Switched from Pennzoil 0W-20 to Amsoil 0W-30 with good results

[Fishpilot]

2022 Sport S with near stock sized 265/70-17 tires, had since new. Used dealer Pennzoil 0w-20 from new to 44K miles. Switched to Amsoil Signature 0w-30 at 44K and had two oil changes with the 0w-30 and sent in the oil analysis. Also had the oil analysis done at 44K with the 0w-20.

Yellow = 0w-20 since new
Green = 0w-30 since 44K with two oil changes

I say better results on the 0w-30 for sure with less metal and better viscosity.

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[g2020]

better results

Nice UOA results.

For others reading this:

Note: My opinion about the five (5) grades is my interpretation. I am still investigating this with Jeep and the issue is not settled. 0W-20 is recommended in the owner's manual.

- AMSOIL SS motor oil is not API licensed
- 0W-30 is one of five grades listed in the (revised) 2020 owner's manual, but 0W-20 is recommended
- With that said, the following compliance is shown in the AMSOIL SS PDS for the grades in the 2020 owner's manual:

- API SP (RC)​

- MS-6395​

It is reasonable to believe that this oil meets manufacturer specifications. I recommend staying within OEM limits at least until the 5/60 power train warranty expires. For the AMSOIL SS motor oil guarantee, use AMSOIL Oil Filter and maintain fill level.

As for Pennzoil Platinum (and Ultra Platinum), the warranty excludes severe duty.

 

[Capngeo]

I have been running Rotella T6 in all my vehicles, heavy machinery, motorcycles, and my 3.0 Gladiator. I have a generator that is approaching 30,000 hrs with out an overhaul, a truck with 285k, same story. I know that Jeep wants us to use euro trash oil. However if they wanted to not honor a warranty, they would have to PROVE the oil caused the failure. Not that I had much worries about warranties as I voided mine when the JT had 68 miles on it.

 

[629]

I switched to 0-30 early on with my 3.6. Zero issues. I just changed it last week, I put in 5.5 quarts (I use the dipstick not the book) so I have add half a quart from another container. This time I added from an old 0-20 bottle. Man that stuff is thin in a back to back pour.

 

[bmpcamry09]

Sweet. Another oil thread.

At least this one has an oil analysis that shows 0W30 has less wear metal contamination. Thank you for sharing that.

Even with good data that people will still put 0W20 because they think their warranty will be void if they don’t and that there is some chemist in a back room at your local dealer checking oil weights to find ways to void your warranty.

Run what you want, as for my Jeep in the midwest with 100 degree summers and 10 degree winters, mine seems to like 5W30 the most no matter what. May go to a 0W30 in the cold months.

 

[g2020]

Note: My opinion about the five (5) grades is my interpretation. I am still investigating this with Jeep and the issue is not settled. 0W-20 is recommended in the owner's manual.

For me, the motor oil debate is settled. However, some experienced commenters on other forums claim that any statement that does not agree with their opinion is "misinformation". Here are some of the key facts. Also see History of Viscosity Grades in Motor Oil Compliance Funnel.

Some of this content applies to all aftermarket parts. The original source for each of the following facts is also shown below the list.

Fact: Jeep recommends API Certified motor oils (page 251)
Fact: Jeep recommends motor oils that meet MS-6395 (page 251)
Fact: Jeep lists five (5) viscosity grades in the (revised) 2020 owner's manual (page 251)
Fact: Jeep recommends 0W-20 (page 251)
Fact: Recommend does not mean require, but a Jeep dealer may say "strongly advise"
Fact: To deny a warranty claim based on the use of an aftermarket part (in the U.S.), a manufacturer must prove that the aftermarket part/lubricant caused the failure; the burden of proof is on the manufacturer (paraphrased from Wikipedia and AMSOIL)

Comment: The advice in the original 2020 owner's manual (printed in 2019, 0W-20 only) is superseded by the advice in the revised 2020 owner's manual (downloaded in April 2025, five viscosity grades listed).

Opinion: If compliance with API and MS-6395 is specified for a motor oil and the manufacturer is reputable, the motor oil may be used in the Gladiator. According to Jeep, the five (5) viscosity grades listed in the 2020 owner's manual may be used in the 3.6L gasoline engine in the Gladiator.

At least for now, I use an API Certified, MS-6395, 0W-20 motor oil.

