04 03 12 WORKSHOP ENGINE CRANE

Date: 120627

Engine - Oil Consumption Guideline

NUMBER: 09-001-12

GROUP: Engine

DATE: June 27, 2012

SUBJECT:

Engine Oil Consumption Guideline

MODELS:

2013 (D2) Ram Truck (3500 Pick Up)

2012 - 2013 (DD) Ram Truck (3500 Chassis Cab)

2012 - 2013 (DJ) Ram Truck (2500 Pick Up)

2012 - 2013 (DX) Ram Truck (Mexico)

2012 - 2013 (DS) Ram Truck (1500)

2012 - 2013 (FF) Fiat 500

2012 - 2013 (JC) Journey

2012 - 2013 (JK) Wrangler

2012 - 2013 (J3) Wrangler (CKD)

2012 (K1) Cherokee (CKD)

2012 - 2013 (JS) Avenger/200

2012 (KK) Liberty

2012 - 2013 (LC) Challenger

2012 - 2013 (LD) Charger

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2012 - 2013 (LX) 300

2012 - 2013 (MK) Compass/Patriot

2013 (PF) Dart

2012 (PM) Caliber

2012 - 2013 (P3) Caliber (CKD)

2012 - 2013 (RT) Town & Country/Grand Caravan

2012 - 2013 (W2) Grand Cherokee (CKD)

2012 - 2013 (WD) Durango

2012 - 2013 (WK) Grand Cherokee

NOTE:

This bulletin applies to all Chrysler Group LLC vehicles equipped with gasoline engines, except SRT and Viper models or vehicles equipped

with Diesel engines.

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 0.946 liter (1 qt.) in 3,200 km (2,000 mi) for the 1st 80,467 km

(50,000 mi). For vehicles with more then 80,467 km (50,000 mi) the acceptable oil consumption for engines is 0.946 liter (1 qt.) in 1,207 km (750

mi).

CAUTION:

This above rate only applies to personal use vehicles, under warranty, that are driven in a non-aggressive manner and maintained in accordance

with the appropriate maintenance schedule,

CAUTION:

This rate does not apply to vehicles that are driven in an aggressive manner, at high RPM, high speeds, or in a loaded condition (for trucks). See

Causes for Oil Consumption below. Oil consumption for vehicles driven under these conditions will be higher and may include Fleet and

Commercial customers.

There are many factors that can affect a Owner's concern with oil consumption. Driving habits and vehicle maintenance vary 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.

NOTE:

The dipstick must be the proper part number for the engine/vehicle that is being checked.

CAUTION:

Operating the vehicle with an oil level that is below the minimum level indicated on the engine oil dipstick can result in severe engine damage.

Repairs resulting from operating an engine with insufficient oil are not covered under the terms of the New Vehicle Warranty.

Some engines require more time than others for the oil to drain back into the crankcase. The vehicle should be allowed to sit for at least 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

2020 Dodge or Ram Truck Grand Caravan V6-3.6L Page 96

same temperature as the last 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 8 km (5 mi), 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 verified 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 run 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.