The RAM 1500’s oil life reset procedure is one of the most frequently searched vehicle maintenance topics online, and for good reason. The gas pedal pump method used on 4th gen trucks is genuinely unintuitive, with no on-screen prompts to guide you through it. The 5th gen moved to a more user-friendly Uconnect menu approach. Here’s the exact process for both generations, along with the common mistakes that cause the reset to fail.
5th Gen RAM 1500 (2019+): Uconnect Menu
Turn the ignition to ON without starting the engine. On the Uconnect touchscreen, navigate to Vehicle > Vehicle Health > Oil Life. Select “Reset” and confirm. The oil life returns to 100%.
You can also navigate through the instrument cluster using the steering wheel buttons to find the oil life reset option in the EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center) menus.
4th Gen RAM 1500 (2013-2018): Gas Pedal Method
This is the procedure that frustrates people because it involves pressing the gas pedal in a specific sequence without any screen prompts to guide you. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN without starting the engine. On push-button start models, press the start button twice without pressing the brake pedal.
Within 10 seconds of turning the ignition on, slowly press the gas pedal all the way to the floor and release it fully. Repeat two more times, for a total of three complete pedal presses. Turn the ignition OFF. Start the engine and verify the oil life has reset to 100%.
The critical details that cause failures: all three pedal presses must be completed within 10 seconds of turning the ignition on. Each press must go completely to the floor (not 80% or 90%, but all the way down until the pedal stops). Each release must be fully complete (foot completely off the pedal) before the next press. If you’re too slow, don’t press fully, or don’t release fully between presses, the system doesn’t register the reset.
If it doesn’t work on the first try, turn the ignition off, wait 10 seconds, and try again with deliberate, full-travel presses. Think of it as three calm, complete pedal strokes rather than three quick stabs. Rushing is the most common reason for failure.
Oil Specification for RAM 1500 Engines
The 5.7L Hemi uses either 5W-20 or 0W-20 depending on the model year. The 2019+ 5.7L specifies 0W-20 full synthetic. The 2013-2018 5.7L uses 5W-20 (some years allow 0W-20 as well). The 3.6L Pentastar V6 uses 0W-20. The 3.0L EcoDiesel uses 5W-40 diesel-rated oil.
Always check the oil cap or owner’s manual for the exact specification for your engine and year, since using the wrong viscosity can affect fuel economy, cold-start protection, and warranty coverage. Regular maintenance like this helps maintain your truck’s value and performance, much like improving your truck’s fuel efficiency through other preventive care.
Mopar oil filters are the OEM choice and provide correct fitment and bypass valve pressure for all RAM 1500 engines. Quality aftermarket filters from Wix, Purolator, and Fram work well too; just match the filter number to your specific engine.
Mopar Oil Filter for RAM 1500
OEM filter for 5.7L Hemi and 3.6L Pentastar engines
For a quick, interactive lookup of the reset procedure for your specific RAM or any other vehicle, use our oil life reset tool with printable step-by-step instructions that you can take to the garage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t the gas pedal method work for me?
The three pedal presses must be completed within 10 seconds of turning the ignition on. Each press must go fully to the floor and return fully before the next press. The most common failure modes are: pressing too quickly (the system doesn’t register the full stroke), not pressing all the way to the floor, or exceeding the 10-second window.
Slow down, be deliberate, and make each press a complete floor-to-fully-released stroke.
Does 5W-20 vs. 0W-20 matter on the Hemi?
Yes. The engine is calibrated for its specified viscosity. Using 0W-20 in a truck that calls for 5W-20 (or vice versa) can affect fuel economy, oil pressure readings, and cold-start protection. The difference between these viscosities is most significant at cold startup temperatures. Always match the spec on your oil cap.
How often should I change oil on the Hemi?
Follow the oil life monitor. Most Hemi owners see intervals of 8,000 to 10,000 miles with full synthetic under normal driving conditions. Towing, extreme heat, dusty conditions, and frequent short trips shorten the interval, and the monitor accounts for these factors automatically.
Can electric vehicles skip this maintenance hassle?
Actually, yes. If you’re curious about maintenance differences, electric cars don’t need oil changes, which is one of the major ownership advantages when comparing conventional trucks to electric alternatives.
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