Date Published: February 12, 2026 | Last Modified: 1 hour ago | 3 minute read | Verified by Mitchell Bazinet at Redwater Dodge

Understanding Your RAM’s Oil Life System

How do you reset the change oil message on the 2024 to 2026 RAMs?

Mitch at Redwater Dodge frequently hears from owners who are surprised to see their "Change Oil" light come on earlier, or later, than the traditional 8,000-kilometer mark. Understanding how this system works, and how to manage it, is key to the longevity of your vehicle.

Step-by-Step: How to Reset the Oil Life Message (2024–2026 RAM)

If you’ve recently performed an oil change yourself or had it serviced at a shop that forgot to reset the computer, you don’t need a scan tool to fix it. You can reset the message right from the driver's seat using the steering wheel controls.

The Process:

Ignition Setting: Enter the vehicle and press the Start/Stop button twice (or turn the key) to the ON/RUN position. Do not start the engine.

Navigation: Use the arrow buttons on the left side of your steering wheel to scroll through the Driver Information Display (DID). Navigate to the Vehicle Info menu.

Sub-Menu: Once in Vehicle Info, scroll sideways until you locate the Oil Life screen.

The Reset: Press and hold the OK button on your steering wheel.

Confirmation: Continue holding until the percentage on the display jumps back to 100%.

Once the display updates, your RAM’s onboard computer is synchronized with your fresh oil, and you’re ready to hit the road.

Why Does My Oil Life Drop Faster Than My Mileage?

A common misconception is that oil life is a simple countdown based on distance driven. In reality, the 2024–2026 RAM models use a complex algorithm. The "system is smarter than the sticker," as it monitors variables that a static interval simply can't account for.

Factors that accelerate oil degradation include:

Towing and Hauling: If you are utilizing your RAM’s max towing capacity, the increased engine load creates more heat, breaking down oil additives faster.

Idling Time: Long periods of idling (common in fleet work or cold Canadian winters) don't add kilometers to the odometer, but they do add "hours" to the engine, which the monitor tracks.

Short Trips: If the engine doesn't reach full operating temperature, moisture and fuel can accumulate in the oil.

Extreme Climates: Cold starts and high-heat environments are sensed by the system, adjusting the remaining life accordingly.

Pro-Tip for Cold Climate Drivers

For those of us living in northern regions or dealing with harsh winters, we often recommend a "safety margin." While the IOLM system is highly accurate, if you find yourself doing a lot of idling to warm up the truck or frequent short trips in sub-zero temperatures, changing your oil slightly ahead of the 0% mark is a smart investment in your engine's future.

Additional Questions & Answers

Q1. Can I use conventional oil in my 2024-2026 RAM?

A1. It is highly recommended to use the synthetic oil weight specified in your owner's manual (usually 0W-20 or 5W-20 for gas engines). Synthetic oil is required for the Oil Life Monitor to calculate intervals accurately.

Q2. What happens if I don't reset the oil life after a change?

A2. The vehicle will eventually enter a "Change Oil Exceeded" state. While this won't shut off the engine, it makes it impossible to track when your next service is due, potentially voiding engine warranties if a failure occurs.

Q3. Does the oil life monitor check the actual quality of the oil?

A3. No, there is no "chemistry lab" inside the oil pan. The system uses a mathematical model based on engine revolutions, temperature, and drive time to estimate the oil's condition.