Dodge Ram 2009-Present: How to Reset Check Engine Lights and List of Codes
There is no need to panic when your check engine light comes on. You can simply check your list of codes, take care of the issue yourself or seek help, or reset the check engine light and be on your way. It's that simple.
This article applies to the Dodge Ram (2009-present).
Nothing strikes panic and fear in the hearts and minds of the average driver more than when you're driving down the street or highway and notice that your "check engine light" has just come on. Usually your first thought is, "Oh no, I'm going to be stranded." That thought is often followed by, "How much money is this going to cost me?"
The bad news is that yes, sometimes the check engine light indicates a major problem. But, more often than not, it simply indicates a minor adjustment that you can make yourself. For example, perhaps you just fueled your truck and if you didn't replace the gas tank cap properly or tightly enough, that will cause your check engine light to come on. That's an easy adjustment and it won't cost you anything. Once finished, you can reset the check engine light and be on your way.
Materials Needed
- Car keys
Step 1 – Insert key into the ignition and key it to the "on" position
Everything that needs to be done will require your key to be in the ignition, so start by inserting the key and turning it to the on position. You will not need to start your car's engine; just switch the ignition on.
Step 2 – Press and hold the trip odometer reset button for approximately 10 seconds
Make sure you are in your trip odometer setting and then press and hold your "reset" button for approximately 10 seconds or so.
Step 3 – Key your ignition on and off three times
After approximately 10 seconds of pressing and holding the reset button, release the button and then key your ignition on and off three times. Again, you will not need to start your car. Simply turn the ignition on and then off: On / off - once; On / off - twice; On / off - third time.
Step 4 – Press and release the trip odometer reset button again
After you've completed Step 3, your trip odometer will first indicate the code number of the problem you just dealt with. Then it will flash the word "SURE." That is your car's computer asking you if you are sure that you want to reset the check engine light. Because you do, press the trip odometer reset button. After completing this final step, your trip odometer will indicate success with the word "DONE." And just like that, your check engine light has been reset. You're ready to go.
One final note: you may want to browse a complete list of the check engine light codes that might possibly show up when you check to see what your problem is.
- Insert key into the ignition.
- Press and hold the trip odometer reset button for approximately 10 seconds.
- Key your ignition on and off three times.
The first indication that will appear (before the word SURE appears) is the actual problem code. To find out what that code means, simply go to the Related Discussion link below for a complete listing of the codes and what they mean. You can easily do this on your smart phone. This knowledge will help you know how to proceed, instead of going to your nearest Dodge dealer for them to tell you what the code means. It will also save you a lot of time which is sometimes more valuable than money (i.e., ready to leave on vacation).
Featured Video: Check and Clear Your Check Engine Light
Related Discussion
- Complete List of Engine Codes - Dodgeforum.com