From page 251 of (revised) 2020 owner's manual:

Key provision of Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act

1 of 2. From Wikipedia, specifically related to 15 USC 2302(c):

2 of 2. From AMSOIL:

From AMSOIL SS motor oil PDS (related to 0W-30, the subject of the original post in this thread):

 

[bmpcamry09]

For me, the motor oil debate is settled. However, some experienced commenters on other forums claim that any statement that does not agree with their opinion is "misinformation". Here are some of the key facts. Also see History of Viscosity Grades in Motor Oil Compliance Funnel.

Some of the following content applies to all aftermarket parts. The original source for each of the following facts is shown below the list.

Fact: Jeep recommends API Certified motor oils (page 251)
Fact: Jeep recommends motor oils that meet MS-6395 (page 251)
Fact: Jeep lists five (5) viscosity grades in the (revised) owner's manual (page 251)
Fact: Jeep recommends 0W-20 (page 251)
Fact: Recommend does not mean require, but a Jeep dealer may say "strongly advise"
Fact: To deny a warranty claim based on the use of an aftermarket part (in the U.S.), a manufacturer must prove that the aftermarket part caused the failure; the burden of proof is on the manufacturer; note: a lubricant is a type of part (paraphrased from Wikipedia and AMSOIL)

Comment: The advice in the original owner's manual (printed in 2019, 0W-20 only) is superseded by the advice in the revised owner's manual (downloaded in April 2024, five viscosity grades listed)

Opinion: If compliance with API and MS-6395 is specified by a reputable manufacturer, the motor oil may be used in the Gladiator. According to Jeep, the five (5) viscosity grades listed in the owner's manual may be used in the 3.6L gasoline engine in the Gladiator.

At least for now, I use an API Certified, MS-6395, 0W-20 motor oil.

From page 251 of (revised) owner's manual:

Key provision of Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act

1 of 2. From Wikipedia, specifically related to 15 USC 2302(c):

2 of 2. From AMSOIL:

From AMSOIL SS PDS (related to 0W-30, the subject of the original post in this thread):

Jeep also recommends never servicing the 8 speed transmission under normal operating conditions. They also recommend 87 octane even though I’ve proven over and over that these pull timing like mad on 87 octane.

I’m not saying you’re wrong, but I also don’t live by the “Jeep” recommends philosophy on everything either. Have to find the happy medium ground on a lot of this stuff.

 

[LB140]

I’ve proven over and over that these pull timing like mad on 87 octane.

Not a huge motor guy knowledge wise. What do you mean when you say that these pull timing like mad on 87 octane. Thanks

 

[bmpcamry09]

Not a huge motor guy knowledge wise. What do you mean when you say that these pull timing like mad on 87 octane. Thanks

Most companies make spark timing as aggressive as possible for the lowest grade fuel possible for best efficiency and economy.

When 87 octane is in the tank, mostly during hot weather (80 degrees and higher), the knock sensor picks up ping/pre-ignition noise, long before it becomes audible to the human ear. The factory spark timing is very very aggressive. For us, ping sounds like marbles in a tin can and there are many posts around this forum complaining about it.

Anyways, the engine detects this knock and pulls spark from the engine, up to 8-12 degrees. For each degree of spark timing pulled, you are losing about 3-4 horsepower and 3-4 pound feet of torque.

I regularly see these have “long term” knock retard of 5-8 degrees at wide open throttle during the hot weather with 87 octane in the tank. This long term knock is a learned strategy. Essentially the ECU has learned that your fuel sucks and it pulls timing in advance to prevent issues.

This is mostly a non issue in cold months. But in the summer, this is why often people report better power/MPG with premium in the tank.

 

[bmpcamry09]

I’ll also add that there is always one or two people who will chime in and say they’ve always run 87 because they don’t notice any difference and it has plenty of power.

If you’ve run 87 since day one, yes, you won’t notice a power increase, because your ECU has adapted to the 87 octane. But if you log short term and long term knock with a scanner, you’ll see the power pulled. You aren’t making the factory 285 HP on 87 octane in 100 degree summer weather, guaranteed. I can confidently tell you that of the 30 jeeps I’ve dated logged in the past three months that have 87 octane in the tank, every single one of them was pulling significant power.

I don’t mind that people want to run 87, especially these days with fuel prices, but there is definitely a benefit to running even just 89.

