Ford Owner Help · Warning Lights
How to Reset the Oil Change Light on a Ford
After the oil is changed, reset oil life from the steering-wheel menu, or use the pedal method below.
Wrench or check-engine light on too? → that's a shop visit, not a reset
Pick Your Method
Only reset after the oil is actually changed. The system tracks real oil life.
- Turn the ignition ON, engine off. Push-button start: press Start once without the brake.
- Open the cluster menu with the steering-wheel controls and go to Settings → Vehicle (or Vehicle Maintenance) → Oil Life.
- Press and hold OK until the display reads Reset Successful and oil life shows 100%.
- Turn the ignition off, then back on to confirm the message is gone.
SYNC 4 trucks: use the cluster menu through the steering wheel, not the infotainment apps.
- Turn the ignition ON, engine off. Push-button start: hold Start about 2 seconds without the brake. Don't start the engine.
- Press and hold both the accelerator and brake pedals fully, at the same time.
- Keep holding. After about 3 seconds you'll see Oil reset in progress, and after about 25 seconds, Oil reset complete.
- Release both pedals.
Which Method Does My Ford Use?
| Model / setup | Reset method |
|---|---|
| Most 2013 and newer F-150, Explorer, Escape, Edge | Settings → Vehicle / Vehicle Maintenance → Oil Life → hold OK |
| Older models (about 2008 to 2012) | Pedal method |
| Base trims with Setup / Info / Reset buttons | Press Reset at the Oil Life display |
| SYNC 4 touchscreen trucks | Cluster menu through the steering wheel |
No Oil Life item in your menu? The pedal method works on most Fords built after 2011. Confirm the wording in your Owner's Manual.
If the Light Won't Reset or Comes Back
Make sure the ignition is ON (not started) and you're holding the control long enough. If the light returns right away, or shows up with a wrench or check-engine icon, there may be a fault code. We'll scan it, change the oil with Motorcraft or Ford-spec synthetic, and reset it. See current oil change pricing on Dare2Compare. Backed by our 3-Hour Diagnosis Guarantee, with free pickup and delivery within 20 miles of Keyport.
Doing your own oil changes? Send a parts request with your VIN for the right Motorcraft filter and oil.
Ford Oil Change Light: FAQs
How do I reset the oil change light on my Ford?
With the ignition ON and the engine off, go to Settings → Vehicle → Oil Life in the cluster menu and hold OK until it reads Reset Successful. On older Fords, hold the accelerator and brake pedals together for about 25 seconds.
Should I reset the oil light before changing the oil?
No. The system tracks real oil life. Reset it only after the oil is changed.
What does the pedal method do?
With the ignition ON and engine off, holding both pedals for about 25 seconds resets oil life on most Fords built after 2011.
Why won't my oil light reset?
Usually the ignition is started instead of ON, or the control isn't held long enough. If it still won't reset, there may be a fault code.
The light came back right after I reset it. Why?
The reset may not have finished, or there is a fault. A wrench or check-engine light with it means it needs a scan.
Can Tom's Ford reset it for me?
Yes. We reset oil life with every oil change we do.
The information on this page is provided as a general guide for Ford owners, for convenience only. Procedures, locations, and specifications vary by model, year, and trim and may change over time. Always follow your vehicle's Owner's Manual, which takes precedence over anything on this page. These steps are not a substitute for professional service, and some can risk personal injury or vehicle damage if done incorrectly — proceed at your own risk, and contact a qualified technician if you are unsure. Tom's Ford assumes no liability for any loss, injury, or damage arising from use of this information.