Resetting The Oil Change Light After Your Jeep Wranglers Oil Change

When you're off-roading or just taking your Jeep Wrangler out for a cruise, it's not uncommon to encounter vehicle issues. Whether it's a flat tire, engine troubles, or just simple A/C trouble, you want to ensure that everything is functional. One problem you can encounter is when your oil change light comes on.

Similar to a check engine light, your oil change light helps you diagnose oil issues with your Jeep. The oil change light is an alert signal to warn the driver of low engine oil pressure. Other factors can lead to this issue as well; we will review those causes later in this article. If you're having trouble figuring out how to resolve your oil change light problem, don't worry! Here, we will review what causes your oil change light to come on, what it means, and the methods of resetting it.

What is the Oil Change Light in a Jeep?

The oil change light in a Jeep alerts you to diagnose the issue and detect when you need to change your oil. The oil pressure sensor triggers this warning light. It's more of a software-based sensor that detects potential issues caused by your engine's oil. When pressurized oil pumps through the engine, its primary use is for actuating oil-fed components, cooling, and bearing lubrication.

With the oil change light being a software-based sensor, it can record your driving habits and any potential issues affecting the oil pressure. The oil change light is activated when the oil pressure decreases by a specific range. Its essential to pull your Jeep over and shut your engine off. Some vehicles automatically shut off the engine when the oil change light comes on.

Here is What Causes the Oil Change Light to Come on in a Jeep

The primary cause of your oil change light coming on is your oil pressure decreasing a significant range. However, other factors cause your oil change light to activate. Some of those causes include the following: 

• Lack of conductivity: Conductivity is the level of electric currents that pass through the oil to the engine. If there is a lack of electrical resistance within your vehicle, your oil will likely be contaminated.
• Mechanical Issues: Sometimes, it can be due to mechanical issues within your Jeep. Your on-boarding diagnostic system (OBD) and internal sensors can detect the issue with the thickness and your level of oil.
• Soot detection: Sometimes, soot build-up occurs within your Jeep's engine. When this happens, the more the soot accumulates, the more it contaminates the oil.
• Water detection: Another cause can be that water can get into the engine, too. This holds back the oil effectiveness and can corrode the metal surfaces of your Jeep.

How to Reset the Oil Change Light After an Oil Change In a Jeep?

Now that you know what causes the oil change light to activate, there are ways to resolve this issue. Fortunately, this is an easy fix, but if you are still unsure where to start. Below are two methods you can use to fix this issue or you can check out Mopar's video guide.

Method 1: Troubleshooting your oil life gauge in your Jeep Wrangle

Step 1: With the engine off, turn the ignition in the ON/RUN mode.

Step 2: In the instrument cluster display, navigate to "Vehicle Info" the "Oil Life."

Step 3: Hold down the 'OK' button until the oil life gauge resets to 100%.

Note: Using the arrow controls located on the left-hand side of the steering wheel, navigate the Wrangler's instrument cluster display.

Method 2: Resetting your Oil Indicator Using Your Accelerator

Step 1: With the engine off, turn the ignition in the ON/RUN mode.

Step 2: Fully press the accelerator pedal three times within ten seconds.

Step 3: Place the ignition in the OFF/LOCK position.

Overall Thoughts

How do you reset the oil change light on your Jeep Wrangler? You can troubleshoot your oil gauge or accelerator. If you're having oil change light issues, feel free to try out these methods. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do i know when my Jeep Wrangler needs an oil change?

How you would know that, and this also goes for any other vehicle, that your Jeep Wrangler needs an oil change is by the check engine light coming on, noisy or creaky engine, or dark, gritty oil.

What causes the check engine light to come on in a Jeep Wrangler?

A faulty catalytic converter is one of the top reasons your check engine light comes on in a Jeep Wrangler. Other reasons could be a faulty emissions control part, defective spark plugs, faulty fuel inject system, and malfunctioning head gasket.

How long can a Jeep Wrangler Go Without an Oil Change?

A Jeep Wrangler can go without an oil change for up to 5,000 to 7,000 miles. However, this factor might vary depending on the oil your Jeep uses. 

What does a Solid Yellow Check Engine Light Mean On My Jeep?

A solid yellow check engine light means that the issue with your Jeep Wrangler aren't as serious as if it was blinking. However, it is advised to have it checked out and diagnose the problem.

Where is the Oil Filter in a Jeep?

The oil filter is underneath your Jeep Wrangler, often in the center.

How long can you drive with the check engine light on?

You can drive up to several days with the check engine light on. However, this varies depending on if the engine light is blinking or steady.