Getting to know the Ram oil change indicator and service indicator lights

Performing all scheduled and recommended maintenance on your Ram is necessary to keep it running properly so you can avoid many untimely, inconvenient and possibly costly repairs due to negligence. Thankfully, the days of a standardized manual maintenance schedule are coming to an end. When the "OIL CHANGE NEEDED" light on the dashboard lights up, the owner knows to take the car for service as soon as possible or, as Ram recommends, within 500 miles, giving the owner enough time to respond to the car's service needs. .

Smart technologies such as the Ram Oil Change Indicator automatically monitor your vehicle's oil life with an advanced algorithm and an on-board computer system that alerts owners when it's time for an oil change so they can resolve the issue quickly and seamlessly. All the owner has to do is make an appointment with a trusted mechanic, take the car in for service, and a good mechanic will take care of the rest.

How the Ram Oil Change Indicator Works and What to Expect

The Ram Oil Change Indicator system is not a simple oil quality sensor, but a software-algorithmic device that takes into account various engine operating conditions - engine size, engine speed, and even the level of ethanol in the fuel - to determine when the oil needs to be replaced. However, the computer does not strictly track mileage or oil condition, but also monitors certain driving habits that can affect oil life, as well as driving conditions such as temperature and terrain. Lighter to moderate driving conditions and temperatures will require less frequent oil changes and maintenance, while more severe driving conditions will require more frequent oil changes and maintenance. Read the chart below to find out how the oil change indicator system determines oil life.

Attention: Engine oil life depends not only on the factors listed above, but also on the specific car model, year of manufacture and recommended type of oil. For more information on which oil is recommended for your vehicle, see your owner's manual and feel free to seek advice from one of our experienced technicians.

Some Ram models have a percentage indicator that reads the oil life as a percentage. As soon as the number in the information display decreases from 100% (fresh oil) to 15% (dirty oil), the OIL CHANGE NEEDED indicator in the instrument panel information display will illuminate, giving you enough time to schedule your vehicle service in advance. Each time you start the engine, the engine oil percentage will be displayed. When the number on the information display reaches 0%, the oil is at the end of its life and you start accumulating negative miles which tell you that your car is overdue for service. Remember: if the car gains significant negative mileage, the engine is at increasing risk of damage.

Once the engine oil usage reaches a certain level, the instrument panel will automatically display the following information:

When your car is ready for an oil change, Ram has a recommended list of scheduled maintenance items that align with accumulated mileage:

After completing an oil change and service, you may need to reset the oil change indicator system in your Ram. Find out how to do this by following the instructions below:

Step 1: Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn the key to the "ON" position.. Do this without starting the engine.

Step 2: Slowly depress the accelerator pedal three times in succession.. This should be done in less than ten seconds.

Step 3: Turn the ignition key to the "LOCK" position.. The system must be reset. If the system does not reboot, repeat steps 1-2.

While engine oil percentage is calculated according to an algorithm that takes into account driving style and other specific driving conditions, other maintenance information is based on standard time tables such as the old school maintenance schedules found in the owner's manual. This does not mean that Ram drivers should ignore such warnings. Proper maintenance will greatly extend the life of your vehicle, ensuring reliability, driving safety, a manufacturer's warranty, and greater resale value.

Such maintenance work must always be carried out by a qualified person. If you have any doubts as to what the Ram Oil Change Indicator System means or what services your vehicle may require, feel free to seek advice from our experienced technicians.

If your Ram's oil change indicator system indicates your vehicle is ready for service, have it checked by a certified mechanic such as AvtoTachki. Click here, select your vehicle and service or package, and book an appointment with us today. One of our certified mechanics will come to your home or office to service your vehicle.