Manager Forum

Customer has this routan, and needs oil changed, looking up in Mitchel it says 5-20, then says see tsb 2012855. I can't find the tsb. I am thinking that mobil1 will meet the spec, but does anyone have more info on these, and the oil that meets the spec? VIN 2V4RW3D1XAR407363. Also they were told 12k miles on a change, Mitchell says 6k, customer wants to do 3k. I told them that if it is Mobil1 synthetic I would do the 6k miles on a change.

Which engine?

Sorry its a 3.8 vin 1, I think its just a chrysler 3.8???

I'm not seeing anything specific. Just 5w20. This is just a Chrysler after all. The REAL VW's use a 501, 502 or 505 spec oil. My take is just a good quality 5w20 would do the trick.

So does anyone know what the tsb number is about??? Also would you run conventional 5-20 12k miles?? I usually only recommend 5-6k at the most on conventional oil, synthetic is defferent.

I wouldnt run any oil over 5k. And no more then 6 months. maybe just my opinion

I tried to find that tsb and couldn't.

As far as oil, I'd run conventional oil 5-6k. In todays engines it's fine. We stopped recommending 3k oil changes on most vehicles a while ago.

Engine Oil SAE 5W-20

API Certified Engine oil is recommended for all operating temperatures.

Do not overfill! Over filling can cause misfire DTCs to be stored in the ECM. To prevent overfilling, add approx. 0.5L less than capacity, start engine and let run until engine is at operating temperature (approx 60 deg C (140 deg F)). Turn ignition OFF, wait approx 3 mins, check dipstick, then fill to MAX.

Not finding any bulletin matching the #. If it doesn't call for synthetic we don't use it unless it's a turbo. If it's a turbo we suggest synthetic simply because of viscosity. We change the oil, or strongly recommend it at 5k intervals. We're not a gas station and a bit off of the main drag but tell our customers that we will gladly check their oil any time the swing by as well as top off fluids and check lighting and tire pressure.

I googled that TSB number and it tells which oils meet VW standards. hth. Jerry

I think this is an error in the sytem. The TSB in question does not apply to the Routan. I will submit this for review with our Maintenance department.

Another quickie here. Issues like this is why i keep a good line of communication open with all my o.e.m. suppliers. I can either call the parts department, Jasper, or World pac help line. Direct hit can help as well.