How to Reset the Check Engine Light on a Dodge Ram 1500 [6 Easy Ways]
The check engine light on Dodge Ram 1500 is probably one of your biggest pet peeves for most drivers.
It has one big role – to notify drivers of issues with the vehicle. So if the check engine light on your Dodge Ram 1500 comes on, it’s important to take action and have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. But when this light keeps on even after fixing the problem, you’ll need to reset it.
In this article, we’ll show you how to reset the check engine light on your Dodge Ram 1500. So let’s get started!
Here’s how to reset a check engine light on Dodge Ram 1500 (6 easy methods)
1. Disconnect and reconnect the battery/ECM hard reset technique
This technique is relatively easier. All you need to do is disconnect your battery, wait for a while, and reconnect it. It will effectively reset the check engine light on your Dodge Ram 1500.
Start by opening the hood of your truck and locating the battery. Once you’ve found it, disconnect the negative terminal first and then the positive terminal.
Wait for at least 30 seconds before connecting the terminals to their original position. Make sure you connect the positive terminal first and then the negative terminal.
Close the hood of your truck and start the engine to see if the check engine light has reset.
If the light is still on, move on to the next technique below.
2. Turning the ignition on and off
This method is also quite simple. All you need to do is turn your truck’s ignition on and off 3 times in a row.
Start by turning the key to the ON position for about 5 seconds without starting the engine. Then, turn the key OFF and wait for at least 10 seconds before turning it back ON.
Repeat this process 3 times, and then start your truck’s engine. Hopefully, this will fix the engine light; otherwise, move to the next method.
3. Use an OBD-II scanner/reader.
This technique requires an OBD-II scanner or reader, which you can easily purchase from any auto parts store.
An OBD-II scanner allows you to read and clear the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from your truck’s computer. By doing this, you can easily reset the check engine light on your Dodge Ram 1500.
Connect the OBD-II scanner to your truck and turn it on. Once connected, you should see the DTCs displayed on the screen.
Clear the codes and turn OFF the scanner. Start your truck’s engine, and the engine light must go off.
If you don’t have an OBD-II scanner, you can take it to any auto parts store or mechanic, and they can reset the check engine light for you. Or get your personal one from one of the best tuners/programmers for Hemi 5.7 RAM 1500 trucks here.
4. Drive your truck for a while and let it clear on its own
It is probably the easiest technique to reset the check engine light on your Dodge Ram 1500.
All you need to do is drive your truck for at least 20-30 minutes, and the light should go off on its own. However, it will only work if the problem is fixed and the light is on due to the same previous issue.
If the light is still on after driving for a while, you can try our next method, which is:
5. Pulling off the fuse and put back in place
It is quite a straightforward method that you can try to reset the check engine light on your Dodge Ram 1500.
All you need to do is locate the fuse box under the hood of your truck and pull off the fuse for the check engine light. Wait for at least 30 seconds before putting the fuse back in place. Close the fuse box and start your truck’s engine to see if the check engine light has gone.
6. Have the truck’s computer system reflashed
This last one is a more permanent solution and will require you to take your truck to a mechanic or dealership. They will need to hook your truck to their computer and reflash the system.
It will reset all the codes in your truck’s computer and should turn off the check engine light. However, it’s a good idea to fix the problem before having the system reflashed as it can delete any helpful codes stored in the computer.
If you’re uncomfortable with this method, you can always take your truck to a mechanic or dealership, and they can reset the check engine light for you.
These are the six methods you can use to reset the check engine light on your Dodge Ram 1500. If the light is still on after trying these methods, it’s best to let the professionals handle it.
If the engine check light returns
If the check engine light comes back on after you reset it, it most likely means there is still an issue with your truck. The best course of action is to take it to a mechanic or dealership and have them diagnose and fix the problem.
Trying to reset the check engine light without fixing the underlying issue can cause serious problems down the road. So it’s always best to fix the problem ASAP.
How do I reset my check engine light without a scanner?
If you don’t have an OBD-II scanner, you can take it to any auto parts store or mechanic, and they can reset the check engine light for you. Additionally, try the steps mentioned above, like ECM hard reset, ignition restart, pulling fuse off, and driving for a while.
Can you reset the check engine light without disconnecting the battery?
Yes, it’s still possible to reset CEL without disconnecting the battery. Methods like ignition restart, pulling fuse off, using an OBD-II scanner, and driving for a while can help tackle the problem.
How long does it take for the check engine light to reset?
It depends on the method you choose. For instance, the driving for a while method might take up to 20-30 minutes for the light to reset. However, if you use an OBD-II scanner, it should take less than a minute.
Over to you!
If your Dodge Ram 1500’s check engine light comes on, don’t panic! There are several methods you can try to reset it. We’ve shown you six of the most common techniques in this article.
=>If the light is still on after trying these methods, take your truck to a mechanic or dealership and have them diagnose and fix the problem. Trying to reset the check engine light without fixing the underlying issue can cause serious and expensive consequences.
