The oil change light reset process on a 2013 Ford Escape takes about 30 seconds and requires only the ignition key
The 2013 Ford Escape displays an oil change reminder light on the dashboard after a set interval of engine running time. To turn it off, you cycle through the vehicle's information display using buttons on the steering wheel, find the oil life menu, and select reset. The light will not turn off by itself after an oil change — the reset is a separate manual step that you perform after the service is complete.
This process works the same whether you changed the oil yourself or had a shop do it. The light is tied to the engine's computer timer, not to any sensor that detects fresh oil. Once you reset it, the timer starts counting down again toward the next service interval.
Key Takeaways
- The oil change light reset happens through the steering wheel controls and the instrument cluster display, not through any menu under the hood or in the engine bay.
- You must turn the ignition to the On position (without starting the engine) to access the reset menu.
- The reset option appears in the Vehicle Information menu, which you navigate using the left and right arrow buttons on the steering wheel.
- After you select reset, the light clears when ready and the oil life counter returns to 100 percent.
Step-by-step reset using the steering wheel controls
Start with the engine off and the ignition key turned to the On position (the second click, where the dashboard lights up but the engine does not run). Do not start the engine yet.
Look at the instrument cluster display in the center of the dashboard. You will see a menu with options like Trip, Average Speed, or Oil Life. Use the left and right arrow buttons on the steering wheel (usually located on the back of the steering wheel spoke) to scroll through the menu until you see "Oil Life" or "Oil Change" displayed.
Once Oil Life is highlighted, press the center select button (or the button marked OK) on the steering wheel. The display will show your current oil life percentage — typically something like 15% or 5% if you are resetting after an oil change.
Press and hold the center select button for about three seconds. The display will flash or show a confirmation message, and the oil life will reset to 100%. The light on your dashboard will turn off at the same moment.
What happens if the reset does not work on the first try
If the oil life percentage does not change to 100% after you hold the button, you may have pressed a different button or not held it long enough. Return to the On position (turn the key back if it has moved), navigate back to Oil Life using the arrow buttons, and try holding the center button again for a full three seconds.
Some 2013 Escapes have a slightly different steering wheel layout depending on trim level or options package. If your steering wheel does not have arrow buttons on the back, look for a small dial or rocker switch on the steering wheel itself, usually on the left side. This serves the same purpose as the arrow buttons.
If you have tried the reset multiple times and the light remains on, the issue may be a fault code in the engine computer rather than a straightforward reset failure. In that case, a Ford dealer or independent shop can read the computer codes to determine whether the light is a service reminder or a warning about an actual engine condition.
Why the oil change light does not turn off automatically
Ford's oil life monitoring system tracks engine run time and driving conditions to estimate when your oil has degraded enough to need replacement. The system does not have a sensor that detects whether the oil is actually old or new — it only counts time and miles.
Once you change the oil, the fluid in the pan is fresh, but the computer does not know that. The reminder light stays on until you manually tell the computer to reset its timer. This design means you cannot accidentally leave the light on after an oil change, because you have to take the deliberate step of resetting it yourself.
Resetting the light without the steering wheel controls
If your steering wheel controls are not working or you prefer an alternative method, you can reset the oil life through the vehicle's main menu system if your 2013 Escape has a touchscreen or larger information display. However, most 2013 models use the steering wheel button method as the primary way.
Some owners have reported that turning the ignition to On, waiting 10 seconds, and then turning it fully off and back On again can sometimes clear the light, but this is not a reliable method and should not be your first choice. The steering wheel button reset is the documented procedure and works consistently.
Checking your oil level before resetting the light
Before you reset the oil change light, verify that your oil level is actually at the correct mark on the dipstick. The light is a service reminder, not a low-oil warning, so it will not tell you if the oil level is dangerously low.
Pull the dipstick, wipe it clean with a paper towel or cloth, reinsert it fully, and pull it out again to read the level. The oil should reach the full mark or the upper hash mark on the stick. If it is below the minimum mark, add the correct grade of oil (check your owner's manual for the specification) before resetting the light.
Resetting the light on an engine that is low on oil does not fix the underlying problem. The light will come back on sooner than expected if the oil level drops again, and you may cause engine damage by running low on oil between service intervals.
Oil change interval for the 2013 Ford Escape
Ford's oil life system on the 2013 Escape typically allows 10,000 miles or one year between oil changes, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. If you drive in severe conditions — frequent towing, idling, dusty environments, or short trips — the interval may be shorter.
The system monitors your actual driving and adjusts the remaining oil life percentage based on how you use the vehicle. Aggressive driving, cold starts, and extended idling consume oil life faster than highway driving at steady speeds. The percentage you see on the display reflects these conditions, so two vehicles may show different oil life percentages even if they have the same mileage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reset the oil light while the engine is running?
No. The reset menu is only accessible when the ignition is in the On position with the engine off. If you try to access it while the engine is running, the menu may not appear or the reset may not register. Turn off the engine, leave the key in the On position, and then perform the reset.
What if I reset the oil light but did not actually change the oil?
The light will come back on when the timer reaches the next service interval. Resetting the light does not change when your oil actually needs to be changed — it only resets the computer's counter. If you reset it without changing the oil, you are just delaying the reminder, and your oil will still be old when the light comes back on.
Does the 2013 Escape have a separate low-oil warning light?
Yes. The oil change reminder light (usually an oil can symbol) is different from the low-oil pressure warning light (usually an oil can with a drop or exclamation mark). If the low-oil pressure light comes on while driving, stop the engine when ready and check your oil level. Do not reset this light — it indicates a real problem that needs attention.
Will the reset work if my battery is low?
A very low battery may prevent the instrument cluster from displaying the menu properly, but a normally functioning battery should have no problem. If your battery is so weak that the dashboard lights are dim or flickering, charge or replace the battery first, then perform the reset.
Do I need to go to a Ford dealer to reset the light?
No. The reset is a straightforward procedure that you can perform yourself with just the ignition key. A dealer or shop can reset it for you if you prefer, but there is no technical reason to have someone else do it, and it will cost you a service fee for something that takes 30 seconds.