Car care · Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center · Elgin, IL
How to Reset the Oil Life Indicator
Some vehicles, such as the 2026 Ram 1500, show an oil change reminder that is reset after the scheduled oil change. Here is how the reset works and what the reminder means, using the 2026 Ram 1500 owner's manual as the example.
100%oil life shown after a reset, if conditions are met
500 milesservice the vehicle within, after the message
10,000 miles12 months or 350 hours, whichever first: never exceed
5 secondsmessage shows after a chime
The short answer
On the 2026 Ram 1500, after the scheduled oil change, place the ignition in ON/RUN without pressing the brake pedal or starting the engine, scroll to Vehicle Info, open the Oil Life screen and push and hold the OK button. If conditions are met, oil life shows 100%. The manual says an authorized dealer resets the indicator after a scheduled oil change; if someone else changes the oil, you can reset it with these steps.
What the oil change indicator means
The 2026 Ram 1500 manual says the vehicle has an oil change indicator system that reminds you when it is time for scheduled maintenance. The Oil Change Required message displays in the instrument cluster for five seconds after a single chime to indicate the next scheduled oil change interval.
The system is duty cycle based, which means the oil change interval may fluctuate depending on your personal driving style. The manual says operating conditions such as frequent short trips, trailer towing and extremely hot or cold temperatures influence when the message appears.
Unless the system is reset, the message continues to display each time you place the ignition in the ON/RUN position. To turn it off temporarily, push and release the OK or arrow buttons. That only hides the message; it does not reset the indicator.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual, Oil Life Reset (p. 139) and Scheduled Servicing (p. 305), read November 12, 2026.
How to reset the oil life (2026 Ram 1500)
The Ram 1500 manual gives this procedure for resetting the oil change indicator system after performing the scheduled maintenance:
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Push and release the down arrow button to scroll downward through the main menu to Vehicle Info. |
| 3 | Push and release the right arrow button to access the Oil Life screen. |
| 4 | Push and hold the OK button to reset oil life. If conditions are met, the gauge and numeric display update to show 100%. |
| 5 | Push and release the up or down arrow button to exit the submenu screen. |
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual, Oil Life Reset (p. 139) and Vehicle Info (p. 136), read November 12, 2026. Buttons and menus differ by vehicle; check your manual.
If the oil life does not reset
Conditions not met. The manual says that if conditions are not met, a pop-up message reading To reset oil life engine must be off with ignition in run displays for five seconds, and you stay on the Oil Life screen.
Message comes back at start-up. If the indicator message illuminates when you start the vehicle, the manual says the oil change indicator system did not reset. If necessary, repeat the procedure.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual, Oil Life Reset (p. 139), read November 12, 2026.
When to change the oil
After the message appears. The manual says the Oil Change Required message means service is required, and to have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
The longest interval. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), 12 months or 350 hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The manual says the 350-hour limit is generally only a concern for fleet customers.
More than an oil change. At every oil change interval shown by the indicator, the Ram 1500 maintenance plan lists changing the oil and filter, rotating the tires at the first sign of irregular wear, inspecting the battery, CV/universal joints, brakes, engine cooling system and exhaust system, and more.
Reset after the service. The manual says to reset the indicator after performing the scheduled maintenance.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual, Oil Life Reset (p. 139), Scheduled Servicing (p. 305) and Maintenance Plan (p. 306), read November 12, 2026.
Oil changes at Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center
For an oil change or maintenance questions, contact our service department or see our service specials.
Our service department at 1200 E. Chicago St. in Elgin is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed Sunday. Get directions.
Oil life reset FAQ
Does the oil life reset by itself after an oil change?
No. The 2026 Ram 1500 manual says that unless it is reset, the Oil Change Required message continues to display each time the ignition is placed in ON/RUN. An authorized dealer resets it after a scheduled oil change, or you can follow the reset steps.
Why will my oil life not reset?
On the Ram 1500, if conditions are not met, the manual says a pop-up message reads To reset oil life engine must be off with ignition in run. If the message appears again at start-up, the manual says the system did not reset; repeat the procedure if necessary.
Why does the oil change interval vary?
The Ram manual says the indicator is duty cycle based, so the oil change interval may fluctuate with driving style. Frequent short trips, trailer towing and extremely hot or cold temperatures influence when the message appears.
How long can I go after the Oil Change Required message?
The manual says to have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km), and never to exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), 12 months or 350 hours of engine run time between oil changes, whichever comes first.
Is this the same on every car?
No. Even on the Ram 1500, the manual says menu items depend on the vehicle model and options. Other vehicles differ; follow your own owner's manual.
What are your service hours?
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are closed Sunday.
Due for an oil change?
Visit us at 1200 E. Chicago St. in Elgin.
Sources
Oil life reset information is from the 2026 Ram 1500 owner's manual, read November 12, 2026. Other vehicles differ; follow your own manual. Your own vehicle's labels and owner's manual are the authority for your vehicle. Our address and service hours are from our own website, checked the same day. Photo is of our dealership.
- 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Mopar): Vehicle Info, Oil Life Reset, Scheduled Servicing, Maintenance Plan (PDF pp. 138, 141, 307-308; printed pp. 136, 139, 305-306), FCA US LLC via vehicleinfo.mopar.com, read November 12, 2026
- Service page: address and hours, Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center, read November 12, 2026