How to Reset the Oil Change Light on a 2013 Ford Escape

Reset the oil change reminder after you change the oil yourself

On a 2013 Ford Escape, the oil change light resets through the instrument cluster menu — you do not need a dealer visit or a scan tool. The process takes about 30 seconds and works whether you changed the oil at a shop or did it yourself at home. You navigate using buttons on the steering wheel and confirm the reset on the dashboard display.

The light appears as "Oil Change Due" or "Service Oil Change" on your instrument cluster. It is a maintenance reminder, not an engine warning, so the car will run fine with the light on. But resetting it keeps you from missing the next actual oil change interval.

Key Takeaways

The 2013 Escape oil change light resets through the instrument cluster menu using steering wheel buttons, not a key-turn sequence or dealer tool.
You must turn the ignition to the "On" position (engine off) before the menu buttons will respond.
The reset sequence is: press Menu, scroll to Oil Change, press OK, then confirm the reset when prompted.
If the light does not clear after you complete the steps, turn the ignition off and try again — the sequence sometimes requires a second attempt.
Resetting the light does not change your actual oil change interval; it only clears the reminder so you can track when the next service is due.

Step-by-step reset using the steering wheel controls

Start with the engine off and the ignition turned to the "On" position (the second click on the key, where the dashboard lights up but the engine does not start). Do not start the engine. The steering wheel buttons will not work if the ignition is in the "Off" position or if the engine is running.

Press the Menu button on the left side of the steering wheel. The instrument cluster display will show a menu with options like "Trip," "Oil Change," and "Settings." Use the up and down arrow buttons to scroll until "Oil Change" is highlighted. Press the OK button (the center button) to select it.

The display will show your current oil life percentage and ask you to confirm the reset. Press OK again to confirm. The light should clear when ready, and the display will return to the main menu. Turn the ignition off to complete the process.

What to do if the reset does not work on the first try

If the oil change light is still on after you complete the sequence, turn the ignition completely off and wait 10 seconds. Then turn it back to the "On" position and repeat the steps. Sometimes the system requires a second attempt, especially if the ignition was not fully in the "On" position the first time.

If the light persists after a second attempt, check that you are pressing the correct buttons. The Menu button is on the left side of the steering wheel and is usually labeled with a house or menu icon. The OK button is the center button of the directional pad. If you are still unable to clear the light, the instrument cluster may have a fault, and a Ford dealer can diagnose it with a scan tool.

Resetting the light does not change your oil change schedule

The oil change light is a convenience reminder, not a gauge of your oil's actual condition. Resetting it clears the visual alert but does not affect when you should actually change your oil. Your 2013 Escape's oil change interval is typically 5,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on your driving conditions and the type of oil you use — check your owner's manual for the exact interval.

Write down the mileage when you reset the light so you know when to perform the next oil change. Some owners set a phone reminder or note it in their vehicle maintenance log. This way, you will not rely solely on the light to tell you when service is due.

Why the light comes on and when to expect it

Ford's oil change reminder system tracks engine runtime and driving patterns rather than actual oil condition. It estimates when your oil will reach the end of its service life based on how you drive. The light turns on automatically when that interval is reached, whether you have changed the oil or not.

If you change your oil before the light comes on, you can reset it when ready after the service. If you ignore the light and continue driving, it will remain on until you reset it manually. The light does not turn off by itself, even if you drive for weeks after the interval passes.

Difference between the oil change light and the check engine light

The oil change light is a yellow or amber reminder that says "Oil Change Due" or "Service Oil Change." The check engine light is a separate warning that looks like an engine symbol and indicates a fault in the emissions system or engine. Do not confuse the two — resetting the oil change light will not affect the check engine light, and vice versa.

If both lights are on, reset the oil change light using the steps above, then have the check engine light diagnosed separately. A check engine light requires a scan tool to read the fault code, and ignoring it can lead to engine damage or failed emissions tests.

Using the instrument cluster menu for other maintenance reminders

The same Menu button system on your steering wheel also controls other maintenance reminders on the 2013 Escape, such as tire rotation and cabin air filter replacement. You can scroll through the Oil Change menu to see other service items and their status. Some of these reminders can also be reset through the same menu, though the process varies slightly depending on the service type.

Familiarizing yourself with the Menu button now will save time if you need to reset other reminders in the future. The owner's manual lists all available menu options and their functions, so refer to it if you want to explore other features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset the oil change light if the engine is running?

No. The steering wheel buttons only work when the ignition is in the "On" position with the engine off. If you try to access the menu while the engine is running, the buttons will not respond. Turn off the engine, keep the ignition on, and try again.

What if I do not have the owner's manual to check the oil change interval?

The standard interval for a 2013 Escape is 5,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on driving conditions. You can also search "2013 Ford Escape oil change interval" online or contact a Ford dealer for your specific model year and engine type. The manual is also available as a free PDF read from Ford's website.

Does resetting the light mean my oil is clean and safe to drive on?

No. Resetting the light is purely a reminder function — it does not measure your oil's actual condition. You should change your oil at the interval recommended in your owner's manual, regardless of what the light says. Resetting the light just clears the visual alert so you can track the next service date.

Will the light come back on automatically after I reset it?

Yes, but not when ready. The light will turn on again when the next oil change interval is reached, typically 5,000 to 7,500 miles after you reset it. The system tracks your driving and will alert you again when service is due.

What if the light comes back on after just a few hundred miles?

If the light returns very quickly, the reset may not have taken. Try the sequence again, making sure the ignition is fully in the "On" position and you are pressing the correct buttons. If the light continues to return prematurely, the instrument cluster may have a malfunction and should be checked by a Ford dealer.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.