How To Reset Your Ford Oil Change Light Easily: Quick Guide

The oil change light is a handy dashboard indicator that lets you know when it’s time to schedule an oil change for your Ford. If you’re due for an oil change, the best way to reset the light is to take your vehicle into the dealership for this quick maintenance task. If you’ve just had an oil change, however, you may need to reset this indicator so it starts counting your miles again to alert you to the next change. Here’s what you need to know.

How To Reset the Oil Change Light on Your Ford Vehicle

There are a few different methods for resetting the oil change light in your Ford vehicle. The best way to identify the proper process is to check your owner’s manual or call us at Planet Ford Dallas. We can give you detailed information specific to your Ford. There are typically three different ways to reset the oil light.

Pedal Reset

In most Ford vehicles between the year 2011 and 2021, you can reset the oil change light using the car pedals. To do so, follow these steps:

• Turn on the ignition: Put your key in the ignition and turn it to the “on” position. Don’t start the engine. It’s important to make sure your Ford isn’t running when you proceed to the next step.
• Press down on the pedals: Firmly press the accelerator and brake pedals to the floor at the same time. Keep your feet on the accelerator and brake pedals throughout the process.
• Wait for the in-progress message: After about three seconds, you should see an in-progress message on the display screen that lets you know the reset process has started. Continue to maintain pressure on the brake and accelerator pedals.
• Wait for the completion message: After about 20 to 25 seconds, you should see a message on the display screen confirming that the reset is complete.
• Release the pedals: Release pressure on the vehicle’s pedals after you’ve received the completion message.
• Turn off the ignition: Turn the key to the “off” position in the ignition and remove it.

Message Center Reset

If your Ford has a message center, you can reset the oil change light using the message center commands:

• Open the settings menu: Use the arrow buttons on your steering wheel to scroll to the settings menu. Select “Settings” when it appears on the information display.
• Open the vehicle menu: Select the vehicle submenu under the settings menu.
• Reset the oil life: In the vehicle menu, scroll through to find an option that reads “Oil Life Reset.”
• Hold the “OK” button: Hold down the “OK” button on the steering wheel after selecting “Oil Life Reset.” You should see the oil change light go off.

Setup Button Reset

If your Ford has “Setup,” “Reset,” and “Info” buttons, you can use the following method to reset your oil change light:

• Press the “Setup” button: Locate the “Setup” button on the steering wheel and press it repeatedly to cycle through the options on your information display.
• Find the “Oil Reset” option: Stop cycling through the setup options when you reach an option that reads “Oil Reset.”
• Press the “Reset” button: Press and hold the “Reset” button on the steering wheel for about two seconds.
• Watch the information display: When you’ve completed the process, the information display will read “Oil Life Set To 100%.”

Troubleshooting Common Issues During the Oil Change Light Reset Process

If your vehicle doesn’t respond to the reset process, the most likely issue is that you failed to hold the pedals or buttons long enough. Repeat the process and lengthen the time that you hold down the button or pedals as you reset the oil light. If the oil change light still doesn’t go off, contact your local dealership for advice specific to your Ford vehicle. You can drop into our service center at Planet Ford Dallas for a quick rundown of the proper procedure.

Oil Change Tips

You should only reset your oil change light if you’ve just changed the oil in your Ford. Don’t reset the light without addressing the underlying problem that it’s alerting you to. Most Ford vehicles need an oil change every 7,500 miles with synthetic oil. Some Fords can go up to 10,000 miles between oil changes. If you’re using conventional oil, you’ll need more frequent oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Consult your owner’s manual for recommendations specific to your vehicle’s year and model.

Ford recommends Motorcraft oil for your vehicle, though you can use another brand if it meets Ford’s quality standards. For most vehicles, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 are the best options. If you have a hybrid vehicle, you may need 0W-20 oil. This is another instance where you should turn to your owner’s manual for exact specifications that are tailored to your vehicle’s engine.

The Role of Regular Maintenance in Vehicle Longevity

Routine maintenance is crucial to vehicle longevity. Oil changes are one of the most important and frequent maintenance tasks that you need to address. Oil helps lubricate the moving parts in your engine. Over time, the oil picks up debris and pollutants, turning into a thick sludge. This sludge hampers the movement of your engine components and fails to absorb heat as it should. As a result, your engine may experience a significant drop in efficiency, causing it to overheat and sustain serious damage.

Regular oil changes will improve your fuel efficiency and help ensure your vehicle remains in good condition, keeping it on the road well into the future. When you’re ready to upgrade your Ford, you’ll find that you can get a greater resale value for a preowned vehicle that had regular oil changes versus one that was neglected.

Keep Up With Your Car Care at Planet Ford Dallas

If you’re due for an oil change or other maintenance task, schedule an appointment with our team at Planet Ford Dallas. We can provide a prompt and efficient oil change that will reset your oil change light and keep your vehicle in good condition.