and go traffic, heavy loads or towing) will result in more frequent oil change indicators.

Chrysler definitions of light driving conditions

Freeway driving in moderate outside temperatures
City driving (flat/moderate hills)
No towing or heavy loads
No extended engine idling

Under these conditions, you can expect the oil life monitor to come on at 15% in approximately 7,50o-10,00o miles (12,000-16,000 km)

Chrysler definitions of moderate driving conditions

Mountainous or off-road driving
Extended hot or cold driving conditions
Moderate to heavy loads and frequent towing
Extended engine idling

Under these conditions, you can expect the oil life monitor to come on at 15% in approximately 5,000-7,499 miles (8,00o-11,999 km)

Chrysler definitions of Extreme driving conditions

Frequent mountainous or off-road driving
Frequent maximum loads and towing
Frequent and extreme hot or cold driving conditions
Extended engine idling

Under these conditions, you can expect the oil life monitor to come on at 15% in approximately3,000-4,999 miles (4,800-7,999 km)

What the Chrysler oil life monitor percentages mean

15% Make an appointment to have your oil changed
5% Have your oil changed as soon as possible
0% You are overdue for an oil change. Have your oil changed IMMEDIATELY.

©, 2020 Rick Muscoplat