How to Reset the Oil Change Required on a Ford Vehicle
by Kyle Sanstrom
Ford vehicles have a light that displays on the dashboard to alert the driver that the time has come to change the oil. The vehicle’s computer monitors a number of factors such as engine load, rpm and trip duration in order to determine when to display the message. This message will remain displayed until the driver follows a special sequence using the trip/reset button near the odometer.
Step 1
Place the Ford vehicle’s transmission into park or first gear (manual). Apply the parking brake and turn off the engine. Turn the ignition back to the “ON” position, but do not start the engine.
Step 2
Press and release the trip/reset button repeatedly to cycle through the available on-screen options until the display reads “OIL LIFE = XXX% HOLD RESET.”
Step 3
Press and hold the trip/reset button until the display reads “OIL LIFE SET TO 100%.”
Step 4
Turn the ignition to the “OFF” position. Start the engine and verify that the oil change required message is no longer displayed.
Tips
- This procedure is the same for most Ford vehicles. If it doesn't work for your particular vehicle, consult your owner's manual.
Writer Bio
Kyle Sanstrom has been writing professionally since 2008. His articles have been published on several websites including eHow and Automobile Insight. Sanstrom has undergone advanced automotive training at the Dunwoody College of Technology, holds an Associate of Arts in general studies from Century College and has more than 10 years of experience in all aspects of automotive repair and diagnosis.
