How to Reset the Maintenance Light on a Ford Escape?
4 Answers
To reset the maintenance light on a Ford Escape: 1. Close all doors and windows; 2. Turn the ignition switch to position 2, then simultaneously press and hold the accelerator and brake pedals for about 3 seconds until a PRNDS page appears on the instrument panel; 3. Maintain this state for 25 seconds until "complete" is displayed. The Ford Escape is a compact 5-door, 5-seat SUV with dimensions of 4524mm in length, 1838mm in width, and 1685mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2690mm. It is equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission, delivering a maximum power of 134 kW and a maximum torque of 243 Nm.
The maintenance light coming on always makes me uneasy, especially when my Ford Escape reminds me. Fortunately, I've learned a simple method. First, completely turn off the ignition switch without starting the engine. Then locate the OK button on the steering wheel - I use my right hand to press and hold it firmly. Next, turn the key to the ON position (the vehicle self-check state), but don't start the engine. Count patiently for 10-15 seconds until you see the maintenance light on the dashboard begin flashing or turn off, indicating a successful reset. Why reset it? If not reset promptly, the light might stay on and distract you while driving, or the reminder might become inaccurate when actual maintenance is needed next time, affecting the vehicle's lifespan and safety. After performing this operation, I always check the next maintenance date to avoid potential issues from negligence. The whole process takes less than a minute, and you'll get familiar with it after a few practices.
As a car enthusiast, I once helped my neighbor reset the maintenance light on their Ford Kuga, which was quite interesting. You need to make sure the car is parked in a safe location with the key in the OFF position. Then, press and hold the setup button near the dashboard or the OK button on the steering wheel, turn the key to the ACC position, wait for the display to show a prompt, and patiently wait for over 10 seconds until the light goes off. The key is to avoid releasing the button or moving the key midway, otherwise the system might malfunction. Why did Ford design it to be so simple? Because the manufacturer wants to remind owners to regularly maintain the engine and filters, and the signal synchronization is accurate only after resetting. I've seen people ignore it, leading to old oil causing failures and costly repairs. So after each reset, I recommend checking the maintenance schedule in the manual as well.
When I took my Escape out and the maintenance light came on, I used a quick fix: completely turn off the engine and power, don’t insert the key, just hold down the SET button on the dashboard. Wait a few seconds, then turn the key to the ON position, release the button, and observe the light’s change—it should reset automatically within about 15 seconds. Why does this work? It’s likely the car’s computer detecting a signal reset. A reminder: make sure the last maintenance was done before resetting, otherwise the light turning off might misjudge the next service interval. Handling it promptly can save unnecessary trouble.
