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

The 2013 Ford Escape has two different reset procedures depending on whether your model has a basic instrument cluster or the more advanced MyFord Touch system. The basic cluster (found on most S and SE trims) resets through the steering wheel controls. The MyFord Touch system (standard on Titanium models and optional on SE) resets through the center touchscreen. Both take less than a minute once you know which system you have.

You'll know which system you have by looking at your dashboard. If you see a large touchscreen in the center console, you have MyFord Touch. If your center stack has physical buttons and a smaller display, you have the basic cluster. Check your owner's manual if you're unsure — it's printed on the cover which system your specific trim includes.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2013 Escape resets the oil light through either steering wheel controls (basic cluster) or the center touchscreen (MyFord Touch system).
  • You must turn the ignition to the "On" position without starting the engine before beginning either reset procedure.
  • The basic cluster reset uses the left steering wheel arrow buttons to navigate a menu; the MyFord Touch reset uses the touchscreen Settings menu.
  • The light will not reset if you perform the procedure while the engine is running, so turn off the engine first.

Resetting the oil light on a basic cluster (S and SE models)

Turn off the engine completely and wait a few seconds. Then turn the ignition key to the "On" position — the position where the dashboard lights up 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'll see two arrow buttons (up and down) below the steering wheel controls. Press the down arrow button repeatedly until you see "Oil Life" or "Oil Service" appear on your instrument cluster display. This usually takes three to five presses.

Once "Oil Life" appears on the display, press and hold the right arrow button (or the button marked "OK" or "Select" on your specific model) for about three seconds. The display will show a confirmation message, and the oil light will turn off. If the light does not turn off, repeat the process — sometimes the display needs a second attempt.

Resetting the oil light on MyFord Touch (Titanium and some SE models)

Turn off the engine and wait a few seconds. Turn the ignition key to the "On" position without starting the engine. The touchscreen will light up.

On the center touchscreen, press the "Settings" button. This is usually located at the bottom of the main menu. Navigate to "Vehicle" or "Maintenance" — the exact wording varies by software version. Look for an option that says "Oil Life Reset," "Oil Service Reset," or "Maintenance Reset."

Select that option and confirm the reset when prompted. The touchscreen will display a confirmation message, and the oil light on your instrument cluster will turn off. If you do not see a maintenance or oil option in Settings, check your owner's manual — some software versions organize this menu differently.

What to do if the reset does not work

If you've followed the correct procedure for your cluster type and the light remains on, turn off the ignition completely and wait 30 seconds. Then repeat the entire process from the beginning. Sometimes the system needs a full power cycle to register the reset command.

If the light still does not turn off after a second attempt, the issue may be a faulty oil pressure sensor rather than a reset problem. A sensor that stays triggered will keep the light on even after a successful reset. In this case, you'll need to have the sensor checked by a mechanic or Ford dealer — it's a separate repair from the reset procedure itself.

Why the reset procedure matters

Ford's oil change interval system tracks your driving conditions and adjusts the recommended service interval based on how you drive. Resetting the light tells the system you've completed the oil change and clears the counter. If you don't reset it, the light will remain on even though you've changed the oil, and you'll lose the system's ability to track when your next service is due.

The reset is purely informational — it does not affect engine performance or oil quality. It straightforward resets the maintenance reminder so you know when to change the oil again based on your actual driving patterns.

Common mistakes that prevent the reset from working

The most common mistake is trying to reset the light while the engine is running. The system will not accept a reset command if the engine is on. Always turn off the engine first and use only the ignition "On" position.

The second common mistake is pressing the wrong buttons or navigating to the wrong menu. On the basic cluster, make sure you're using the left steering wheel arrows, not the right ones. On MyFord Touch, make sure you're in Settings and looking for a maintenance or oil-related option, not a different menu entirely.

A third issue occurs when the touchscreen on MyFord Touch systems is unresponsive. If the screen does not respond to your touch, try pressing the physical buttons on the steering wheel instead — most MyFord Touch systems have a backup button control method for exactly this reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset the oil light without changing the oil?

Yes, the reset procedure works regardless of whether you've actually changed the oil. The system has no way to verify that you've performed service — it only tracks time and mileage. However, resetting the light without changing the oil defeats the purpose of the maintenance reminder system and can lead to engine damage from old oil.

Will resetting the oil light affect my warranty?

No. Resetting the oil light is a normal maintenance step that Ford owners perform after every oil change. It does not void your warranty or trigger any diagnostic flags. The reset straightforward clears the reminder counter.

What if my 2013 Escape has a different dashboard layout than described?

Some 2013 Escapes with aftermarket stereos or modified dashboards may have different layouts. Check your owner's manual first — it will show the exact button locations and menu structure for your specific vehicle configuration. If you've lost the manual, Ford's website has free digital copies for read by VIN.

Does the reset procedure work the same way for oil changes done at a dealership?

Most Ford dealerships reset the oil light as part of the service, so you won't need to do it yourself. However, if you change the oil yourself or use an independent shop, you'll need to perform the reset manually using the procedure for your cluster type.

What happens if I accidentally reset the oil light twice in a row?

Nothing harmful occurs. The system will straightforward restart its counter from zero. If you reset it twice by mistake, your next oil change reminder will appear based on the new reset point, not the original one.