How to Reset Oil Life/ Service Reminder on Ram 1500/2500/3500
You may have noticed that your “oil life” or “oil change required” light has come on recently, even though you just had your oil changed. This is because Ram trucks have a system that monitors how long the engine has been running since its last oil change. Once the time limit has hit, the light will come on to remind you to get the oil changed again. So when you change the oil, you also need to reset the reminder.
Don’t worry – resetting this light is a relatively simple process doable in just a few minutes. All you need is a little bit of your time!
In this article, we will walk you through how to reset the oil life/service reminder on Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks.
1. Why the oil life light comes on
The role of the oil light is to come on as a reminder to change your oil. It is based on how many miles you’ve driven since your last oil change. Once you’ve hit the mileage limit, the light will come on to remind you it’s time for a new oil change, as not doing so will fasten the engine wear and result in expensive repairs.
2. Steps to reset the oil life light on Ram trucks
Resetting the oil life light is simple and only takes a few minutes. And as I said before, it’s a tool-free DIY (in most cases)!
Here are the steps:
- Start the ignition of your truck without starting the engine.
- Now using the control button on your steering wheel, navigate to “Vehicle Info.”
- From there, hover over to the “Oil Life” submenu option.
- You should see the oil reset option now.
- Click “OK,” and the computer will reset the oil change/ service reminder on your Dodge Ram truck.
Some initial Ram models may not provide the convenience of doing a reset from the comfort of your driving seat.
Here’s the way to reset oil life in such a case:
- Open the hood and locate the Oil Life Reset Switch, usually found near the oil filter.
- Press and hold the Oil Life Reset Switch using a screwdriver for 3 seconds.
- After 3 seconds, release the switch. Your “Oil life/change required” light should reset now!
You’ve successfully reset the oil life/service reminder on your Ram 1500, 2500, or 3500 truck! Be sure to change your oil at your earliest convenience to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
3. What to do if the light doesn’t go off after resetting it
There are a few reasons why the oil life/change required light might not go off even after you’ve reset it.
The most common reason is that you might not have reset it correctly. Be sure to follow the steps outlined in this article carefully to ensure that you reset the light correctly.
If you’re still having trouble with the light keep coming back on after you reset it, chances are you may need to replace the oil pressure sensor or oil pump itself.
Another possibility is that your truck needs an oil change even though the mileage limit has not hit. It could be because you drive in stop-and-go traffic often or make many short trips. In this case, it’s best to change your oil sooner rather than later.
4. FAQs about resetting the oil life/service reminder
Importance of oil changes
It’s no secret that regular oil changes are crucial for running your engine smoothly. But how important are they, really? And why is it so vital to get them done on time?
Your engine’s internal parts run at a fiery temperature due to the combustion process. The oil in your engine serves as a lubricant to prevent these parts from grinding against each other and causing wear and tear.
Over time, the oil breaks down and becomes less effective at lubricating the engine. It can lead to increased wear and tear on the machine, which can cause all sorts of problems down the road.
In short, regular oil changes are vital because they keep your engine running smoothly and prevent costly repairs later on.
What happens if I don’t change my oil?
Suppose you don’t change your oil after a set limit. In that case, the oil becomes less effective at lubricating, resulting in increased wear and tear on the engine’s moving parts. So first, you will slowly start to lose performance and MPG, and later on, the engine will break down, costing thousands in repair. Improve the MPG performance of your Ram truck using the full guide here.
How often should I change my Dodge Rams engine oil?
Dodge Ram recommends changing your truck’s conventional oil every 3000 to 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. For synthetic oil, the limit is higher at 7000+ miles. However, this may vary depending on your driving habits. If you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic or make a lot of short trips, you may need to change your oil more often.
What kind of oil does a Dodge Ram 1500 use?
Dodge Ram recommends using 5W-20 motor oil for the 5.7L 1500 series trucks. 5W-20 is a synthetic oil that works well in various temperatures and conditions.
Check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations for your truck.
Over to you!
So there you have it! The complete guide on how to easily reset oil life/service reminder on your Ram 1500, 2500, or 3500 truck. Be sure to follow the steps outlined in this article carefully to avoid any issues.
