How To Reset Oil Life on Jeep Wrangler: Most Simple Method

“How to reset oil life on Jeep Wrangler” has crossed many people’s minds, but it’s easy. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position and go to “Vehicle Info” on display; choose the “Oil Life” option and hold the OK button until the system resets to 100 percent.

Check out our detailed step-by-step guide with additional information below.

How To Reset a Wrangler’s Oil Life Indicator?

To reset a Wrangler’s oil life indicator, turn the ignition to the RUN position. Next, go to the “Vehicle Info” in the display, then scroll and choose the “Oil Life” option. Hold the OK button until the system is reset to 100 percent, then turn off the ignition.

The Jeep Wrangler model years 2007 and later have an oil monitoring system. It keeps track of the oil and notifies you when the Jeep Wrangler oil life percentage nears zero. The system does that based on various factors, primarily the mileage you’ve traveled since the last oil swap. The “Change Oil” light will typically turn on approximately 3,000 – 5,000 miles since the last change.

The maintenance reminder is duty-cycled based. That means the lubricant change interval can fluctuate depending on how you drive. Once you’ve changed the oil, the light must be reset to give you accurate readings of the oil life. A reputable mechanic will reset the light for you after an oil change as part of the service. However, if you have changed the oil, you must also do a light reset.

1.Turn Ignition to the On/Run Mode

To reset Jeep Wrangler oil change, first put the gear in the PARK position and ensure you’ve closed all doors. Now turn on the ignition but don’t start the engine. As mentioned, the vehicle must be in the On/Run mode. That will allow its accessories to turn on so you can use the instrument panel.

2.Initiate the Reset Process

Using the instrument cluster display (available on the fourth generation), go to the “Vehicle Info” tab. Scroll down and choose the “Oil Life” or “Remaining Oil Life” option. You can also navigate the vehicle’s instrument panel using the arrow buttons on the left-hand side of your steering wheel.

If your Jeep Wrangler doesn’t have a display, depress the gas pedal slowly to the floor. Repeat two more times in about 3 seconds between each depression. In other words, press the accelerator pedal thrice in approximately 10 seconds.

3.Finish up the Process

While the “Oil Life” or “Remaining Oil Life” is on display, hold the OK button momentarily. You’ll see the oil life remaining reset to 100 percent. Now turn off the ignition. For the older models (Wrangler JK), you’ll switch the ignition to the OFF-ON position once you’ve pressed the accelerator pedal three times.

You’ll then need to turn on the engine to confirm that the reset was successful and the Jeep oil change required message has disappeared. If the oil change indicator is still on, repeat the steps until successful. But if nothing happens after several trials, there could be a problem. Check how to fix it in our next section below.

How To Fix the “Oil Light On” Issue After an Oil Life Reset?

To fix the ‘oil light on’ issue after an oil life reset, allow the engine to run for a while to fix possible low oil pressure. Ensure that the dipstick and the oil filler cap are seated correctly. Also, check that you’ve used the appropriate oil type and amount.

An oil light on after changing the oil and resetting the system indicates an underlying problem. It would be best if you fixed it immediately to prevent damage to the engine. The good thing is it’s easy to resolve it if you know where to check.

• Fix a Low Oil Pressure Issue

Low oil pressure can also trigger the oil light on after changing the oil and resetting the system. If that’s the case, turn the engine on and let it run for about 5 minutes. The time should enable the system to determine the pressure on its own.

As the engine runs, the new oil will circulate across the system. As a result, the light may go off. You may require resetting the light another time to make the light disappear. That will resolve the problem if it is due to low oil pressure.

• Ensure the Dipstick Is Correctly Seated

One notorious trigger of the maintenance indicator after changing the oil and resetting the system is the incorrectly seated dipstick. The dipstick plays a vital role in checking the engine oil level. You may remove, clean, and reseat it severally during a change of oil. The dipstick should fit comfortably in the dipstick tube.

If that doesn’t happen, unmetered air will enter the engine. That can damage the internal parts, such as pistons, valves, and the cylinder wall. To fix this, open the hood, examine the dipstick, and ensure the tube isn’t clogged with debris. After that, readjust the dipstick to its proper position.

