F-150 Oil Life Indicator

[PHLambert]

I have a 2009 F-150 XL with the 4.6L 2valve V8 engine. I've had zero problems with it, and have kept it maintained according to schedule. But I do have a question.

The first "Oil Life Remaining" warning came on right on schedule, at about 7,500 miles. But I'm now getting the warning again, at 11,500 miles, rather than the 15,000 miles I would have expected.

I've had BMWs that used pretty sophisticated algorithms for determining when it was time to change the oil, mostly driven by how long the engine had run in various RPM bands. But I didn't think the F-150 engine mgmt system was this sophisticated - that it simply went on mileage.

There's no description in the owner's manual as to how this stuff works in the F-150. I'm beginning to wonder if this is a dealer-configurable option, and they just cranked down the mileage interval so they could get revenue for oil changes more often.

Anyone know for sure how oil life is calculated in the F-150s?

Thanks

[Blue)(Fusion]

What's the oil change interval recommended in your owners manual? It seems it was reset for 3,000 mile intervals. Also how rough do you run the truck (plow, tow, etc.?)

I would not rely on 7,500 mile OCIs anyway, especially when used in a heavy duty application. I use 3,000-4,000 mile intervals with Motorcraft oil. It's cheap insurance and easier to catch a problem early.

[PHLambert]

This truck is my everyday transportation - I rarely haul anything and don't even have a hitch installed. So yeah, very light duty. In good weather it sits in the garage for several days at a time, as I would rather ride my Harley!

I think what has happened is that I've hit the 6 month interval rather than the mileage interval. Don't know that I've ever hit the time interval on one of my vehicles before. I guess that's because these Fords have a 7,500 mile interval.

I've decided that I'm going to take Ford at their word with these oil change intervals. I'm not an environmental crazy, but if I do my part to reduce our dependence on OPEC oil, I'm all for it.

[Blue)(Fusion]

Ahh, yes it very well could be the 6 month interval. I did change the oil on a 2006 Grandmarquis (yes I know what I typed) and reading the instructions to reset the OCI system, it will indicate an oil change after 6 months or 5,000 miles (I believe they changed it to 7,500 in the following year for all Fords).

If you think it's safe to go to 7,500 with your driving style, I would disregard the time interval. I've had oil sitting in a car all winter long, brought it out in the spring, and ran fine until I hit the mileage. And I've done that for several years on that car. The oil should not break down without use. These Modular engines are surprisingly forgiving with the oil, too. But that is not an excuse to disregard it!