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Kayakist · 11-03-2021, 01:50 PM

Started the motorhome today and instrument panel said oil change needed.

Only have 1,900 miles on the odometer on 11 month old Class A (model in signature line). I have the V8 engine.

So, any idea why this appeared? Owner's manual doesn't address oil change under "break in period" and regular maintenance schedule says change oil every 10,000 miles.

Inclined to ignore but wanted input from those smarter than me.

Happy travels.

CRV2 · 11-03-2021, 01:53 PM

I suspect the reason is that the oil minder has hit (or is close to hitting) the 1 year point. I know my relatively new Chevrolet does that as well, with low mileage but ~1 year of time. ~CA

NXR · 11-03-2021, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kayakist

Started the motorhome today and instrument panel said oil change needed.

Only have 1,900 miles on the odometer on 11 month old Class A (model in signature line). I have the V8 engine.

Screenshots are from your owners manual, pages 169 and 171: https://www.fordservicecontent.com/F...US_03_2020.pdf

10,000 miles or 12 months if not towing.

5,000 miles or 6 months if towing primarily. "Trailer" also includes a toad.

These are the same intervals for the V10.

Ray

GypsyR · 11-03-2021, 05:46 PM

Because it is "time" to change your oil rather than the mileage. Over time moisture builds up in engines, especially those seldom driven, plus some acids which aren't helpful. The engineers at Ford know all this and programmed the vehicle to tell you to change the oil when needed so it can live a reasonably long and healthy life. This is not something to ignore.

Thousands upon thousands of vehicles have been critically damaged from not having the oil changed often enough. Possibly millions. I've yet to hear of an engine being damaged by having its oil changed more often than really needed.

Steve-W · 11-03-2021, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigav

I suspect the reason is that the oil minder has hit (or is close to hitting) the 1 year point. I know my relatively new Chevrolet does that as well, with low mileage but ~1 year of time. ~CA

I have to agree with craigav. I change my oil every 5k miles and have never seen the oil change needed advisory, it usually shows around 50% life left. I am nearing my 4th oil change in the 15 months since I took delivery.

I know for a fact on my Lincoln MKX the oil change needed advisory comes on 1 year to the date regardless of mileage.

Definitely time to change the oil and filter regardless of the mileage. I buy the OEM Motorcraft oil and filter at Walmart for about $40. That and lube the 9 zerks on the steering gear. An hour of work, cheep insurance!

High Road Travelers · 11-03-2021, 09:34 PM

5,000 miles or 6 months if towing/hauling, as NXR noted above.
I consider a motorhome is towing/hauling anytime the wheels are turning (it is carrying a house), so I use the 5,000 mile interval. If I didn't use that much mileage I would change it every 12 months - 6 months just seems too often.
Thanks,