How to Reset Ford Focus Oil Change Indicator (2023)? A Complete Guide

Resetting the oil change indicator on your Ford Focus is an important step in maintaining your vehicle’s performance and longevity.

By following the manufacturer’s recommended intervals for oil changes, you can help ensure that your engine is running at its best and that you are following the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintaining your vehicle.

In this blog, a step-by-step guide on how to reset Ford Focus oil change indicator has been presented. These steps may vary depending on the model and year of your Ford Focus. It is always recommended to refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions for your vehicle.

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Why you should reset your Ford Focus Oil Change Indicator?

Resetting the oil change indicator on a Ford Focus is important because it helps ensure that the vehicle’s oil is changed at the proper intervals. This can help prolong the life of the engine and improve the vehicle’s overall performance.

Additionally, failure to change the oil at the recommended intervals can void the vehicle’s warranty. To reset the oil change indicator, consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions.

How to Reset Ford Focus Oil Change Indicator?

Here is a general outline of how to reset Ford Focus oil change indicator has been given:

Turn the ignition key to the “On” position, but do not start the engine.
Locate the trip odometer reset button, which is usually located on the instrument panel or on the steering wheel.
Press and hold the trip odometer reset button until the oil change indicator light turns off.

Release the button and start the engine to confirm the oil change indicator has been reset.

The steps may vary depending on the model and year of your Ford Focus. It is always recommended to refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions for your vehicle.

How to Reset Oil Life Monitoring System?

Only reset the oil life monitoring system after changing the engine oil and oil filter.

To reset the Oil Life Monitoring System (OLMS) on a Ford Focus, you will need to follow these steps:

Turn the ignition key to the “On” position, but do not start the engine.
Press and release the accelerator pedal three times within five seconds.

Press and hold the trip odometer reset button until the “Change Oil” message appears on the display.
Release the button and the message will disappear, indicating that the OLMS has been reset.
Confirm that the OLMS has been reset by starting the engine and checking the display.

The steps may vary depending on the model and year of your Ford Focus. It is always recommended to refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions for your vehicle.

Difference between Oil Life Monitoring System and Oil Change Indicator on Ford Focus?

The Oil Life Monitoring System (OLMS) and the oil change indicator are both used to remind the driver of when it is time to change the oil in their Ford Focus, but they function differently.

The Oil Life Monitoring System (OLMS) is a computerized system that calculates when the oil in the engine needs to be changed based on factors such as engine speed, temperature, and distance driven. The OLMS uses this information to determine the oil life remaining in the engine and displays the percentage of oil life remaining on the dashboard.

The oil change indicator, on the other hand, is a simple reminder light that comes on at a preset interval, typically every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. It serves as a reminder to the driver that it’s time for an oil change, regardless of the actual oil life remaining in the engine.

Both the OLMS and oil change indicator serve the same purpose of reminding the driver when it’s time to change the oil, but the OLMS provides a more accurate representation of the oil life remaining in the engine.

What do you need to know before Resetting your Ford Focus Oil Change Indicator?

Before resetting the oil change indicator on your Ford Focus, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Make sure the oil change has been performed: The oil change indicator should only be reset after the oil has been changed.
Check the oil level: Before resetting the indicator, check the oil level to ensure that it is at the correct level.
Use the correct oil: Make sure the correct type and weight of oil are used for your vehicle. Refer to the owner’s manual or consult with a qualified mechanic for the recommended oil for your Ford Focus.

Check the filter: It is recommended to also change the oil filter when you change the oil.
Follow the recommended intervals: The oil change indicator is set to remind you to change the oil at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals, so be sure to follow those recommendations.
Keep records: It is important to keep records of oil changes, filter changes, and any other maintenance performed on your vehicle.

By keeping these points in mind, you can help ensure that your Ford Focus is running at its best and that you are following the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintaining your vehicle.

What are the Risks of not Resetting your Ford Focus Oil Change Indicator?

Not resetting the oil change indicator on your Ford Focus can lead to several risks, including:

Reduced engine performance: If the oil is not changed at the recommended intervals, the oil can become contaminated or lose its lubricating properties. This can lead to increased friction, wear, and heat in the engine, which can decrease performance and fuel efficiency.
Increased wear on engine parts: Old, dirty oil can cause increased wear and tear on engine parts, which can lead to increased repair costs and a shorter engine lifespan.
Voiding the warranty: Many vehicle manufacturers require regular oil changes to maintain the vehicle’s warranty. Failure to change the oil at the recommended intervals can void the warranty.

Damaged engine: In the worst case, not changing the oil can cause significant damage to the engine, which can be costly to repair or even result in needing a new engine.
Reduced vehicle longevity: Not performing regular oil changes can reduce the longevity of the vehicle and lead to a decrease in its resale value.

It is important to keep track of the oil change intervals and to reset the oil change indicator after each oil change to ensure that your Ford Focus is running at its best and that you are following the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintaining your vehicle.

How to avoid common mistakes when Resetting your Ford Focus Oil Change Indicator?

Here are some tips to help you avoid common mistakes when resetting the oil change indicator on your Ford Focus:

Make sure the oil has been changed: Before resetting the indicator, make sure that the oil has been changed and that the oil level is at the correct level.
Use the correct oil type and weight: Refer to the owner’s manual or consult with a qualified mechanic to ensure that you are using the correct type and weight of oil for your vehicle.

Check the oil filter: It is also recommended to change the oil filter when you change the oil, to ensure that your engine is running with clean oil.
Follow the recommended intervals: The oil change indicator is set to remind you to change the oil at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals. Be sure to follow those recommendations.
Keep records: Keep records of oil changes, filter changes, and any other maintenance performed on your vehicle.

Don’t rely only on the indicator: Always check your oil level regularly, not only when the indicator comes on.
Don’t ignore the indicator: Don’t ignore the indicator, if it comes on and you haven’t changed the oil in a while, it is best to change it as soon as possible.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your Ford Focus is running at its best and that you are following the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintaining your vehicle.

FAQs

1. How often should I reset the oil change indicator on my Ford Focus?

The frequency of resetting the oil change indicator on your Ford Focus depends on the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is usually every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific recommendations for your model and year.

2. Can I reset the oil change indicator myself?

Yes, you can reset the oil change indicator on your Ford Focus yourself by following the steps outlined in the owner’s manual or as described above.

3. What happens if I don’t reset the oil change indicator?

If you don’t reset the oil change indicator, it will continue to remind you to change the oil, even if the oil has already been changed. Additionally, if you don’t change the oil at the recommended intervals, it can lead to reduced engine performance, increased wear on engine parts, and even engine damage.

4. Will resetting the oil change indicator void my warranty?

No, resetting the oil change indicator will not void your warranty. However, failure to change the oil at the recommended intervals as stated in your vehicle’s manual can void the warranty.

5. What should I do if the oil change indicator comes on and I don’t have time to change the oil right away?

If the oil change indicator comes on and you don’t have time to change the oil right away, it is best to change the oil as soon as possible. Continuing to drive your vehicle with old or dirty oil can cause damage to the engine and void your warranty.

Conclusion