NUMBER: 09-007-15
GROUP: Engine
DATE: July 31, 2015
THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES SERVICE BULLETIN 09-001-12, DATED JUNE 27, 2012, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. ALL REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS** AND INCLUDES UPDATES TO MODELS AND OIL CONSUMPTION.
SUBJECT:
Engine Oil Consumption Guideline
**MODELS: This bulletin applies to all 2012-2016 FCA US LLC vehicles equipped with gasoline 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 1 quart (0.946 liter) in 2,000 miles (3,200 km) for the 1st 50,000 miles (80,467 km). For vehicles with more then 50,000 miles (80,467 km) the acceptable oil consumption for engines is 1 quart (0.946 liter) in 750 miles (1,207 km).**
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 Limited Warranties.**
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 ran 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
Especially considering that the oil filter housing assembly on a 2014 Ram with 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine has cracked and leaked badly but the oil accumulates on top of the block nearly 2 inches deep and then the oil that runs back through the V over the housing and transmission is collected in the cross member before finally dripping on the ground. Does the dealer check or clean out these areas when they do the Official Oil Consumption Test? Why would the oil pressure be 90 PSI at startup and remain that high until the engine oil warms up completely? This seems like excessive pressure for a flimsy plastic part to handle. Why would some dealers have a back order of 1500 of these parts to replace? Why isn't this on a recall with all the issues owners are having starting with the 2014 Ram 3.6L and other engines that are similar. This part was changed for the 2014 model year and isn't performing as well as in previous years. Has it been revised once again? Why are some owners having to get this part replaced more than once?
If consumers saw this oil consumption rate your supplying here before they went into the dealership you would never sell a single vehicle. I'm amazed that you'd even consider one quart per 3000 miles acceptable. How dishonest.