Engine Oil Consumption Guideline (09-007-18 REV. A)
Reference number: 09-007-18 REV. A
Supersedes refnos: 09-001-12, 09-007-15, 09-007-18
ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION GUIDELINE
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
| CHRYSLER: | 2012 - 2019 (ALL) (FCA Group Gas Vehicles) |
| GROUP: | 09 - Engine |
MODELS
| 2012 - 2019 | (ALL) | (FCA Group Gas Vehicles) |
DISCUSSION
Engines require oil to lubricate and protect the load bearing and internal moving parts from wear including cylinder walls, pistons and piston rings. When a piston moves down its cylinder, a thin film of oil is left on the cylinder wall. During the power stroke, part of this oil layer is consumed in the combustion process. Varying rates of oil consumption are accepted as normal in all engines.
OIL CONSUMPTION
- **The accepted rate of oil consumption for engines used in the vehicles listed above is 1 quart (0.946 liter) in 2,000 miles (3,200 km).**
There are many factors that can affect an Owner's concern with oil consumption. Driving habits and vehicle maintenance varies from owner to owner. Inspect each condition listed below prior to determining if the vehicle in question has abnormal engine oil consumption. If abnormal oil consumption is suspected, refer to the detailed diagnostic procedures available in DealerCONNECT> TechCONNECT under: Service Info> 09 - Engine> Diagnosis and Testing - Oil Consumption Test And Diagnosis.
DIAGNOSIS OF OIL CONSUMPTION
GASKET AND EXTERNAL LEAKS
- Thoroughly inspect the oil pan and engine intake manifold for leakage due to over tightened, damaged, or out of place gaskets.
OIL LEAKS
- Inspect all oil lines and fittings for signs of leakage. Verify oil filter is at proper torque and oil filter gasket is not out of place.
IMPROPER READING OF THE OIL LEVEL INDICATOR ON DIPSTICK
- Verify that the dipstick is fully seated in the tube. Verify the dipstick tube is fully seated in the engine block. When checking the oil level, make sure the vehicle is on a level surface and the dipstick is wiped clean before taking an oil level reading and fully depress the dipstick until the shoulder bottoms out on the dipstick tube. Refer to proper service or owner's manual for level check procedure on a specific engine.
Some engines require more time than others for the oil to drain back into the crankcase. The vehicle should be allowed to sit for a minimum 15 minutes, after the engine has been shut off, before taking an oil level reading. To ensure an accurate reading, the temperature of the oil should be close to the same temperature as the previous time the oil level was checked.
UNDER OR OVER OIL FILL AFTER AN OIL CHANGE
- After an oil change, verify that the proper amount of oil was put in the engine and that the oil level on the dipstick is not above the full mark or below the add marks. Refer to the Owner Manual or Service Information for information on recommended oil quantity.
CORRECT OIL TYPE
- Verify the vehicle has the correct oil. Refer to the Owner Manual or Service Information for information on recommended oil viscosity and quality.
CRANKCASE VENTILATION SYSTEM
- Verify that the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system is operating properly. Blockages, restrictions or damage to the PCV system can result in increased oil use.
OIL DILUTION (FUEL AND WATER)
- On vehicles that are normally driven short distances, less than 5 miles (8 km), especially in colder weather, unburned fuel and condensation generated from cold engine operation may not get hot enough to evaporate out of the oil. When this occurs, the dipstick may indicate that the oil level is over-full. Subsequent driving on a trip of sufficient length to enable normal engine operating temperature for 30 minutes or more, in order to vaporize excess moisture and fuel may give the customer the impression of excessive oil consumption.
CAUSES FOR OIL CONSUMPTION
AGGRESSIVE DRIVING
- Aggressive driving and/or continuous driving at high speeds with high RPM's will increase oil consumption. Because this may not always be an everyday occurrence, it is hard to determine exactly how much the oil economy will be affected. A higher rate of oil consumption is normal for vehicles equipped with manual transmissions that are driven aggressively. Aggressive means; operation at high RPM (3,000 RPM to redline), with frequent use of engine braking (using the engine to slow the vehicle). Vehicles that are driven aggressively may consume engine oil at a rate of up to 0.946 L (1 quart) every 805 km (500 mi). This is normal for a vehicle that is driven aggressively. No repair is necessary. This driving habit will require the owner to check the engine oil level at frequent intervals, to verify the oil level remains within the recommended operating range. Oil level should be checked every time you get fuel.
TOWING OR HEAVY USAGE
- Towing a trailer will increase oil consumption and may cause oil consumption to fall below the normal accepted rate referenced in this bulletin for an unloaded vehicle in a personal use application. Large frontal area trailers will further increase the work required from the engine, especially at highway speeds increasing the rate of oil consumption.
ENGINE WEAR
- Piston scuffing, excessive piston-to-wall clearance, tapered or out of round cylinders, worn, damaged or improperly installed valve guides, seals and piston rings will cause an increase in oil consumption.
ENGINE TEMPERATURE
- If an engine is running at overheated temperatures for more than brief periods, oil will oxidize at a faster than normal rate. In addition, gaskets may distort, piston rings may stick and excessive wear may result. Verify that all cooling system components are in proper working order.
POLICY
Information Only