Frustrating Dealer Experience

Joined
Oct 6, 2005
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Location
MD
Took our 2024 Wrangler in for a CEL with 15k miles, P0017.

Turns out there is a TSB 18-011-25 for this situation. A part of that TSB is to inspect the oil for metallic debris. There was none. However, they made the statement to me on the phone and on the RO, "oil is 1/2qt low and dirty" and that I declined the oil change on the phone and that oil needs to be changed immediately.

As many of you do, I keep a closer eye on my vehicles than the average owner, especially this car because we've only had it for 10k miles, so these statements surprised me.

Drove it home (this thing warms up quick so it got to temp), let it sit for approximately 5 minutes (per manual) and this was the result:
IMG_3303.webp


This oil (HPL PCMO 5w30) has right at 5000 miles on it. Looks perfect to me.

Service advisor and then service manager stands by what was "observed." When I stated that it had about 5000 miles on the oil, the response was it's due at 5000 miles so it needs to be changed, which is contrary to the manual as well. The manager gave me the phone number to call Chrysler and give my information for the record, which I did. I've also documented my findings, phone call notes, etc on my side.

I expressed my concern about such a statement in the event of future warranty concerns and he said that these statements wouldn't be used in warranty determination. I find that hard to believe when a several thousand dollar turbocharger, engine, etc is on the line. At least I have good records.

Just an overall disappointing experience, especially because I used to hold this dealer in a higher regard because they've fixed some things for me that I figured would be very challenging to even diagnose.

I know HPL doesn't hold the official Mopar oil spec approval and this experience makes me question if I should make sure to use an officially approved oil in warranty. M1 EP ain't so bad right? ;)
 
Oil being "dirty" is subjective, but saying it was 1/2 quart low was absolutely incorrect. Heck, you're slightly above the max fill line. And yes, I agree that they would indeed use this documentation against you in the case of a warranty dispute.
 
They probably didn't wait for the oil to return to the sump when checking it. It may appear a bit dark due to direct injection and with the normal oil they use, they'd want to change it.
 
Bring it back with fresh oil and filter.

Or, show them your oil change records and demonstrate that you're in compliance with the OEM oil change schedule.
 
I must be used to seeing diesel oil black. That oil doesn't look "dirty" to me. Used yes, does this have an OLM?

Dirtier than I would expect to see on an engine with only 15k on it. Not filthy, but looks like it is due for a change.
 
Honestly, a little surprised, usually people are promoting the oil color isn't an indicator line, but that's all good.

I was already planning to change the oil this weekend but I do think that I will switch back to M1 EP 5w30 until the warranty is up.

Understand everyone's perspective, but is oil really "dirty" if you can see the crosshatch on the stick?

I keep good records, so we'll see how this goes. Might be perfect for the next 150k, never know.
 
Trust me my grandson is a Ford mechanic. Heavy line - engines / transmissions. Every note is kept on the computer on your vin#. Just a suggestion I would take it right back to the dealer and have them do the oil change . whether they are right or wrong. Those two notations low oil ,dirty oil. I have heard some horror stories.
 
A dealer wants to do something that many do on here (change oil early) and gets knocked-OR the dealer doesn't do somthing and gets a thread on here.
Meanwhile the OP drives an expensive vehicle to buy and operate-and is gripping about an oil change.

Just another day on this forum................
 
From a stealership standpoint if you get out with just an "un-needed" oil change, you got off cheap. How much is a change there?

I would have asked how much oil usage is acceptable. Maybe your due a new engine :ROFLMAO:

I agree with others that 5K OCI is good idea - what I do. If you don't your call. I would for sure document your service and follow the book to the letter, including oil to spec.
 
Trust me my grandson is a Ford mechanic. Heavy line - engines / transmissions. Every note is kept on the computer on your vin#. Just a suggestion I would take it right back to the dealer and have them do the oil change . whether they are right or wrong. Those two notations low oil ,dirty oil. I have heard some horror stories.

This.

As a former Dealer Master Tech, that notation (low, dirty oil) will follow your VIN. It WILL be used to deny warranty coverage in the future if a situation arises that could possibly be attributed to this.

I'm glad to be out of that business.
 
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