How To Reset The Maintenance Light On A Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is undeniably one of the most popular compact crossover SUVs in the US.
Since its original release in early 2000, all Ford Escape model years that came after it has seen tremendous enhancements on their features.
Both exterior and interior styling of the Ford has been improved, making it one of the most high-tech SUVs of its time.
This family-friendly SUV is designed to be adventure-ready, thanks to its off-road capabilities and high-performance engine.
While Ford has engineered the Escape to be hardy and tough on the road, it requires proper maintenance to last long.
For a better user experience, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s stipulated maintenance schedule.
Have you ever experienced the issue of the reset maintenance light illuminating? This is an enhanced feature of the Ford Escape to alert the owner of routine service.
Depending on the model year, some will indicate “oil change.” When this happens, it is recommended to take your vehicle for routine service immediately.
Once the service is done, the maintenance light should be reset and the next service interval set.
Here are the simple steps to reset the service light on your Ford Escape SUV.
How To Reset the Maintenance Light On A Ford Escape?
Here are the steps to follow to reset the maintenance light on a Ford Escape:
- For the models that use ignition keys, turn to the ON position without starting the engine. Ensure the accessories (ACC) are on. For the Ford Escape models that use the push button, hold the START button for about two seconds (without pressing on the brakes) to turn on.
- Next, keep the accelerator and the brake pedals pressed throughout this process.
- The message “Service: Oil Reset” will appear on the dashboard display console after about three seconds.
- Keep the brake and accelerator pedals pressed a little longer until you see the message “Service: Oil Reset Complete.”
- Turn the ignition to the OFF position and slowly release both the accelerator and the brake pedals.
The service message displayed on the dashboard will differ from one model to another.
The Ford Escape models released between 2008 to 2015 will read “Oil Life ##% Hold Reset = New.” Where ##% is the percentage remaining to the next service.
For these model years, you will hold the RESET button for about two seconds and release it to reset the oil life to 100 percent.
Ford Escape Intelligent Oil-Life Monitoring System
Ford Escape comes equipped with some of the most advanced high-tech features that make them stand out from the rest of its peers.
The Escape features state-of-the-art components to give the driver and passengers peace of mind while driving.
The latest Ford Escape SUVs come installed with an intelligent oil-life monitoring system that monitors a variety of factors to decide when it’s time for an oil change.
After each oil change, it is critical to reset your Escape’s intelligent Oil-life monitor so that your reading remains accurate.
This is the equivalent of the maintenance light on the earlier models.
Here are the steps to reset the system:
- Click the right arrow button on the steering wheel to scroll down settings.
- Select ‘vehicle’, then scroll down to choose it.
- Click the right arrow to select “Oil Life.”
- Once a “reset successful” message shows, click and hold the OK button for a few seconds.
- When the instrument cluster shows ‘Not Reset’ or ‘Reset Cancelled,’ repeat the procedure.
The intelligent system is an upgrade of the systems used in the earlier models.
It is user-friendly and easy to maneuver as compared to its predecessors.
However, it is important to keep in mind that the frequency between engine oil changes will vary depending on your driving patterns.
For gas-powered Ford vehicles, this interval can last up to a year or 10,000 kilometers.
It is possible that your hybrid vehicle’s interval can even reach 10,000 miles.
The maintenance light will start flashing in two weeks or 500 miles to the last time you changed the oil, whichever comes first.
This helps to alert you earlier enough to enable you to make arrangements for routine maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the recommended maintenance schedule for Ford Escape?
Ford recommends the following routine maintenance in addition to the regular oil changes and multi-point inspections:
- Every 10,000 miles – check transmission fluid, cabin air filter, steering linkage, ball joints, tires, rotors, drums, and brake lines
- Every 100,000 miles – Inspect all the components checked at 10,000 miles and change the engine coolant. Inspect drive belts, air filters, and spark plugs.
- At 150,000 miles – Inspect all the components checked at 100,000 miles, including replacement of accessory and drive belts, engine air filter, and changing the automatic transmission fluid and filter.
Maintaining your Ford Escape regularly ensures that it performs as well as it did when you took it out of the dealership.
Taking care of your vehicle will save you money in the long run in terms of costly repairs and ensuring that it runs at its peak efficiency.
What is the recommended oil change mileage for a Ford Escape SUV?
Ford recommends carrying out oil change every 7,500 miles, or six months on average.
This will depend on what will come first.
However, it is essential to read your owner’s manual or contact an authorized Ford service expert for advice.
Some model years will have unique requirements that will be listed in the manual.
Is it good to buy a used Ford Escape?
Yes, Ford vehicles are designed to be of high quality.
Ford Escape has a high-reliability score over the years, making it one of the most dependable and long-lasting vehicles.
However, when you are in the market for a used vehicle, you should ensure you check the service or maintenance history of the car before buying.
If the maintenance schedule has been followed to the latter, there are high chances that you are getting a good deal.
Following the recommended service schedule offers the buyer the confidence that they are getting a good deal.
But this is not the only aspect that you should inspect when you check other amenities and cosmetic features of the vehicle before buying a used Ford Escape.
Is it a must to take my Ford Escape to a certified technician for maintenance?
Understanding what your vehicle needs doesn’t require the help of a certified mechanic.
The maintenance schedule of your Ford Escape is broken down into 10,000 miles intervals, each with distinct service items.
Even though most of these services are re-run, a few new ones are occasionally introduced.
If you are not conversant with the maintenance needs of your vehicle, you will need the help of an expert mechanic to advise.
This will help to extend the life of your Ford Escape and keep it in good working order.
Does the maintenance cause the Ford Escape to Misfire?
Misfiring is a common problem that is experienced with some Ford Escapes.
However, it cannot be attributed to the maintenance of the vehicle or lack of it.
If you are driving your car past the maintenance mileage, it is likely to contribute to misfiring, but it is not the leading cause of misfiring.
Consider getting an expert immediately to check your engine to establish the cause of misfiring.
Conclusion
The Ford Escape is one of the most known SUVs in America and worldwide.
The newly remodeled SUVs are widely praised by reviewers and customers alike for their superb safety ratings, numerous standard amenities, and overall durability.
The new variants come with even more powerful powertrain options and remarkable durability.
To get the most out of the Ford Escape, owners must ensure that they follow the manufacture’s recommended maintenance schedule.
This will help ensure the longevity of the vehicle and efficiency.
Once the service light illuminates, it is recommended to take the car for service immediately to prevent further damage to the SUV and costly repairs.