How-to · Elgin CDJR · Streamwood, IL
How to Reset Oil Life on a Ram 1500
Your Ram 1500 tracks oil life with an oil change indicator system and shows an Oil Change Required message when it is time for service. After the oil and filter are changed, the indicator needs to be reset. Here are the steps from the 2026 Ram 1500 owner's manual, what to do if the reset does not take, and when the next oil change is due.
5 stepsto reset oil life in the instrument cluster
100%oil life shown after a successful reset
500 mito get service after Oil Change Required appears
10,000 mior 12 months: never go past, per the manual
The short answer
With the engine off, put the ignition in ON/RUN without pressing the brake pedal. In the instrument cluster, scroll down to Vehicle Info, press the right arrow to open the Oil Life screen, then press and hold OK until oil life shows 100%. Reset it only after the oil change is done; an authorized dealer resets it for you when it changes the oil.
How to reset the oil life indicator on a Ram 1500
Do this after the scheduled oil and filter change. These steps are from the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual:
- Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button and place the ignition in the ON/RUN position. Do not start the engine.
- Push and release the down arrow button to scroll down through the main menu to Vehicle Info.
- Push and release the right arrow button to open the Oil Life screen.
- Push and hold the OK button to reset oil life. If conditions are met, the gauge and number update to show 100%.
- Push and release the up or down arrow button to exit the submenu.
Steps from the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Instrument Cluster Display: Oil Life Reset), read October 26, 2026. Other model years and Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks may differ; check your own owner's manual.
If the oil life will not reset
Engine must be off
If conditions are not met, the cluster shows the pop-up "To reset oil life engine must be off with ignition in run" for five seconds, and you stay on the Oil Life screen. Turn the engine off, place the ignition in ON/RUN without the brake pedal, and try again.
Message comes back at start-up
If the Oil Change Required message appears again when you start the truck, the manual says the indicator did not reset. Repeat the procedure.
Just want it gone for now?
To turn the message off temporarily, push and release the OK or arrow buttons. Unless the system is reset, it will show again each time the ignition is placed in ON/RUN.
Dealer oil changes
The manual says an authorized dealer resets the indicator after completing the scheduled oil change. The steps above are for oil changes done somewhere else.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Oil Life Reset and Scheduled Servicing), read October 26, 2026.
What the Oil Change Required message means
The oil change indicator system is duty cycle based, so the interval can change with how the truck is driven. When service is due, the cluster shows Oil Change Required for five seconds after a single chime.
The manual says operating conditions such as frequent short trips, trailer towing and extremely hot or cold temperatures influence when the message appears. When it does, have the truck serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles.
When to change the oil on a Ram 1500
Use the indicator, but keep the hard limits in mind:
| Rule | What the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual says |
|---|---|
| When the message appears | Service the truck as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles. |
| Hard limit | Never exceed 10,000 miles, 12 months or 350 hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The run-time limit is generally only a concern for fleet customers. |
| Monthly | Check the engine oil level once a month or before a long trip. |
| At every oil change | Change the oil and filter, rotate the tires at the first sign of irregular wear, and inspect the battery, brakes, cooling system and exhaust. |
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Scheduled Servicing and Maintenance Plan), read October 26, 2026. Our Ram oil change page covers oil types and the Ram 2500 and 3500, which have their own limits.
Ram oil changes at Elgin CDJR
Mopar Express Lane service at Elgin CDJR is set up for quick oil changes, and appointments are encouraged. Express Lane service includes:
- Oil and filter change
- Tire rotation with brake inspection
- Tire wear and pressure check
- Battery test and replacement (non-warranty replacements)
- Air filter replacement
- Coolant and fluid level checks and top-offs
- Multipoint checkup
Schedule service online. Our service department is open Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sunday. Elgin CDJR is at 1500 W. Lake St. in Streamwood. Get directions.
Ram 1500 oil life reset FAQ
How do I reset the oil life on my Ram 1500?
With the engine off, put the ignition in ON/RUN without pressing the brake. Scroll down to Vehicle Info, press the right arrow to open Oil Life, then press and hold OK until it shows 100%. Press up or down to exit.
Why will my Ram 1500 oil life not reset?
The engine must be off with the ignition in ON/RUN. If conditions are not met, the cluster shows a pop-up saying the engine must be off with the ignition in run. If the message returns at the next start, repeat the procedure.
How do I get rid of the Oil Change Required message without resetting it?
Push and release the OK or arrow buttons to turn the message off temporarily. It will show again each time the ignition is placed in ON/RUN until the system is reset.
How soon do I need an oil change after the message appears?
The 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual says to have the truck serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles.
What is the longest a Ram 1500 can go between oil changes?
Never more than 10,000 miles, 12 months or 350 hours of engine run time, whichever comes first, according to the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual.
Does Elgin CDJR reset the oil life after an oil change?
Yes. The owner's manual says an authorized dealer resets the indicator after completing the scheduled oil change, and our Express Lane is set up for quick oil changes.
Ram oil change due?
Schedule an Express Lane oil change at Elgin CDJR in Streamwood, and we will reset the oil life indicator when the work is done.
Sources
Reset steps and oil change timing are from the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual, read on October 26, 2026; other model years and Ram heavy-duty trucks may differ, so check your own manual. Express Lane services and service hours are from our own website, checked the same day. Photos are illustrative.