--- title: "How to Reset Oil Life on a 2012-2018 Ram 1500" description: "Reset the oil life or maintenance reminder on the 2012-2018 Ram 1500 in 4 steps, using only the controls already in the car. No scan tool needed." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/oil-reset" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # How to Reset the Oil Life Indicator on a 2012-2018 Ram 1500 Reset the oil life or maintenance reminder on the 2012-2018 Ram 1500 in 4 steps, using only the controls already in the car. No scan tool needed. ## Reset procedure, 2012-2018 Ram 1500 (Verified) 1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN without starting the engine (push-button trucks: press START twice without touching the brake). 2. Slowly press the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and release it, three times, within 10 seconds. 3. Turn the ignition OFF, then start the engine and confirm the 'Oil Change Due' message is gone. 4. If the message returns, repeat the procedure, the pedal presses must be slow and reach the floor. Note: Same accelerator-pedal procedure across DS and Classic trucks (and most other Ram models). ## Which Ram 1500 model years does this cover? These oil life reset specifications apply to every Ram 1500 built from 2012 through 2018, the DS (4th generation; sold 2019-2024 as Ram 1500 Classic), full-size half-ton pickup (regular, quad, crew cab). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. - [2012 1500](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012) - [2013 1500](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2013) - [2014 1500](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2014) - [2015 1500](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2015) - [2016 1500](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2016) - [2017 1500](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2017) - [2018 1500](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2018) ## What changed during the 2012-2018 Ram 1500 | Years | What changed | | --- | --- | | 2012 | Carryover powertrains: 3.7L V6 (4-spd), 4.7L V8 (6-spd), 5.7L HEMI; hydraulic steering; HOAT coolant | | 2013 | Major refresh: 3.6L Pentastar + ZF 8-speed arrive, electric power steering, optional air suspension, RamBox and 8.4-in Uconnect expand; coolant switches to 10-year OAT | | 2014 | 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 added (first half-ton diesel of the modern era); 4.7L V8 dropped after 2013 | | 2015 | Off-road-focused Rebel trim debuts mid-year with a factory-tuned suspension, off-road tires, and unique styling; interior/trim options broaden | | 2015-2018 | Rebel added (2015, 285/70R17 tires); Limited becomes flagship; mechanical specs otherwise carry over | | 2016 | Essentially unchanged: redesigned center console standard across the lineup; Rebel (introduced mid-2015) gains new interior color choices including Radar Red | | 2018 | DS production continued after 2018 as the 'Ram 1500 Classic' (2019-2024, Tradesman/Express/Warlock/Big Horn trims) sold alongside the new DT. This generation's data applies to those Classic trucks; the DT generation below covers same-year 'new body' trucks | ## 2012-2018 Ram 1500 oil life reset: common questions ### How do you reset the oil life on a 2012-2018 Ram 1500? 4 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 2012-2018 Ram 1500? 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 2012-2018 Ram 1500? 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. Same accelerator-pedal procedure across DS and Classic trucks (and most other Ram models). ## Sources - [FCA media, 2015 Ram 1500 specifications (battery, capacities)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/chryslermedia.iconicweb.com/mediasite/specs/2015_RAM_1500_SPvcfijqn696qeodm5be2oh020fk.pdf) - [NHTSA recall 19V-757, EcoDiesel EGR cooler (Part 573 report)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RCLRPT-19V757-2821.PDF) - [FCA Safety Recall VB1, diesel EGR cooler, 2014-2019 Ram 1500 (oemdtc)](https://chrysler.oemdtc.com/1423/safety-recall-vb1-diesel-egr-cooler-2014-2019-ram-1500/) - [RamForum, Safety recall P54 / NHTSA 14V-530 fuel pump relay](https://www.ramforum.com/threads/safety-recall-p54-hsta-14v-530-fuel-pump-relay.203933/) - [Diesel Hub, 3.0L EcoDiesel oil change guide (capacities, filters, TSB 18-078-16)](https://www.dieselhub.com/maintenance/ecodiesel-oil-change-guide.html) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2015 Ram 1500 EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2015_Ram_1500.shtml) - [Wheel-Size.com, 2016 Ram 1500 OE fitments](https://www.wheel-size.com/size/ram/1500/2016/) - [RamForumZ, 5.7L spark plug spec (NGK LZFR5C-11, 30k interval)](https://www.ramforumz.com/threads/spark-plug-replacement-5-7l.249281/) - [RamForum, oil change indicator reset procedure](https://www.ramforum.com/threads/how-to-reset-oil-change-indicator.196835/) ## Other Ram 1500 generations - [2019-2025 Ram 1500 oil life reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2019-2025/oil-reset) Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/oil-reset). ## More for the 2012-2018 Ram 1500 - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/oil) - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/service-schedule) - [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/common-problems) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/key-fob-battery) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ram/1500/2012-2018/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.