How to Reset Oil Life/Service Reminder on the Dodge RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500

After every oil change, you need to reset the Oil Life percentage or Oil Service Reminder Light on the Dodge RAM 1500, 2500, or 3500 models with these steps.

2014 – 2024 Models

You have two different ways of resetting the oil service reminder on newer Dodge RAM models. The first is similar to the traditional analog method found in older cars:

1. Turn on the car by placing the ignition to “ON/RUN” without starting the engine itself. If you have a push-button ignition, press the “Engine Start/Stop” button twice without holding the brake.
2. Push the accelerator pedal slowly three times in a 10-second interval.
3. Turn the ignition off. If you have a push-button ignition, press the “Engine Start/Stop” button once without holding the brake.

When you start the vehicle again, the oil life reminder will be reset.

Another option is to use the built-in computer system to access the “Vehicle Info” settings:

1. Place the ignition in the “ON/RUN” position. If you have a push-button ignition, press the “Engine Start/Stop” button once without holding the brake. Do not start the engine.
2. Use the “Down Arrow” to scroll to the “Vehicle Info” option.
3. Hit the “Right Arrow” button to enter the settings.
4. Scroll down to the “Oil Life” option with the directional arrows.
5. Press and hold the “Right Arrow” or “OK” button.
6. The system should prompt you with a “Reset” option.
7. Use the “Up Arrow” to toggle to “Yes” then confirm your choice with the “Right Arrow.”

This resets the oil life to 100%.

2013 Models

2013 Dodge RAM models have two different ways to reset the oil life reminder depending on which type of start you have.

For models with a key start, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the car, but don’t turn on the engine (i.e., flick the key so it only starts the car’s electrical systems).
2. Press and release the gas pedal three times in 10 seconds or less.
3. Turn off the car completely.

For cars with a push start, use these steps:

1. Press the “Start” button to “On/Run.” Don’t start the engine, just the electric system.
2. Push down and release the gas pedal three times in 10 seconds.
3. Hit the “Start” button again to turn off the car.

1990 – 2012 Models

Older models have a relatively straightforward method of resetting the oil life reminder:

1. Turn the car’s electrics on with the key, but without turning on the engine.
2. Hit the gas pedal and release it three times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn off the ignition.

This will reset the car’s oil service indicator.

What to Do if the Light Doesn’t Turn Off

The most common reason for the oil service reminder light staying after you’ve performed a reset is due to not following the steps correctly. Usually, this means you didn’t press the gas pedal far or fast enough for the car systems to register it and reset the reminder.

If the reminder persists through multiple reset attempts, you may have a problem with the oil pressure sensor or the oil pump. In that case, contact a car mechanic to perform a more thorough check-up.

When You Should Reset Oil Life/Service Reminder on the Dodge RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500

While nothing is technically stopping you from resetting the oil service reminder at any time, the recommended time to do so is only after an oil change. While the car system that detects how frequently you need to change your oil is not perfect, modern vehicles have a highly sophisticated system that considers mileage, temperature changes, total running time, idle times, and engine temperature.

Usually, you will need to change the oil more often if you make short trips or have extended engine idle times (such as in stop-and-go traffic during a jam)

However, the system doesn’t detect the actual conditions of the oil, nor how much of it is left in the car. In most cases, the oil pressure indicator should point you toward a leak.

If you reset the reminder without replacing the oil, you risk the oil accruing sediment or sludge, which can damage the engine.

Older car systems have a relatively rudimentary oil service reminder system similar to an odometer. Most cars will indicate that you need to change your oil on a certain preset distance traveled, usually 3,000 miles. Other cars will base the reminder on the total amount of time the engine has been running.

If you use higher-quality synthetic oil, you may not need to change it as often as the indicator suggests. It’s best to consult a car mechanic to figure out the frequency of changing the oil on the car vs. resetting the reminder only.

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