Do you trust the computer warnings in the truck?

[drjjj]

2015 F350 SD Diesel Platinum, took delivery April 30 2014. First 2015 my local dealer sold. Ordered the truck. I have been a fan of Royal Purple for many years-had a client that ran the fuel testing lab at Southwest Research here in San Antonio for many years. At 5K I went to Royal Purple, complete oil change (and filter) then 5K later (10K intervals) did filter change and topoff. So, never more than 10K between complete oil changes. The only "warning" I have ever received from the computer has been for the DEF, and that has almost always been late . Right now I have just shy of 73K on the truck, and was due for complete oil & filter change at 75K. I have been very "religious" about oil changes. Today I received a "warning" saying I needed an oil change. My question for you experts on the site: should I ignore the "warning" or do the oil change earlier than I anticipated? FWIW I also received a "warning" about changing the fuel filter. I have been religious about that as well. Why now? Truck age? Defaulty computer system? TIA.

[AZ Traveler]

Could be that you did not reset your oil change last time you did it. Personally I change based on mileage.

[mlh]

Ford knows more about these engines than anybody. They designed and built them. If the computer says change oil and filters I’d change them.
Lynwood

[DutchmenSport]

According to my dealership / service repair center (that I have been using on all my GM vehicles for 50 years now), told me the oil warning is triggered based on the number of times the engine is started, not the number of miles it's driving.

Mine shows a percentage remaining before an oil change is due. If I were to drive a total distance of only 10 miles, but if I started the engine 500 times in that 10 mile distance, my oil percentage remaining would drop noticeably.

However, if I drive 10,000 miles and start the engine only a couple times, the percentage doesn't not change.

So, I learned early on, as far as oil changes go, to change the oil, filters, and everything else based strictly on mileage. I do not routinely change based on time, I do mine based on mileage.

Now, when my DEF warning goes off, I have about 75 miles remaining. I need to get it filled up pretty fast.

The only difference that might change this routine is if I am driving over non-paved roads that kick up a lot of dust. Then, it IS important to check the air filter more often. That is the exception.

One more thing you REALLY need to inspect on a routine basis is the radiator in your vehicle(s). Use a garden hose sprayer (on jet setting) and spray out the fins on the radiator to clean off bugs, dust, dirt, and leaves. I think THIS is more important to check and be aware of than anything else. (well, that and the proper pressure in the vehicle's tires).

Your oil sensor may be set up different, but a call to your local dealership service shop will clarify how the sensor actually "senses" an oil change is due. You may be surprise how it actually reaches it's deduction!

[brycesteiner]

If you don't put a lot of miles on your truck - set up a regular annual schedule - at a minimum - to change your oil, and your fuel filter. It's not hard. Oil is cheap compared to an engine. No matter what - take care of it.
I am glad mine does not take DEF.

[BB_TX]

According to Ford the message is based on usage, operating conditions, and time.

https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos...oil%20service.

[scattershot]

In the words of the immortal Ronald Reagan, “Trust, but verify.”

[LeftOverParts]

On my ‘21 F350, most of my oil changes per the % remaining indicator go 10K miles (seems to run about 1% per 100 miles). However, it has gone at least once to about 7500 and another to 8500. I change it usually when it’s down to 2%-5% and just go by the indicator, and trust it.

I change the fuel filter at 15K-20K miles. Never have seen it but the only warning light I’m aware of for the fuel filter is to emtpy the water separator which occurs if it accumulates 200ml of water.

[RMcNeal]

My Ford guy says oil change is more about hours than miles, so I'd change it. I usually only go 7500 miles between oil changes and fuel filters every other oil change at 15K. I do tow a lot and idle a lot so I consider it more "severe" usage than just every day driving.

[DutchmenSport]

Originally Posted by RMcNeal

... I do tow a lot and idle a lot so I consider it more "severe" usage than just every day driving.

I've heard this from my dad and his generation since I was a kid. (I'm almost 70 now) and that entire generation is now gone. But, I still hear his voice in your statement.

I think in times past, the oil used in vehicles wasn't near as refined as it is today. So it was important the engine temperature stayed at certain levels. When idling or sitting in traffic the radiator would not get near the air flow as it would if moving, so the engines would heat up. This would cause the oil to heat up also. Back then, this was not good for the oil, as it would degrade over time .... thus the need for an oil change.

Today's oils are much more robust and can endure higher heat tolerances better than our predecessor's generation. But even now, there are limits to the usability of oil in a machine and then it needs a "refresh".

I think the important "take away" from everyone's comments so far, we all seem to be in agreement with, is the simple conclusion that the read-outs from our modern-technology, computerized automobiles does not know the full story of the automobile we each drive. Electronics does not take into account some common sense issues, the human factor, the intuition that something is not right or needs attention. Electronics and computerization are marvelous aid's to assist us humans in our arsenal of weaponry against the ravages of time and wear and tear. Technology should NOT become our dictator. In the end, it still boils down to each and every one of us using our heads regardless of what we see in front of us.

A smoke alarm can go off inside your home, but it does not tell you which way to exit the building. The warning goes off, now you have to use your head to figure out what's REALLY going on. The same applies to the read-outs in our vehicles.... they are tools to use. Use them with a bit of common sense.

