Resetting Your Dash After Changing Your Fuel Filter

The fuel filter warning light is a dreaded sight, often appearing after a squirt of high throttle. While it's possible to change the filter yourself, it's important to choose a quality filter to avoid causing severe damage to the fuel injection system. After changing the filter, you'll need to reset the warning light. The procedure for this varies depending on the vehicle model. For example, for a 2005 Chevrolet, you need to hold down the bottom right steering control button until the light resets, whereas for a 2017 Ford, you need to go to Settings, Vehicle, Maintenance, Fuel Filter and hold OK until the light resets.

Resetting the fuel filter warning light

Steps to Reset the Fuel Filter Warning Light:

• Locate the Reset Option: Depending on your vehicle, there may be different ways to access the reset option. For some models, it might be under the Settings or Maintenance menu, while for others, it could be through the Driver Information Center (DIC) or steering wheel controls. Refer to your vehicle's manual to identify the specific location of the reset option.
• Initiate the Reset Process: Once you have located the reset option, initiate the process. This could involve holding down a specific button or performing a certain sequence of steps. For example, pressing and holding the bottom right steering control button or turning the ignition key to a specific position while pressing certain pedals.
• Confirm the Reset: After performing the reset steps, confirm that the fuel filter warning light on the dashboard has been successfully cleared. In some cases, you may need to repeat the reset procedure if the light comes back on when the vehicle is started.

Additional Tips:

• Safety First: Before performing any maintenance or reset procedures, ensure that you are in a well-ventilated area, and there are no naked flames or other ignition sources nearby. Do not smoke while working on the vehicle.
• Vehicle-Specific Instructions: It is essential to refer to your vehicle's manual or seek vehicle-specific instructions online. The reset process may vary depending on the make, model, and year of your car.
• Seek Professional Help: If you are unsure about the reset process or encounter any issues, it is recommended to consult a qualified mechanic or a dealership for assistance.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively reset the fuel filter warning light on your vehicle's dashboard. Remember to refer to your vehicle's specific instructions for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Resetting the fuel filter life

For a 2014 RAM 3500 6.7, you can reset the fuel filter life by selecting "reset", then "push and hold OK to confirm". However, some users have reported that this method does not work for them. An alternative method is to scroll to the vehicle info, then to the fuel filter life, press and hold down the right arrow to select reset, and when asked to confirm, scroll down to "Yes" and then press the (+ acceleration) button for cruise control.

For a 2016 RAM 2500 6.7, the process is similar: scroll to vehicle info, then fuel filter life, press and hold the right arrow to select reset, and when asked to confirm, scroll down to "Yes" and then quickly tap the right arrow button.

For a 2018 Chevy/GMC Duramax, you can reset the fuel filter life by turning the key to the accessory position, scrolling through the DIC to the fuel filter life, and then resetting.

For a 2021 Chevy/GMC Duramax with push-button start, you can hold down the start button for five seconds without your foot on the brake, which will put the truck into run mode without the engine running. You can then cycle to the fuel filter life and reset.

For a 2005 Chevrolet with steering controls, you can put the display on the fuel filter and hold down the bottom right steering control button until the filter life resets.

It is important to note that resetting the fuel filter life may not always work, and in some cases, you may need to take your vehicle to a dealership or service centre to have it reset using their computer. Additionally, always refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions on resetting the fuel filter life for your particular vehicle.

Resetting the fuel filter display

Toyota LandCruiser 200

• Ensure the electrical plugs are disconnected from the new fuel filter.
• Turn on the ignition by pressing the start button twice without your foot on the brake pedal.
• With the ignition still on, reconnect the two electrical plugs to the fuel filter.
• The dash warning light should now be reset.

Chevrolet/GMC Duramax

If your vehicle has steering controls, put it on the fuel filter display and hold down the bottom right steering control button until the display resets.

GMC Sierra 2500HD

• Scroll to the Vehicle Info section and then to the Fuel Filter Life section.
• Press and hold the right arrow button to select Reset.
• When asked to confirm, scroll down to Yes and press the (+) acceleration button for cruise control.

