How Do I Reset the Check Engine Light on my RAM 1500?

The engine light just came on in your RAM 1500 while driving through Paris, but before you cover it with a piece of electrical tape, learn how to reset the check engine light on a RAM 1500 with Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Paris. While you’re here, we’ll discuss some common reasons the RAM 1500 check engine light comes on to begin with. If you have specific questions about your RAM truck, feel free to contact us!

How to Reset the Check Engine Light on a RAM 1500

To reset your RAM 1500 check engine light, all you need to do is follow these simple steps:

1. Disconnect the negative cable from your battery.
2. Wait for 20 minutes.
3. Reconnect the negative cable to your battery.

By following these steps, you’re resetting the computer in your RAM 1500. In older models, you may need to drive your truck for 50 miles to re-calibrate the computer. It’s also important to remember that when you disconnect the battery, it will also reset the security system and other electronic systems in your RAM. This means you may need to reset things like your clock and radio channels.

Resetting the RAM 1500 check engine light is easy, but it’s also important that you determine why the light came on. Read more about the common causes for a check engine light to come on in a RAM 1500 below.

Why Did The Check Engine Light Turn On?

Your check engine light can come on for a host of different reasons while you’re driving through Lexington, but most of them are things you can fix on your own. When you see the check engine light come on, you first need to determine what’s happening:

1. Is It The Check Engine Light?: This seems obvious, but with all the warning lights that come on newer trucks and cars, you can sometimes confuse the check engine light with another. Check your owner’s manual to make sure that the light you’re seeing is the check engine light.
2. Double Check Your Gas Cap: The most common reason the RAM 1500 check engine light comes on is because the gas cap is loose. Find your gas cap and ensure that it’s seated correctly on your gas tank. Then reset the check engine light using the instructions above.
3. Check the Code: The computer on your RAM 1500 generates hundreds of codes that specify exactly why the check engine light came on. These error codes can be read by using a diagnostic scanner. The scanner can clear the code and turn off the warning light, too. DIY mechanics can purchase code readers to find and fix the problem themselves, but if you don’t have the time or it’s a bigger task than you’re comfortable with, trust the technicians at Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Paris to service your vehicle!

Service Your Vehicle at Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Paris

Keeping up with the routine maintenance on your vehicle can be a challenge if you live a busy lifestyle in Lexington or Louisville, but the service center at Dan Cummins CDJR is here to help you keep your RAM working as well as it did the day you bought it. Schedule a service appointment online to have your check engine light read and to have your truck inspected for any maintenance. While you’re here, browse our service tips to learn how to change your oil and reset your UConnect® system!