swedewon Posted December 16, 2013 Report Share Posted December 16, 2013 My 2013 Dodge Journey only has 3100 miles. Want to know what type of oil the factory installed. Manual says 5w20...but what type? Regular or synthetic?? It is a 1/2 quart low and want to make sure it is the same as what is in it already. Not due for oil change as monitor has not gone off yet. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkeaton Posted December 16, 2013 Report Share Posted December 16, 2013 I dont think they would put synthetic oil in at the factory but maybe I'm wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journey_SeXT Posted December 16, 2013 Report Share Posted December 16, 2013 (edited) From your owners manual: Engine Oil Viscosity – 3.6L Engine SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature starting and vehicle fuel economy. The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on engine oil filler cap location, refer to the “Engine Compartment” illustration in this section. Synthetic Engine Oils You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recommended oil quality requirements are met, and the recommended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes are followed. 7 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 533 Engine Oil – 3.6L Engine We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE grade. Regular conventional oil is used but you can add or switch with synthetic. Edited December 16, 2013 by Journey_SeXT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redtomatoman Posted December 17, 2013 Report Share Posted December 17, 2013 Interesting. The 2011 owner's manual states that 5-30 SAE oil is recommended. I wonder why they changed it? Peace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journey_SeXT Posted December 17, 2013 Report Share Posted December 17, 2013 (edited) I think the switch is mainly to improve fuel economy also it's a plus for cold weather starts if you live in extreme cold places. Dunno if I would stick with thin oil like that it in the long run. Edited December 17, 2013 by Journey_SeXT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Appalachian Journey Posted December 17, 2013 Report Share Posted December 17, 2013 The first time I checked the level in mine it had the factory fill and oil was at the middle of the dipstick hash marks. I've changed the oil a dozen times since and always it comes to the middle of the dipstick marks when filled to spec. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addicted to Dodge Posted December 17, 2013 Report Share Posted December 17, 2013 Interesting. The 2011 owner's manual states that 5-30 SAE oil is recommended. I wonder why they changed it? Peace. Hydraulic lifters bleed down over night, or while our Journeys are resting. 5w30 being a little thicker, doesn't get back to the top of the engine as quickly as 5w20 (hence the cold start clatter). That's why I am a believer in synthetic, it provides maximum lubrication even while an engine isn't being used. Its really the only drawback to a Variable Valve Timing engine. My 12' says 5w20 so the 5w30 thing must be a first year bug. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigtsr Posted December 17, 2013 Report Share Posted December 17, 2013 Yes the oil filler cap on my '11 DJ shows 5w30 as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onecrazyfoo4u Posted December 19, 2013 Report Share Posted December 19, 2013 My 2012 cap/manual say 5w-30...looks like they changed it mid-year. Mine was built in April 2012. Now that I'm at 45k miles, I wonder if I should switch over to 5w-20? Technically that would be going against my manual though... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addicted to Dodge Posted December 19, 2013 Report Share Posted December 19, 2013 My 2012 cap/manual say 5w-30...looks like they changed it mid-year. Mine was built in April 2012. Now that I'm at 45k miles, I wonder if I should switch over to 5w-20? Technically that would be going against my manual though... That's interesting, my 12' was built in August, so they must have swapped mid year as you stated. Mine also has the bigger updated brakes, and I have heard they did a swap on those mid year also. Seems odd to change things mid year, but better late than never I suppose... Hard to say about changing oil viscosity now. Some folks might say "yes", and some folks might say "no", but the Pentastar hasn't been around long enough for anyone to truly know. I would say "if it ain't broke don't fix it". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journey_SeXT Posted December 19, 2013 Report Share Posted December 19, 2013 My 2012 cap/manual say 5w-30...looks like they changed it mid-year. Mine was built in April 2012. Now that I'm at 45k miles, I wonder if I should switch over to 5w-20? Technically that would be going against my manual though... Has your dealer ever suggested to you to switch over to 5W-20? I would say stick with what your oil cap says to use as your engine was spec'd for 5W30. I think you're just going to make things more difficult to make a warranty claim if your engine experiences any issues and they tell you your warranty is now void due to wrong viscosity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrmagoo Posted December 20, 2013 Report Share Posted December 20, 2013 I think this should be one for DodgeCares to check into. Be interesting to see his response for us guys up here where it gets really cold! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onecrazyfoo4u Posted December 20, 2013 Report Share Posted December 20, 2013 Has your dealer ever suggested to you to switch over to 5W-20? I would say stick with what your oil cap says to use as your engine was spec'd for 5W30. I think you're just going to make things more difficult to make a warranty claim if your engine experiences any issues and they tell you your warranty is now void due to wrong viscosity. Good point. I haven't had any problems with 5w-30, so I'll just stick with what the cap says to avoid complication. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2014jrt Posted January 1, 2014 Report Share Posted January 1, 2014 My 14 rt also says 5w20 starts well in extreme low temps, plugged in when below minus 25 c. Odd squeel/ hum noise time time but I attribute it to extreme cold and it isn't every time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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