The oil light reset button is located under the steering wheel on your 2014 Escape
Your 2014 Ford Escape has a small reset stem tucked beneath the steering column, usually on the left side. You do not need a dealer or a scan tool — you can reset the light yourself in about 30 seconds by turning the ignition to the "On" position (without starting the engine) and pressing and holding that stem until the light blinks and goes dark.
The stem is small and straightforward to miss. If you look under the steering wheel toward the instrument cluster, you will see a small plastic nub sticking out. That is what you are looking for. Some owners find it easier to crouch down and use a flashlight to locate it the first time.
The reset only clears the light from the dashboard — it does not change your oil or check your engine. You should only reset the light after you have actually changed your oil and filter, or the light will come back on at the next startup.
Key Takeaways
- The reset stem is a small plastic nub under the left side of the steering column, not a button on the dashboard.
- Turn the key to "On" (engine off), press and hold the stem until the oil light blinks and disappears, then release.
- The reset takes about 30 seconds and requires no tools or special equipment.
- Always change your oil and filter before resetting the light, or the reminder will trigger again when ready.
- If the light comes back on within a few days of reset, check your oil level and have the engine inspected for leaks.
Step-by-step reset process
Sit in the driver's seat with the door closed. Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position — the dashboard lights will come on, but do not start the engine. You should hear a small chime.
Reach under the steering column on the left side and locate the reset stem. It is a small plastic protrusion about the size of a pencil eraser. Press it firmly and hold it down. Within 3 to 5 seconds, you will see the oil light on the dashboard begin to blink. Keep holding the stem until the light goes completely dark — this usually takes another 5 to 10 seconds.
Release the stem and turn the key back to the "Off" position. Start the engine and verify that the oil light does not come back on. If it does, turn off the engine, wait 10 seconds, and repeat the process.
What to do if you cannot find the reset stem
If you have looked under the steering column and cannot locate the stem, check your owner's manual — the exact location can vary slightly depending on trim level and production year. Some Escapes have the stem positioned more toward the center of the column, while others have it slightly to the left.
Another option is to use the instrument cluster buttons on the steering wheel itself. On some 2014 Escapes, you can navigate through the dashboard menu using the left and right arrow buttons on the steering wheel, find the oil life setting, and reset it from there. This method takes longer but works if the physical stem is not accessible.
If neither method works, a Ford dealership can reset the light using a diagnostic scanner, though this will cost you a service fee. Most independent mechanics can also do this quickly and inexpensively.
Why the light came back on after you reset it
If you reset the light and it came back on within a few days or a few hundred miles, the most common cause is that you did not actually change the oil and filter before resetting. The light is tied to your vehicle's oil change interval counter, and resetting it only clears the display — it does not reset the counter itself if the oil is still old.
The second most common cause is a low oil level. Check your dipstick or use the electronic oil level check in your vehicle's menu. If the level is low, top it off with the correct grade of oil for your Escape (usually 5W-20 or 5W-30, depending on year and engine size — check your manual or the oil cap). Low oil can trigger the light even after a reset.
A third possibility is an oil pressure sensor malfunction. If your oil level is correct and you have recently changed the oil, but the light keeps coming back on, the sensor itself may be failing. This requires a mechanic to diagnose and replace.
The difference between the oil light and the check engine light
Your 2014 Escape has two separate warning lights related to oil: the oil change reminder light (usually a wrench or oil can symbol) and the oil pressure warning light (usually a red oil can with a drip). The reset stem controls only the oil change reminder light.
If you see the red oil pressure light come on while driving, do not ignore it and do not reset it. This light means your engine is not receiving adequate oil pressure, which can cause serious engine damage if you keep driving. Pull over safely, turn off the engine, and have the vehicle towed to a mechanic. This light requires diagnosis and repair, not a reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to go to a Ford dealer to reset the oil light?
No. You can reset it yourself using the stem under the steering column in about 30 seconds, or you can visit any independent mechanic or quick-lube shop and they will reset it for a small fee or sometimes for free if you had your oil changed there.
What happens if I reset the light without changing the oil?
The light will come back on at the next startup or within a few days, because the vehicle's internal counter tracks actual engine runtime, not just the display. You will have wasted time and will need to reset it again after you actually change the oil.
Can I reset the oil light using the touchscreen or dashboard buttons?
On some 2014 Escapes, yes. Use the steering wheel arrow buttons to navigate to the oil life menu in the instrument cluster display, then select reset. The method varies by trim level, so check your owner's manual for the exact steps for your model.
Is the oil light the same as the check engine light?
No. The oil change reminder light (usually a wrench) can be reset by you. The oil pressure warning light (red oil can) means your engine has a real problem and should not be reset — it requires a mechanic's diagnosis and repair.
What oil grade should I use for my 2014 Escape?
Most 2014 Escapes use 5W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic or conventional oil. Check the inside of your oil filler cap or your owner's manual to confirm the correct grade for your specific engine before adding oil.