Dodge RAM 3500 6.7

• Go to the fuel filter life screen.
• Push the right arrow button to reset.
• If Cancel is shown, push the down arrow button until Ok is displayed.
• Push the right arrow button three times in less than 10 seconds, similar to when resetting the oil life with the accelerator pedal.
• The display should reset within 5 seconds.

Cummins Diesel

• With the engine off, turn the key to the 'On' position.
• On the fuel filter life indicator screen, hold the right arrow button.
• This will give you the option to select Reset using the down arrow button.
• Push and quickly release the right arrow button to reset.
• It may take multiple tries, and it may only reset partially or to 99%. Keep trying until both the miles and the percentage are reset.

Resetting the fuel filter maintenance tracker

Locate the Reset Option

Before initiating the reset, you need to find the reset option. This option is usually found within the vehicle's settings. Look for a settings or maintenance menu, and from there, navigate to the Fuel Filter or Engine section. The specific path may vary depending on your vehicle's make and model.

Initiate the Reset

Once you have located the fuel filter reset option, it's time to initiate the reset process. Typically, this is done by holding down a specific button or a combination of buttons for a few seconds. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual or seek vehicle-specific advice online to determine the correct buttons to press and for how long.

Confirm the Reset

After performing the reset steps, confirm that the fuel filter maintenance tracker has been successfully reset. Check if the warning light or message on the dashboard has disappeared. If it hasn't, you may need to repeat the reset process or explore other troubleshooting options.

Resetting Without Steering Controls

If your vehicle does not have steering controls, the reset process may be a bit more involved. One suggested method is to turn the ignition key to the "on" position without cranking the engine. Then, simultaneously press and hold the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal for a specific duration, typically around 10 seconds. Release the pedals and turn the key to the "off" position for about 15 seconds. This should reset the fuel filter maintenance tracker.

Vehicle-Specific Instructions

The reset procedure can vary significantly between different vehicle models and years. For example, instructions for a 2005 Chevrolet/GMC Duramax involve using the steering wheel controls to access the fuel filter display and holding down a specific button until the tracker resets. In contrast, a 2016 Ford F250 might require a different approach, as suggested by another source. Therefore, it is essential to refer to your vehicle's specific instructions or consult a mechanic for accurate guidance.

Safety Precautions

When performing any maintenance or reset procedures, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Ensure that you are in a well-ventilated area, and there are no naked flames or ignition sources nearby when working on the fuel system. Additionally, never work on the fuel system or change filters if the engine is still hot, and refrain from smoking during these processes.

Resetting the fuel filter reminder

General Instructions

• Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for specific instructions on resetting the fuel filter reminder.
• If your vehicle has steering wheel controls, use the buttons to navigate to the fuel filter display and hold down the specified button to reset the reminder.
• If your vehicle does not have steering wheel controls, try turning the key to the "on" position and pressing the fuel pedal a certain number of times to reset.

Chevrolet/GMC Duramax

• Turn the key to the "on" position without cranking the engine.
• Press and hold the brake pedal and accelerator pedal simultaneously for about 10 seconds.
• Release the pedals and turn the key to the "off" position for about 15 seconds.
• This procedure should reset the fuel filter life reminder.

Ford Super Duty

• Access the Settings menu in your vehicle's system.
• Navigate to Vehicle > Maintenance > Fuel Filter.
• Hold the "OK" button until the fuel filter reminder resets.

Toyota LandCruiser 200

• Ensure the electrical plugs are disconnected from the new fuel filter.
• Turn on the ignition by pressing the start button twice without your foot on the brake pedal.
• Re-attach the electrical plugs to the fuel filter.
• The fuel filter warning light on the dash should now be reset.

Additional Tips

• If your vehicle has a Driver Information Center (DIC), you can use the buttons on the steering wheel or instrument panel to access various vehicle settings, including resetting maintenance reminders.
• Some vehicles may not have a reset option for the fuel filter reminder, especially if it is a newer model.

Frequently asked questions