 

[LB140]

I’ll also add that there is always one or two people who will chime in and say they’ve always run 87 because they don’t notice any difference and it has plenty of power.

If you’ve run 87 since day one, yes, you won’t notice a power increase, because your ECU has adapted to the 87 octane. But if you log short term and long term knock with a scanner, you’ll see the power pulled. You aren’t making the factory 285 HP on 87 octane in 100 degree summer weather, guaranteed. I can confidently tell you that of the 30 jeeps I’ve dated logged in the past three months that have 87 octane in the tank, every single one of them was pulling significant power.

I don’t mind that people want to run 87, especially these days with fuel prices, but there is definitely a benefit to running even just 89.

Wow thank you for that info, I will try running the 89 especially in the summer months, if not all of the time. Do I need to do anything to relearn the ECU? Again thank you

 

[bmpcamry09]

Wow thank you for that info, I will try running the 89 especially in the summer months, if not all of the time. Do I need to do anything to relearn the ECU? Again thank you

Nope. Over time it’ll add lost timing back in. Could take a tank or two to adapt.

 

[LB140]

Nope. Over time it’ll add lost timing back in. Could take a tank or two to adapt.

Ok worth doing. Thanks and have a great day

 

[ChecksOut]

For me, the motor oil debate is settled. However, some experienced commenters on other forums claim that any statement that does not agree with their opinion is "misinformation". Here are some of the key facts. Also see History of Viscosity Grades in Motor Oil Compliance Funnel.

Some of this content applies to all aftermarket parts. The original source for each of the following facts is also shown below the list.

Fact: Jeep recommends API Certified motor oils (page 251)
Fact: Jeep recommends motor oils that meet MS-6395 (page 251)
Fact: Jeep lists five (5) viscosity grades in the (revised) owner's manual (page 251)
Fact: Jeep recommends 0W-20 (page 251)
Fact: Recommend does not mean require, but a Jeep dealer may say "strongly advise"
Fact: To deny a warranty claim based on the use of an aftermarket part (in the U.S.), a manufacturer must prove that the aftermarket part/lubricant caused the failure; the burden of proof is on the manufacturer (paraphrased from Wikipedia and AMSOIL)

Comment: The advice in the original owner's manual (printed in 2019, 0W-20 only) is superseded by the advice in the revised owner's manual (downloaded in April 2025, five viscosity grades listed).

Opinion: If compliance with API and MS-6395 is specified for a motor oil and the manufacturer is reputable, the motor oil may be used in the Gladiator. According to Jeep, the five (5) viscosity grades listed in the owner's manual may be used in the 3.6L gasoline engine in the Gladiator.

At least for now, I use an API Certified, MS-6395, 0W-20 motor oil.

From page 251 of (revised) owner's manual:

Key provision of Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act

1 of 2. From Wikipedia, specifically related to 15 USC 2302(c):

2 of 2. From AMSOIL:

From AMSOIL SS motor oil PDS (related to 0W-30, the subject of the original post in this thread):

I'll play a little devil's advocate here and believe you're misinterpreting what you're reading. The revision only states the five oil types can carry the API symbol. On the next section it states the recommended oil should have both the API symbol (certification) and correct "viscosity grade" (0w20).

 

[g2020]

I'll play a little devil's advocate here and believe you're misinterpreting what you're reading. The revision only states the five oil types can carry the API symbol. On the next section it states the recommended oil should have both the API symbol (certification) and correct "viscosity grade" (0w20).

Note: My opinion about the five (5) grades is my interpretation. I am still investigating this with Jeep and the issue is not settled. 0W-20 is recommended in the owner's manual.

I plan to contact Jeep about the additional grades and the differences between manuals. Also see my other recent reply.

Here's the justification:

1. In September 2019, my 2020 owner's manual listed and recommended one (1) motor oil viscosity grade: 0W-20
2. In April 2025, I downloaded the revised 2020 owner's manual in which five (5) grades are listed and the same grade, 0W-20, is recommended
3. In my opinion, the changes are a result of loosening CAFE standards (crossed out because the revised 2020 owner's manual is copyright 2022)
4. Common sense rule: A viscosity grade listed in the owner's manual may be used
   1. Also see other recommendations in my earlier reply
5. Question: If the additional grades may not or must not be used, why did Jeep revise the 2020 Jeep Gladiator owner's manual provided on mopar.com?

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