The oil change light resets differently depending on your Escape's trim level

The 2013 Ford Escape has two different reset procedures depending on whether your vehicle has the basic instrument cluster or the more advanced MyFord Touch system. The basic cluster uses a manual reset through the dashboard controls, while MyFord Touch vehicles reset through the infotainment screen. Both take less than a minute once you know which system you have.

You can identify which system your Escape has by looking at your dashboard. If you see a small screen in the center of the instrument cluster (between the speedometer and tachometer), you have MyFord Touch. If your cluster is all analog gauges with no screen, you have the basic system.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2013 Escape uses either a manual dashboard reset or a MyFord Touch screen reset depending on your trim level.
  • The basic cluster reset requires turning the ignition to the "On" position without starting the engine, then using the steering wheel buttons to navigate to the reset option.
  • MyFord Touch vehicles reset the light through the Settings menu on the center infotainment screen.
  • You must perform the reset after changing your oil and filter, not before, or the system will track incorrectly until the next service interval.
  • If the light returns when ready after reset, the system may not have registered the reset — try the procedure again or check that your oil level is correct.

Resetting the oil light on a basic instrument cluster

Start with the engine off and the doors closed. Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position — the position where the dashboard lights come on but the engine does not start. Do not turn the key all the way to start the engine.

Look at the left side of your steering wheel. You will see two buttons: one with a plus symbol and one with a minus symbol. Press and hold the minus button until a menu appears on the instrument cluster display. This menu will show options like "Trip Reset" and "Oil Change Reset" or similar wording depending on your specific trim.

Use the plus and minus buttons to scroll through the menu until you see the oil change reset option. Press and hold the plus button to select it. The display will show a confirmation message, and the oil change light on your dashboard will turn off. Turn the key back to the "Off" position.

Resetting through MyFord Touch

Turn the ignition to the "On" position without starting the engine. Look at the center infotainment screen on your dashboard — this is the larger touchscreen display, usually between 4 and 8 inches wide depending on your trim level.

Press the "Menu" button on the screen or use the steering wheel controls to navigate to the main menu. Look for an option labeled "Settings," "Vehicle," or "Maintenance" — the exact wording varies by model year and software version. Tap or scroll to find the oil change or service reset option.

Select the oil change reset option. The system will ask you to confirm. Press "Yes" or "Confirm" to complete the reset. The oil change light on your dashboard will turn off when ready. Turn the ignition back to "Off."

What to do if the light does not turn off

If you complete the reset procedure and the oil change light stays on, the most common cause is that the system did not register your input. Try the reset procedure again from the beginning, making sure you are in the "On" position and not accidentally starting the engine.

A second common cause is low oil level. Even after a reset, the light may stay on if your oil is below the minimum mark on the dipstick. Check your oil level using the dipstick under the hood — pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again to read the level. If the oil is low, add the correct type and amount for your Escape (check your owner's manual for specifications), then try the reset again.

If the light still does not turn off after a second reset attempt and your oil level is correct, the reset system itself may have a fault. This is rare but does happen. At this point, you will need to have the system checked by a Ford dealer or a may have access to mechanic who can access the vehicle's computer diagnostics.

Understanding when to reset the light

Reset the oil change light after you have changed your oil and filter, not before. The light tracks how many miles or how much time has passed since the last reset. If you reset it before changing your oil, the system will count down from zero again without actually having fresh oil in the engine.

The 2013 Escape typically reminds you to change oil based on time or mileage, whichever comes first. Your owner's manual will specify the exact interval — most Ford vehicles use either 5,000 miles or 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions and oil type. The light will come back on when that interval is reached again.

Resetting with the key if your battery is dead

If your vehicle's battery is completely dead and you cannot turn the ignition to the "On" position, you will not be able to reset the light until the battery is replaced or charged. The reset procedure requires electrical power to communicate with the vehicle's computer.

Once your battery is replaced or charged and the vehicle starts normally, the oil change light will still be on. Perform the reset procedure as described above. The light does not reset automatically when power is restored — you must manually complete the reset steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset the oil light without changing the oil?

Yes, the reset procedure will work whether or not you have actually changed the oil. However, resetting the light without changing your oil defeats the purpose of the maintenance reminder system. The light is designed to alert you when service is due, so resetting it without performing the service means you will lose track of when your next oil change is actually needed.

What if I have a 2013 Escape with a different trim level than my friend's?

Different trim levels and option packages on the 2013 Escape may have different dashboard systems. The basic procedure is the same, but the menu names or button locations might vary slightly. Check your owner's manual for your specific trim level, or look at your instrument cluster to determine whether you have the basic system or MyFord Touch before attempting the reset.

Does the oil light reset if I disconnect the battery?

Disconnecting the battery will not reset the oil change light on a 2013 Escape. The light is stored in the vehicle's computer memory and is not cleared by a power loss. You must use the manual reset procedure described above. Disconnecting the battery may clear other fault codes, but the oil change reminder is designed to persist until manually reset.

How often should I reset the oil light?

Reset the oil light once per oil change interval. For most 2013 Escapes, this is either every 5,000 or 10,000 miles depending on your owner's manual and driving conditions. Check your manual for the recommended interval for your specific vehicle, then reset the light each time you change the oil and filter.