I bought a 2012 Ram 1500 Express about 2 weeks ago. I have noticed with the key on and engine not running that the oil pressure light does not light. The light does light for a few seconds when the key is first turned on so I know the bulb works Before I take it back to the dealer and look a fool, is this normal? I'm used to an oil pressure light being on when the key is on and engine not running. Just want to make sure this isn't something new.


Thanks in advance guys for helping out a 4th gen newbie.

 

Pavement,

The owners manual indicates the light will only come on when the vehicle is started, and then only for a few seconds unless something is wrong. From the owners manual:

Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. The
light should turn on momentarily when the engine
is started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound for four minutes when this light turns
on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
For vehicles equipped with a premium cluster this indicator
will display in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC). Refer to ”Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) — If Equipped” for further information.

The check engine light will come on once key is switched to on position though, when not started.

Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic (OBDII) system which
monitors the emissions and engine control system.
If the vehicle is ready for emissions testing, the light
will come on when the ignition is first turned on and
remain on, as a bulb check, until the engine is started. If
the vehicle is not ready for emissions testing the light will
come on when the ignition is first turned on and remain
on for 15 seconds, then blink for 5 seconds, and remain
on until the vehicle is started. If the bulb does not come
on during starting, have the condition investigated
promptly.
If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service.

 

ok. Just something new to learn. Got to get used to how things are now. My first new vehicle in 12 years so alot has changed.

I'm sure I read that section in the manual. Just probably didn't pay that close attention to it. Thanks for clarifying it for me.