ICEBOX

I was wondering if someone out there could help me with this question/concern.

According to the 2003 Dodge CTD owners manual the standard oil change interval is every 7500 miles or 6 months which ever comes first. But, listed on the Cummins home web page under the heading of SERVICE, the oil change interval has been extended to 15,000 miles for normal service. Cummins indicated in their article that because of improved combustion on the 2003 model less sooting of the lubricating oil takes place allowing the extended change interval.

What's a good change interval for light towing and moderate highway usage?

Jonesey

The 7500 mile schedule is the one that all of us fall under. I know of no one that meets the requirements of the 15000 mile schedule.

TON4FUN

Yeah the tricky part is to get your service department, thats if your lazy like me ;D, when they change the oil to write the right mileage on the windshild sticker instead of the classic 3000 mile oil change interval. My truck goes in soon for its second oil change and first tire rotation. The tire rotation I don't even want to try to tackle, its worth the 30 bucks to me to have the dealer do it. Oil Changes only run me 60 bones at my dealer, again worth it to me because my truck won't fit in my garage and second thats a hell of bucket to catch all that oil and they do other checks as well. The diesel mechanic at my dealer says I can go 9500 with the way I drive but said 7500 would be better on the longivity of the motor. Whats 2000 miles anyways.

Jonesey

I just finished reading my owners manual and maintenance schedule last night. They both show the same schedules as the Gen 2, 3750 & 7500 miles. If we go by the extended schedule listed on the Cummins site, do we risk any warranty issues due to the discrepency?

FiverBob

Jonesy,<br><br>I went around with my dealership on this. I had the first 3rd gen in the area, so it was a neubie on them too. They called DC and found the manual is quite ambiguous. As previously stated, 7500 for normal driving including towing and/or some short trips. <br><br>Bob

Casey Balvert

Look closely at the symbols on chart in the owner's manual. Don't confuse the CA maintenance schedule (which is like the 2002 schedule) with the 50 states. The max for 50 states is 15,000 miles but few will do the sort of driving that this requires. Almost all trucks will fall into the B category and require service every 7500 miles.<br><br>Casey

bobgay

FiverBob, you said 7,500 miles &quot;for normal including towing and/or some short trips.&quot; Is this from DC? I read the manual as requiring oil changes at 3,750 (Schedule B) if you are towing. ??? ???

Casey Balvert

Bobby, Since you don't live in CA your oil change interval for towing is 7.500 miles (Schedule B). The owner's manual is very confusing. Look carefully at the symbols. The only ones requiring oil changes at 3,750 miles are vehicles from CA.<br><br>Hope that helps.<br><br>Casey

bobgay

Thanks, Balvert. I see it now. You are right about it being confusing. I am a retired CPA and should be good at reading fine print and footnotes, but that slipped right by me. <br>BobbyG

Casey Balvert

Not to worry. It is just the smell of the leather seats in that new truck that fogs the brain a bit. <br><br>Casey