Show John Wiley/Demand Media Ford vehicles have a light that displays on the dashboard to alert the driver that the time has come to change the oil. The vehicle’s computer monitors a number of factors such as engine load, rpm and trip duration in order to determine when to display the message. This message will remain displayed until the driver follows a special sequence using the trip/reset button near the odometer. Step 1
Place the Ford vehicle’s transmission into park or first gear (manual). Apply the parking brake and turn off the engine. Turn the ignition back to the “ON” position, but do not start the engine. Step 2
Press and release the trip/reset button repeatedly to cycle through the available on-screen options until the display reads “OIL LIFE = XXX% HOLD RESET.” Step 3
Press and hold the trip/reset button until the display reads “OIL LIFE SET TO 100%.” Step 4
Turn the ignition to the “OFF” position. Start the engine and verify that the oil change required message is no longer displayed. Tips
Writer Bio Kyle Sanstrom has been writing professionally since 2008. His articles have been published on several websites including eHow and Automobile Insight. Sanstrom has undergone advanced automotive training at the Dunwoody College of Technology, holds an Associate of Arts in general studies from Century College and has more than 10 years of experience in all aspects of automotive repair and diagnosis. More ArticlesRegular oil changes are imperative in prolonging the life of a vehicle. Resetting the oil change light is one of the necessary steps in keeping to the recommended change routine on your particular vehicle. In the old days, when everyone changed their own oil, it was easy to just write down the mileage on a slip of paper, toss it in the glove compartment and check it periodically. Service centers made it a little easier, and added regularity to oil changes by writing
down the next oil change mileage, with the mileage at the time of this change in a clear plastic sleeve, attached with light adhesive just below the driver side sun visor. An oil change decal placed by a professional oil change center – Photo by Randy Tucker Vehicles began production with oil warning lights in the 1950s. These were just an indicator that your oil level was dangerously low and needed to be checked. General Motors came out with the first oil change light, tied directly to the odometer in 1988. Since then, every major manufacturer has a version of the system unique
to their line of vehicles. We’ll take a look at a few of the major manufacturers and how to reset the oil change sensor after you change the oil yourself. It’s the final step for those DIY advocates. The driver interface on a 2015 GM Terrain – Photo by Randy Tucker On a
pre-2005 GM vehicle, get behind the wheel, close the door, turn the ignition on to the accessory power position, wait for the lights to be displayed, then push the accelerator to the floor three times within five seconds of turning the key. The oil light should flash, indicating the counter has been reset. The settings control buttons on a 2015 GM Terrain – Photo by Randy Tucker On a 2006 or newer GM use this procedure, but note, some vehicles have slightly different button locations to push to reset. The oil life display on a 2013 GM Silverado – Photo by Randy Tucker Sit behind the wheel, with all the doors closed, turn the key to the accessory power position. Scroll through the option on the Driver Information Center (DIC) until you find the oil life message then push the enter button on the DIC for one second, and release it. The DIC will display a reset message. The control buttons left of the steering wheel on a GM pickup – Photo by Randy Tucker Ford:Depending on whether you’re in a Ford passenger vehicle, SUV, or F-series pickup, the reset button for the oil change sensor can be on the column display, above the rearview mirror, or on the console. The settings control layout on a Ford 350 diesel – Photo by Randy Tucker When the display reads “Oil Change Required,” change your oil and filter. After completing the work, reset the display by sitting inside with the vehicle in park, or first gear, set the parking brake, close the doors and turn the key on, but don’t start the engine. Scroll through the options for mileage, trip length, tire pressure, etc.. until you find the oil change message. Locate the reset button, press it for one second and the display will read “Oil Light Set to 100%” Chrysler/DodgeChrsyler’s methods of resetting an oil change light vary greatly by make. If you’re doing it yourself, the odds are you own a Dodge truck. It’s not always true, but truck owners often do more of their own repairs, than car or SUV owners do. The control console on a Dodge Ram pickup – Youtube.com On a Dodge Ram there are two options:
Imported Vehicles:Imported vehicles have their own unique methods of resetting the oil change messaging system. We suggest calling up the dealership or local body shop and they’ll know the exact way to reset that light for you. How do I get rid of Change oil required message?Push the accelerator pedal three times all the way to the floor, in less than 10 seconds. Turn the ignition off, and the light will disappear, resetting the indicator.
Why does my car still say change oil even though I changed the oil?If your oil light stays on even after changing your engine oil, you're going to want to check the sensor first to rule out a malfunctioning sensor as the cause. Dirt and other particles can make their way into the oil pump, causing the sensor to falsely identify oil issues.
|