Jeep Wrangler: How to Reset Oil Change Light

Despite the Jeep Wrangler being the “Blue Jeans of 4×4,” it is pretty primitive in one area — its oil indicator system does not reset on its own after an oil change. That’s right; you will have to do the reset manually! Fortunately for you, this procedure is just the focus of today’s guide.

To reset your Jeep Wrangler’s oil change light, shift into PARK, put your Jeep into ON/RUN, press and release the reset button, and verify reset success. You can also do this through the instrument cluster or steering wheel controls.

For a more detailed rundown of these steps, here is a list explaining how to reset the oil light on a Jeep Wrangler (doing the same procedure via the dash panel and steering wheel controls is covered in later sections):

1. Ensure the Jeep is parked and turned off.
2. Locate the reset button or display.
3. Put your Jeep Wrangler into the ON/RUN position.
4. Press and hold the reset button.
5. Release the reset button.
6. Switch to the off/lock position.
7. Start the engine and verify the reset.

Apart from low oil levels, murky-looking oil, reduced fuel efficiency, and engine knocking are other telltale signs that signify the need for an oil change reset.

If you experience these symptoms, inspect your rig and perform an oil change immediately. More importantly, remember to reset that oil change indicator so that you’d know the next time your Wrangler needs fresh fluids.

How to Do a Jeep Wrangler Oil Change Reset

Before the oil change reset light illuminates in a Jeep Wrangler, several variables are taken into consideration by its oil change monitoring system, as follows:

• Mileage
• Engine operating conditions
• Time
• Engine load
• Driving patterns
• Temperature
• Environmental conditions
• Oil quality sensors (optional, aftermarket add-on)

By analyzing these factors, the oil change monitoring system determines when the next scheduled oil change interval is due. And once the system determines that an oil change is necessary based on these parameters, it will illuminate the oil change reset light on the instrument cluster, indicating that an oil change is required.

Like any other Jeep model, the oil change indicator system in a Jeep Wrangler is duty-cycle based and may suggest fluctuating oil change intervals.

So while pressing and releasing the trip odometer button on the instrument cluster is reportedly effective as a Band-Aid fix, it would be much better to perform the below steps for a longer-lasting oil change light reset:

1. Ensure the Jeep is parked and turned off.

Ensure your Wrangler is in PARK or NEUTRAL, and the engine is completely turned off before attempting an oil change light reset. Furthermore, remember to close all doors before putting the vehicle in the PARK/P position.

2. Locate the reset button or display.

Look for the reset button or display on your dash or instrument cluster. Typically, it is located within the gauge cluster area or near the speedometer.

If it proves tricky to find, check your manual for the exact location and appearance of the reset button or display. The latter may vary depending on the model, year, and trim of your Jeep Wrangler.

3. Put your Jeep Wrangler into the ON/RUN position.

Without pressing the brake pedal or starting the engine, insert the key and turn it to the ON position. This step will activate the 4×4’s electrical systems.

You may also need to turn off your Jeep by pushing the START/STOP button and cycling to the ON/RUN position (ensure that the engine is still off as you do this).

4. Press and hold the reset button.

The exact duration may vary depending on the model, year, and trim of your Wrangler (best to refer to your owner’s manual for specifics). But as a general rule, press and hold the reset button for approximately 10—15 seconds.

You should expect to see one of the following responses:

• The oil change light turns off.
• The Jeep may display a reset/confirmation message on the instrument cluster.
• You may hear a visual or audible confirmation of the oil change light reset. 

5. Release the reset button.

Once the appropriate amount of time has elapsed, release the reset button. You should see your Jeep Wrangler’s oil change light or maintenance indicator reset.

6. Place the ignition in the off/lock position.

Once the reset steps are done, ‘power cycle’ your Jeep to see if the oil change reset maneuver kicked in. Doing so requires turning the ignition key to the OFF position to shut off the 4×4’s electrical systems completely.

It also helps ensure that the reset process has taken effect and that the oil change indicator has been properly reset.

7. Start the engine and verify the reset.

Following the complete shut off of your Jeep Wrangler, start the engine and observe the instrument cluster or display panel.

If the oil change light is no longer activated, your oil change reset succeeded. Otherwise, you need to repeat steps #1—6 until the oil change reset indicator on your dash panel ceases to illuminate.

Via the instrument cluster or steering wheel

• Locate the controls on the instrument cluster or steering wheel specifically designated for accessing vehicle settings or information. These buttons are typically separate from the Jeep Wrangler’s infotainment system.
• Press the appropriate button to enter the settings or information menu.
• Use the arrow buttons or controls to navigate the menu options until you find the oil life monitoring or maintenance section.
• Select the oil life monitoring option to view the remaining oil life percentage or relevant information.
• If desired, you can reset the oil life indicator by following the on-screen prompts or using the reset function within the menu. This may involve pressing and holding a specific combination of buttons for a certain duration.

For 2007 to 2017 Jeep Wrangler models

• Turn the key to the accessory mode (not all the way on).
• Wait for the lights to turn off.
• Fully depress the gas pedal three times within 10 seconds. (Note: Some Jeep models may produce a “ding” sound to confirm the oil change reset.)
• Access the Vehicle Info menu and select Oil Life.
• Verify that the oil life is restored to 100%.

For 2018 to 2021 Jeep Wrangler models

• Turn the key to the run position. (On Push to Start Ignition, push it twice.)
• Use the buttons on the left side of the steering wheel to scroll down in the instrument cluster display until you reach the Vehicle Info/Tire Pressure Screen.
• Within the Vehicle info menu, continue pressing the OVER button (going either right or left) until you reach the Oil Life Screen.
• Press and hold down the Okay Button until the oil life reaches 100%. This action will reset the oil life on your Jeep Wrangler.

After successfully resetting the oil change light using the above approach, the oil change light or maintenance indicator should turn off or no longer light up. This indicates that the system has acknowledged that an oil change has been performed or its maintenance interval has been reset.

However, note that the exact response and indication of a successful oil change light reset may vary, contingent on a Jeep Wrangler’s year and trim. Some iterations may display a confirmation message on the instrument cluster or provide a visual or audible confirmation of the reset.

Do All Jeep Models Share the Same Engine Oil Change Indicator System?

Since we covered how to reset the oil change light on a Jeep Compass not too long ago, I am curious if both Jeep models (the Compass and the Wrangler) share a similar engine oil change indicator system.

As it turns out, they do! Their respective systems utilize sensors, mostly algorithms, to track factors such as engine operating conditions, mileage, engine revs, and elapsed time since the last oil change.

The system calculates the optimal time for an oil change based on the parameters. It alerts the driver through warning indicators on the instrument cluster or a dedicated oil change reminder light.

With this mechanism in mind, it is important to note that these systems should never be classified as a direct-measurement type, even if they employ sensors to measure the condition and quality of engine oil.

Conclusion — How to Reset Oil Change Light on a Jeep Wrangler

By following this procedure and instructions in your manual, resetting the oil change indicator system in your Jeep Wrangler should be effortless. Additionally, it helps address unnecessary service light triggers.

But in truth, the best way to deal with oil change warning lights is through proper vehicle upkeep and adherence to OEM-recommended oil change intervals. Riding in moderation also goes a long way in keeping you from doing your next oil change reset too soon.