• Check the Position of the Oil Filler Cap

After changing the oil, you may have left the oil filler slightly off its position. The filler cap could also be facing backward or loose. These mishaps will cause the maintenance indicator to remain on when it shouldn’t.

So, check the cap to see if you’ve placed it well. You should remove the cap and try putting it in place properly and tightly. Please check your owner’s manual to know how to put the filler cap correctly.

• Remove Excess Engine Oil

You may have overfilled the oil. If that is so, you’ll experience more issues than just an oil life light constantly on. Too much oil can cause smoke coming from the tailpipe. Additionally, too much oil can lead to leaks, another severe problem you wouldn’t want to encounter.

In the worst scenario, excess engine oil may cause the engine to misfire, sluggish, and stall. Therefore, you must put in only the appropriate amount of oil. If you put too much by mistake, the solution is to remove the excess.

You’ll need a suction pump for the exercise. Open your Wrangler’s hood and drain the excess oil through the cap access point or dipstick tube. You can use an automatic or a manual pump.

• Use the Appropriate Engine Oil

You must use the right engine oil for your vehicle. The oil needs to have the correct viscosity, weight, or grade. Otherwise, it will cause issues for your car. For instance, it’s wrong to use 10W-40 when your car needs 5W-40.

The ideal oil must have a suitable viscosity to lubricate the engine properly. So, if you use the wrong oil, you’ll need a new change of oil. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended oil for your Jeep. Next, drain the oil and pour the recommended one.

Frequently Asked Questions

– What Are the Consequences of Driving a Jeep Low on Oil?

The consequences of driving a Jeep low on oil can include a damaged engine. When the engine oil runs low, the components stop receiving the proper lubrication they need. As a result, you may experience engine knocking, ticking, and grinding noises coming from the engine.

– How Can You Know Whether To Add or Change Your Car’s Oil?

To know whether to add or change your car’s oil, check the oil level by slowly inserting the dipstick into the tube. You must add oil if the level is at or below the low mark. Change the oil if it’s black and thick or sludgy.

– What Are the Consequences of Driving a Jeep Low on Oil?

The consequences of driving a Jeep low on oil can include a damaged engine. When the engine oil runs low, the components stop receiving the proper lubrication they need. As a result, you may experience engine knocking, ticking, and grinding noises coming from the engine.

– How Can You Know Whether To Add or Change Your Car’s Oil?

To know whether to add or change your car’s oil, check the oil level by slowly inserting the dipstick into the tube. You must add oil if the level is at or below the low mark. Change the oil if it’s black and thick or sludgy.

– What Are the Consequences of Driving a Jeep Low on Oil?

The consequences of driving a Jeep low on oil can include a damaged engine. When the engine oil runs low, the components stop receiving the proper lubrication they need. As a result, you may experience engine knocking, ticking, and grinding noises coming from the engine.

– How Can You Know Whether To Add or Change Your Car’s Oil?

To know whether to add or change your car’s oil, check the oil level by slowly inserting the dipstick into the tube. You must add oil if the level is at or below the low mark. Change the oil if it’s black and thick or sludgy.

– What Are the Consequences of Driving a Jeep Low on Oil?

The consequences of driving a Jeep low on oil can include a damaged engine. When the engine oil runs low, the components stop receiving the proper lubrication they need. As a result, you may experience engine knocking, ticking, and grinding noises coming from the engine.

– How Can You Know Whether To Add or Change Your Car’s Oil?

To know whether to add or change your car’s oil, check the oil level by slowly inserting the dipstick into the tube. You must add oil if the level is at or below the low mark. Change the oil if it’s black and thick or sludgy.

Conclusion

In our guide above, you have learned the simple steps to reset oil change light on your Jeep Wrangler.

Here’s a summary:

• The maintenance indicator reset process differs slightly based on the model year.
• For older models (third generation), you’ll use the accelerator pedal to reset the light.
• And for the newer models (Wrangler JL or fourth generation), you can do the procedure from the cluster screen.
• An oil life light that won’t turn off after reset indicates an underlying issue you must resolve immediately.
• Such issues could be a low oil pressure problem, a wrongly seated dipstick or oil filler cap, or excess or incorrect engine oil.

Now you’ve got the information you require. All you need is to sit in the driver’s seat and execute the steps.