Thanks for the info. I have always changed my oil at 3k miles only b/c of that ford ranger I got as my first vehicle in 1986 would drink it. But when I bought the Jeep I decided to use synthetic but b/c I have trained myself to change it every 3k miles, its hard to break the habit.
So, I will fight the urge to change it and let it go to at least 5k miles. After some of the comments about what the manual says, I thought I would paste the maintenance schedule from the owner's manual. The thing that caught my attention is the use of E85 fuel.
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change indicator system. The oil change
indicator system will remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for scheduled
maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change indicator message will
illuminate. This means that service is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures,
and E85 fuel usage will influence when the “Change Oil” or “Oil Change Required”
message is displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the change oil
message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have your
vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) equipped vehicles, “Oil Change
Required” will be displayed in the EVIC and a single chime will sound, indicating that
an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, “Change Oil” will flash in the instrument cluster
odometer and a single chime will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator message after completing the
scheduled oil change. If a scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps described
under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” or under “Instrument Cluster Description/Odometer/
Trip Odometer” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
or twelve months, whichever comes first.