Chrysler recommends always checking the oil level right after turning the engine off.
AFAIK, they are the only ones that do.
I was surprised when I read that in my Owner's guide.

 

Yeah, I saw that too, and was thinking maybe that's just what you get when you take a cold reading. But I've seen other threads here where users say their hot and cold readings are almost the same. I'm seeing a huge discrepancy between the two, to the point where I'm too concerned to drive it at all. I would take it into the dealership but everybody is closed on Sundays.

 

Strange, very strange indeed.
Pardon me for asking an obvious question, but is your Jeep parked on level ground? That would affect your dipstick level.
What color is the oil? With only 700 miles since the change it should still look clear/light amber.
I never heard of checking the oil when its hot. I usually check it before I start it for the day figuring any oil up in the cylinders will drain down overnight. I wonder what FCA's thought process is in recommending that?

As for me, I don't worry much, and with a vehicle as new as yours it seems unlikely you'd have a significant problem. Still, if you're nervous, it probably wouldn't hurt to have the dealer look at it. God forbid it develops a serious problem,at least you'll establish a paper trail that says you didn't neglect an unusual symptom. And I'd call what you're having unusual.

 

Unless you checked the oil immediately after the change, you have no idea if maybe they over filled it to start out with. It does happen.

 

Thanks for the responses. Yes, it was parked in my garage on level ground when I checked it. The color is still pretty light. And I did just get it up to operating temperature and checked it again and it was still high, and i did see a few bubbles on the dipstick, so maybe treegrower is right and it was overfilled when I got the oil change - I'll now always be checking myself in the future.

But the oil still seems to smell of gas, and when compared to my 2008 mazda 3, the exhaust smells pretty rich. Is it possible for unburnt fuel to leak into the oil pan? Maybe a VVT or injector issue?

If it is just overfilled, what kind of damage might I have done driving it that way for 700-1000 miles?

 

But the oil still seems to smell of gas, and when compared to my 2008 mazda 3, the exhaust smells pretty rich. Is it possible for unburnt fuel to leak into the oil pan? Maybe a VVT or injector issue?

Although I've never heard of anyone else here having an issue suimilar to yours, its entirely possible that something is up w/ your fuel system; maybe a stuck injector.

I'd get it to a reputable mechanic for an inspection. If there's gas in the oil, especially in the amounts you're seeing, it could certainly do some damage.

I never heard of checking the oil when its hot. I usually check it before I start it for the day figuring any oil up in the cylinders will drain down overnight. I wonder what FCA's thought process is in recommending that?

I'm in the opposite boat - I've never owned a vehicle that DIDN'T want you to check it hot. I was under the impression that you always check oil with the engine off, at operating temp. Unless you're desperate and just want to make sure there's actually oil in there.

 

Engine oil in any application is always,"ALWAYS" checked "COLD ENGINE" and with the vehicle/equipment parked on a "LEVEL SURFACE".

 

Except when the owner's manual says check it 5 minutes after engine shutdown, like mine does....
But I don't notice a difference in level on mine either way.

 

There is no way you're putting unburned fuel into the oil without a check engine light. Follow the correct oil level check procedure that's in the owners manual. If it's higher than it should be it was overfilled.

 

Hey iskinbash,

Have you brought this behavior to the attention of your servicing FCA dealership?

 

Yes, and I'll be bringing it in today hopefully. No service centers were open yesterday and I kind of wanted to get an idea of what might be the issue or see if anyone had experienced something similar. I appreciate the responses from everyone.

 

There's 2 maintenance schedules. The manufacturer's schedule as listed in your owner's manual, and the Dealers Service Department schedule as listed on their big sign in the drive-in bay.

The Manufacturer's schedule is designed to keep your vehicle in factory operating condition.

The Dealerships schedule is designed to extract every possible dollar out of you for the life of the vehicle. Follow the Manufacturer's schedule...