2008-2012 Ford Escape Oil Change Required Light Reset & Tips

Last Updated on January 7, 2024 by Nick

The Ford Escape is a compact SUV of the American car manufacturer Ford. In North America, the second-generation model of the Escape was offered from 2008 to 2012. So did you get the oil change required light on your Ford Escape and want to reset the oil life? Stay tuned; we’ll show you how to do it.

I just finished doing spark plugs, oil change, air filter, and stuff like that. It’s my usual maintenance that I do, so this oil life reset guide is only for a 2008 to 2012 Ford Escape model.

Ford Escape Oil Change Required Light Reset Guide

Resetting Oil Change Required Light in Ford Escape

Time needed: 3 minutes

In this section, we’re going to be resetting the oil life come on the cluster screen and it says oil change required. It’s really simple and easy to do. So the first thing we’ll do is:

  1. Get in the car and turn it on

    I’m just going to turn the key to the on position without starting the engine

  2. Press the SETUP button repeatedly until you see RESET FOR SYSTEM CHECK

    The button is located on the instrument panel
    oil life chenge light reset

  3. Press and hold the RESET button

    Once you are on the RESET FOR SYSTEM CHECK screen, hold down the RESET button to enter the menu

  4. Find the OIL LIFE XXX% HOLD RESET = NEW screen

    Press the SETUP button briefly until you get to the OIL LIFE XXX% HOLD RESET = NEW screen

  5. Press and hold the RESET button until “OIL LIFE SET TO 100%” is displayed

    It will reset your oil life monitor and turn the change oil soon after reading off

  6. Restart your car

    Turn the ignition off and then start the engine to verify the indicator has been reset

Ford Escape Oil Change Tips

If you own a Ford Escape, you may be wondering how to perform a quick oil change on your own. While changing the oil is relatively simple, learning how to perform this task safely is essential. Here are some tips to help you out. 

First, open the hood. Remove the oil filler cap and lift the yellow plastic handled oil dipstick. This will prevent a vacuum from forming, allowing old oil to drain more easily. Next, you’ll need to use a floor jack stand to raise the vehicle’s front. If you’re working on a smaller car, you may be able to bypass the oil drain bolt, but you’ll need a jack to get to the filter.

Synthetic oil

If you drive a Ford Escape, you may be wondering what type of oil you should use in your car. The answer to that depends on your car model, miles, and oil type. Most Ford Escape models require synthetic oil for best performance. You can choose from different types of oil that meet SAE viscosity grade or API quality index standards. You should change your oil every ten thousand kilometers (10,000 miles) or when the vehicle reaches a specific mileage.

One of the most popular oil choices for the Ford Escape is SAE 5W-30. This is the highest quality oil available for this vehicle and will provide maximum engine protection for your Ford. A synthetic oil blend is an excellent choice for drivers who drive their cars daily or are on the go most of the time. It will last longer, protect your engine from wear, and help keep your vehicle running smoothly. It will also protect your car’s turbo and injection systems, which will last for years.

Checking the oil level

If you notice a warning light on the dashboard of your Ford Escape, it’s probably time to change the oil in your car. The oil pressure warning light on the dashboard can be activated directly or indirectly by the oil pressure sensor. Pressurized oil is pumped throughout the engine to cool, bear lubricate, and actuate oil-fed components. When the oil pressure drops below a specified range, the engine control unit will illuminate the warning light and turn off the engine as a fail-safe.

To check the oil level in your vehicle:

  1. Locate the dipstick under the hood. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual if you’re unsure where it is.
  2. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag.
  3. Make sure that the oil level is inside the cross-hatched area. The oil is refined if the oil level is within the cross-hatched area.

Changing the oil filter

Changing the oil filter in your Ford is one of the essential maintenance tasks you can perform on your car. Oil is a vital component of your vehicle, as it prevents internal damage by separating parts and preventing knocking and friction. The oil also contains additives that reduce oxidation and corrosion. The oil in your car’s engine helps keep it cool, so it doesn’t overheat.

Remove the old oil filter from the engine using the filter wrench. You’ll have to remove the cab to access the oil filter. Make sure to allow the old oil filter to drain for a few minutes. Then, remove the radiator cover and install the new oil filter. Make sure to lubricate the new oil filter gasket to prevent leaks and ensure proper sealing. If you have previous experience with changing oil filters, you may want to take your car to a repair shop for a professional service.

FAQ – Ford Escape Maintenance

How much oil does a Ford 2.5L & 3.0L engine take?

SAE 5w-20 is recommended by Ford. The oil capacity of the 3.0-liter V6 engine is 5.2 liters, which translates to 6 quarts. In comparison, the 2.5L engine holds 5.3 quarts.

What oil filter does Ford Escape use?

A MOTORCRAFT FL-910S oil filter is used on the 2.5-liter engine, whereas a MOTORCRAFT FL-500-S oil filter is used on the 3.0-liter V6.

So that’s it. It’s easy, pretty easy, right? For your info, this operation work for the second generation of the Ford Escape (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 model years). Anything I can do to improve it, please let me know in the comment section. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you on the following content.

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