Schedules A and B have long been a part of required and recommended maintenance on Chrysler Group vehicles. One drawback of using these schedules is that customers sometimes end up making a best “guesstimate” of the correct maintenance interval.

With the introduction of the Oil Change Indicator system, that’s going to change – customers are automatically notified via the cluster or EVIC that an oil change is required. In addition, the system does away with Schedules A and B and instead combines both into easy-to-use lists and tables.

The Oil Change Indicator system uses the Powertrain Control Module to process a variety of inputs and then decides on an oil change interval. The factors which point toward severe use include the following:

• Ambient temperature inputs which indicate extended periods of low temperature operation
• Average vehicle speeds which indicate stop-and-go driving
• Run time which indicates prolonged idling
• Trip lengths and coolant temperatures which indicate short trips
• Engine RPM and engine loads which indicate trailer tow usage
• Fuel indications of an ethanol percentage of 60 percent or greater

The system cannot keep track of dusty conditions or time elapsed since the last maintenance. In fact, it is possible for the maximum allowable maintenance time interval to elapse without an oil change reminder. In such a case, it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that maintenance is performed according to the recommended interval.

Based on the inputs, at a fixed number of miles since the last reset, the Powertrain Control Module decides on the severity of the operating conditions. If one or more of the conditions indicates severe use, the PCM sends a message over the bus so that the appropriate message can be displayed. If the PCM decides that the normal service interval applies, it waits until additional mileage has accumulated before sending out the request for a message.

The EVIC message may also include A dealership’s name and phone number, which can be programmed into the vehicle with a scan tool. However, the dealership must receive the customer’s approval before adding this information. Hitting the trip button will temporarily end the message, and it will reappear with the next key cycle.

In addition to the oil change, the related items listed in the Service Information should also be performed when service is indicated. All other items will follow a single maintenance schedule with the same calendar/mileage intervals no matter what the oil change interval.

How to reset a service indicator

The oil change indicator can be reset using the following steps:

1. Turn the ignition key to ON but do not start the engine.
2. Slowly depress the accelerator to the floor and release it three times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.

Repeat the process if the indicator does not reset.