How to Reset Oil Change Indicator on Your Ford Explorer: Complete Guide

Ready to clear that pesky oil change light on your Ford Explorer? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re driving a 2007 model or a brand-new 2023 Explorer, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to reset your oil life monitor after an oil change.

Why Resetting Your Oil Life Indicator Matters

Your Ford Explorer’s oil life monitoring system tracks when you need an oil change. After you’ve changed the oil, resetting the system isn’t just about turning off an annoying light—it helps your vehicle accurately track when your next oil change is actually due.

If you don’t reset it, your Explorer might give you false warnings or, worse, you might miss when you truly need maintenance.

Different Reset Methods for Different Ford Explorer Years

The reset process varies significantly depending on which year Explorer you drive. Let’s break it down by generation:

For Older Ford Explorers (2006-2010)

These third-generation models use a simple button method:

1. Start the engine
2. Find the “Reset” button near your instrument cluster
3. Press and hold until the oil life percentage appears
4. Release the button, then quickly press it again
5. Continue until the display shows “100%” oil life

The timing here can be tricky—you need to be quick between button presses to avoid setting unintended percentages.

For Mid-Generation Explorers (2011-2020)

These models introduced digital displays and steering wheel controls:

For Models with Digital Displays:

1. Turn the ignition to “ON” (don’t start the engine)
2. Use the left steering wheel buttons to navigate to “Settings”
3. Select “Vehicle” then “Oil Life”
4. Hold the “OK” button until you see confirmation of 100% reset

For Base Models without Full Digital Displays:

1. Turn the ignition to “ON”
2. Fully press both accelerator and brake pedals simultaneously
3. Hold for 20 seconds until you see “Reset Complete”

For Newest Ford Explorers (2021-2025)

Modern Explorers have streamlined the process:

1. Press the “Menu” button on your steering wheel
2. Navigate to “Settings” > “Oil Life” using the directional buttons
3. Press and hold the “OK” button until the percentage resets to 100%

Ford has moved away from the pedal-based reset method in these newer models, though some Police Interceptor Utility models still maintain this as a backup option.

Step-by-Step Reset for the Most Common Explorer Models

Resetting a 2017-2020 Ford Explorer

1. With the vehicle in Park, turn the ignition to “ON” (without starting)
2. Press the left arrow on your steering wheel to access the main menu
3. Scroll down using the up/down arrows until you reach “Settings”
4. Press OK to enter Settings
5. Scroll to “Vehicle” and press OK
6. Scroll to “Oil Life” and press OK
7. Press and hold the OK button until the display shows “Oil Life Reset to 100%”

This video demonstration shows the entire process for a 2017 Explorer Platinum.

Resetting a 2021-2023 Ford Explorer

1. Turn the ignition to “ON” position
2. Press the Menu button on your steering wheel
3. Navigate to “Information” using the arrow buttons
4. Select “Settings” then “Vehicle”
5. Scroll to “Oil Life” and press OK
6. Press and hold OK until the confirmation message appears

Oil Change Specifications for Ford Explorers

While we’re talking about oil changes, let’s cover important specifications:

Most post-2011 Explorers benefit from synthetic oil, which allows for longer intervals between changes. However, if you frequently tow, drive in extreme temperatures, or do lots of stop-and-go driving, you should change your oil more frequently than the maximum interval.

Troubleshooting Common Reset Problems

What If the Reset Doesn’t Work?

If you can’t reset your oil life indicator:

1. Make sure the ignition is fully in the “ON” position
2. Verify your Explorer is in Park
3. For pedal reset methods, ensure you’re pressing both pedals completely
4. Try the process again, but hold buttons longer (sometimes 25-30 seconds)

Persistent Oil Change Warning

If you’ve reset the system but the warning returns quickly:

1. Your oil pressure sensor might be faulty
2. There could be a wiring issue in the monitoring system
3. You might have an actual oil pressure problem

If the warning persists after a proper reset, it’s best to have your Explorer checked by a qualified technician.

Maintaining Your Explorer’s Engine Between Oil Changes

To maximize engine life:

1. Check oil level monthly using the dipstick
2. Look for oil leaks under your vehicle regularly
3. Listen for unusual engine noises
4. Use the recommended oil grade from your owner’s manual
5. Replace the oil filter with every oil change

Following these basic maintenance steps along with timely oil changes will keep your Explorer running smoothly for years.

Should You DIY or Get Professional Oil Changes?

Changing your own oil can save money, but dealership or professional service offers benefits:

DIY Advantages:

• Save $30-70 per oil change
• Complete control over oil and filter quality
• No appointment needed

Professional Service Advantages:

• Warranty-compliant documentation
• Multi-point inspection included
• No disposal issues with old oil

Whether you choose DIY or professional service, the most important thing is resetting your oil life monitor properly afterward.

Understanding Your Explorer’s Oil Life Monitoring System

Ford’s Intelligent Oil Life Monitor doesn’t just work on a simple mileage counter. It analyzes:

• Engine revolutions
• Engine temperature variations
• Cold starts vs. warm operation
• Trip duration and frequency
• Climate conditions

This intelligent system is why your Explorer might recommend oil changes at irregular intervals—it’s analyzing your actual driving patterns to determine when an oil change is truly needed.

By properly resetting this system after every oil change, you ensure it continues to provide accurate recommendations based on how you actually use your vehicle.

Remember, your Ford Explorer’s owner’s manual is always the ultimate authority on maintenance procedures for your specific model year.

Now that you know how to reset your Ford Explorer’s oil change indicator, you can keep that service light off and your maintenance schedule on track!