Reset the oil change light after you change the oil

After you change the oil in your 2013 Ford Escape, the oil change reminder light on your dashboard will not turn off by itself. You have to reset it manually using the controls on your steering wheel and dashboard. The process takes about 30 seconds and requires no tools or special knowledge.

Ford built the reset function into every 2013 Escape so you can confirm the service is done without visiting a dealer. The light will come back on at the next scheduled interval — usually 10,000 miles later, depending on your driving conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the ignition to the "On" position without starting the engine, then use the left arrow button on your steering wheel to navigate to the oil life menu.
  • Once you see the oil life percentage displayed, press and hold the right arrow button until the display shows "Oil Life Reset" and the percentage jumps back to 100%.
  • If your Escape has a manual transmission, the reset steps are identical — the location of the buttons is the only difference.
  • The light will not reset if the engine is running, so make sure the engine is off before you start the process.

Locate the steering wheel controls

On the 2013 Escape, two buttons sit on the left side of your steering wheel below the turn signal lever. The upper button is the left arrow, and the lower button is the right arrow. These buttons control the information display on your instrument cluster — the screen between your speedometer and tachometer.

If your Escape has a manual transmission, these same buttons are in the same location. The reset process does not change based on transmission type.

Turn on the ignition without starting the engine

Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position — the second click, where the dashboard lights come on but the engine does not start. If your Escape has a push-button start, press the button once without pressing the brake pedal.

Do not start the engine. The reset function only works when the ignition is on but the engine is off. If you accidentally start the engine, turn it off and begin again.

Navigate to the oil life display

Press the left arrow button repeatedly until you see "Oil Life" appear on your instrument cluster display. The display cycles through several screens — odometer, trip distance, fuel economy, and others — so you may need to press the button three to five times to reach the oil life screen.

When you see the oil life percentage (for example, "Oil Life 45%"), you are on the correct screen. Stop pressing the left arrow button.

Hold the right arrow button to reset

Press and hold the right arrow button for about three seconds. The display will flash and show "Oil Life Reset" or similar text, and the percentage will jump back to 100%. Release the button as soon as you see the percentage change.

If nothing happens after three seconds, release the button and try again. Some 2013 Escapes require a longer hold — up to five seconds — so be patient. You will see the change happen on the display when the reset is successful.

Confirm the reset is complete

The oil change light on your dashboard should now be off, and your instrument cluster should show "Oil Life 100%". Turn the ignition back to the "Off" position and close the door.

If the light is still on after you turn the ignition off and back on, repeat the process from the beginning. Occasionally the reset does not take on the first attempt, especially if the button was not held long enough.

What to do if the reset does not work

If you have followed the steps twice and the light remains on, the issue is usually that the right arrow button was not held long enough. Try again, but this time hold the button for a full five seconds before releasing.

If the light still does not reset, the instrument cluster may have a fault. A Ford dealer can reset it for you, though this is rare on a 2013 model. You can also drive the vehicle normally — the light is a reminder only and does not affect engine performance or safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset the oil light while the engine is running?

No. The reset function only works when the ignition is in the "On" position and the engine is off. If you try while the engine is running, the buttons will not navigate to the oil life screen.

Will resetting the light erase my service records?

No. Resetting the light only clears the reminder on your dashboard. Your vehicle's computer still tracks when the reset occurred, and a Ford dealer can see the service history if needed for warranty purposes.

How often do I need to reset the oil light?

You reset it once after each oil change. The light will come back on automatically at the next service interval, which is typically 10,000 miles for a 2013 Escape under normal driving conditions. Severe driving conditions may shorten this interval.

What if I reset the light by mistake before changing the oil?

You can reset it again after you actually change the oil. There is no penalty for resetting it multiple times. Just follow the same steps whenever you need to clear the reminder.

Do I need to go to a dealer to reset the light?

No. You can reset it yourself in your driveway using only the steering wheel buttons. A dealer will reset it for you if you prefer, but there is no technical reason to pay for this service.