2012–2017 JK (2007–2018 platform; US 2012–2017 shown)
How to Reset the Oil Life Indicator on a 2012–2017 Jeep Wrangler
Reset the oil life or maintenance reminder on the 2012–2017 Jeep Wrangler in 3 steps, using only the controls already in the car. No scan tool needed.
Last verified
Reset procedure, 2012–2017 Jeep Wrangler
High confidence- Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position without starting the engine (do not press the brake)
- Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly to the floor, then release, repeat 3 times within about 10 seconds
- Turn the ignition off, then restart the engine to confirm the oil-change message is cleared
Classic Chrysler accelerator-pedal reset, no scan tool needed. If it doesn't clear, make sure you're timing the 3 presses within the 10-second window and that the engine wasn't started during the sequence.
Which Jeep Wrangler model years does this cover?
These oil life reset specifications apply to every Jeep Wrangler built from 2012 through 2017 — the JK (2007–2018 platform; US 2012–2017 shown), off-road suv, solid front/rear axle (2-door; 4-door unlimited). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2012–2017 Jeep Wrangler
- 20123.6L Pentastar V6 replaces the old 3.8L V6 across the JK lineup; 5-speed automatic (W5A580) replaces the 4-speed
- 2013Moab special edition added; minor trim/options shuffle
- 2015Willys Wheeler and Rubicon Hard Rock special editions; no major mechanical changes
- 2017Final year of the JK before the JL replaces it for 2018, some 2018-titled JK-based 'Wrangler JK' models were sold as 2018 carryovers alongside the new JL; see JL generation notes
2012–2017 Jeep Wrangler oil life reset: common questions
How do you reset the oil life on a 2012–2017 Jeep Wrangler?
- 3 steps, using only the controls in the car, the full sequence is above.
Do you need a scan tool to reset the oil light on a 2012–2017 Jeep Wrangler?
- No. The procedure above uses the vehicle's own controls. A scan tool is only necessary if the reset does not take, which usually points at a different fault.
Why won't the oil light reset on a 2012–2017 Jeep Wrangler?
- Almost always a timing problem in the sequence, a step held too briefly, or the ignition in the wrong position. Repeat it exactly, with the engine off and the key in accessory rather than run, unless the steps say otherwise. Classic Chrysler accelerator-pedal reset, no scan tool needed. If it doesn't clear, make sure you're timing the 3 presses within the 10-second window and that the engine wasn't started during the sequence.
Sources
- Mopar/AMSOIL OE lookup, 2013 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L oil spec
- WranglerForum, 3.6L oil capacity (owner's manual quotes, 6 qt)
- WranglerForum, Mopar 3.6L oil filter part numbers (spin-on vs. cartridge)
- ChallengerTalk, Pentastar 3.6L spark plug part number/gap (Champion RER8ZWYCB4 / Mopar SP149125AD)
- WranglerForum, Rubicon Dana 44 rear diff fluid (75W-140 Mopar synthetic)
- WranglerForum, JK oil-change light reset procedure (accelerator-pedal method)
- au7o.io, 3.6L Pentastar oil cooler/filter housing cracking (2012–2025)
- Edmunds, 2012 Jeep Wrangler specs (fuel tank, curb weight)
- Car and Driver, 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4WD 2dr specs/EPA mpg
- ExtremeTerrain, Jeep Wrangler JK factory tire sizes by trim