[Bourbon County]

I have a 2016 F-350 with 31K miles, probably 80% of those were towing. I've always used the onboard computer alert for oil changes, I believe I've already done 4. I was under the impression that since the truck knows when the camper is plugged in and when you are using the tow/haul mode the algorithm calculated theses' miles/hours as severe duty and adjusted the intervals accordingly.

[Daryles]

Last year on the first leg of our journey, we got a check engine light. The idle was way higher than normal. I really had to push hard on the brake pedal when stopped to hold it.
Pulled into a auto parts store and had the read the engine codes
P054f: idle surge
P0170: fuel trim
I did some research on the Ford Forum.
One guy said it turned out to be the torque converter in the transmission.
Took the truck into Ford at Laurence Kansas.
They confirmed it was the torque converter. $4,000 but there was non in the system.
I asked for a print out of ALL the parts suppliers (8 pages). Went back to the Campground and started calling.
We found a supplier with one in stock that was willing to ship it (we found others but they would not give them up).
Got it shipped to us, took it to the dealership to confirm its the right one, got on their waiting list to get it done. 7 days later we were back on the road.
Bottom line is the guy told us IF you tow a lot, change your transmission fluid at half the recommended interval. So for us instead of changing the transmission fluid every 100,000 miles, change it at 50,000 miles.

[LeftOverParts]

Since I know the oil life indicator can fluctuate based on a number of factors and I’ve experienced that fluctuation first hand, imo it’s better to change the oil when it states it’s needed or earlier. Personally, I wouldn’t go over when it’s telling me to change it.

A DIY oil and filter change with T6 and upgraded filter is about $130 - not that much for a critical fluid.

[AZ Traveler]

I have had the oil life indicator come on a couple of times. It has always been caused by the dealer not resetting the system when they change the oil - I now always reset it myself when I pick up the truck. The oil is changed every 4-5K miles. When I bought the truck it came with oil changes for life.

[Cat320]

This is a general comment on transmission fluids. I have had personal conversations with a retired Allison engineer and owner of J G Lubricant Services. His comments pertain particularly to TES 295 and it's replacement Castrol 668. He says trans oil is not like engine oil and is not degraded by use, and as long as the oil tests ''good'' it is good for life. My RVs have had Allison 4000 and 3000, a Duramax dually had 1000 series Allison transmission. The oil has been tested annually in the 4000 and 3000 series, had them for 15 years and never changed the oil or filters. I did change the oil and filters in the 1000...that's been nearly 20 years ago.

https://jglubricantservices.com/

[Mark7]

My ‘19 Ram/Cummins sets the oil and fuel filter change intervals at 15K. That’s what I do. I use Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck (synthetic)

My work truck ‘18 Volvo VNL has a drain set at 50K.

Like Dutchman said… Todays oils, especially synthetics last a long time in a good running engine.

[firestation12]

Those who’d like to learn from one of the best I’ve seen, who has tested just about everything imaginable, look up “the motor oil geek” on you tube. The guy’s real name is Lake Speed. The amount of testing and lab analysis he’s done is incredible. Another resource of information is Dave’s auto center, who owns a thriving engine overhaul and rebuild does mainly diesels. Dave highly discourages 10k oil change intervals. On a more personal experience, I can tell the shifting difference after a transmission fluid drain/fill on my 2020 F350 10 speed at 24k miles and the wife’s 2018 Acadia at 40K miles. When transmission fluid no longer has its original color, I’ll spend the money to change it. I put no stock in 100,000 mile transmission fluid change intervals. The photo is a fuel filter changed at 20k miles, which should have been changed at 15k. For Ford superduty owners who have previously used 2051s OEM oil filters, switch to the newest recommended filter 2424. The filter media far more efficient.

[bootstrap]

IMO, too many variables to go by the computer. Id suggest going by hours/months/mileage. Change oil whichever comes up first. Personally, I change oil at 5k in my trucks. Then go by hours if you idle a lot-200 hours. then months if the other 2 do not apply, 3 months. I recently retired from working at a Frac Sand Plant, thats how I did the equipment there and my personal. I do not suggest trying to wash the radiator/condensor with a water hose at all. You are better off using air to blow those out. If you got to use water, then use a pressure washer. A standard water hose with a nozzle will only help lock the dirt in and basically set it up like cement, then you got a problem. Thats my 2 pennys.

[Cat320]

The only way to really find out the status of any vehicle fluid, and if it needs changing...engine oil, trans oil, or coolant... is to send a sample to a reputable lab and have it tested. The lab I mentioned in post #15 sends a detailed report listing the chemicals, and the amount, that are in your sample...the good and the bad. They also send a recommendation regarding changing or not changing in a color code. The left is Green (fluid is fine) with the color varying in descending order to Red on the right (change now). You can also call them on the phone and they will explain any and all of their ratings and comments.

[drjjj]

I greatly appreciate everyone's input. I did some more "digging" and I found out why I got the warning. About two months ago DW injured her right foot and ankle and could not drive. Surgery scheduled September 30. I have been her chauffeur to medical and other appointments, and rather than sit in a waiting room I have stayed in my truck to read. I live in South Texas so I did a lot of idling with the AC on. FWIW Royal Purple folks have told me that the oil I am using now (10W-40 HPS) should be good for 15K as long as I use their filter (which I do) as well. Since I tow I will most likely do the oil change at 10K, but now will eliminate the 5K in between filter change and top off. Y'all's thoughts?