Ford Fiesta: Resetting the Oil Change Light

Nicole H
Feb 12, 2021

Red 2019 Ford Fiesta In Motion

If the oil change light is on, it’s a good indication that it’s time to change the oil. Yet sometimes even after you do, that pesky light will stay on.

If you have a Ford Fiesta, learning how to shut the light off is helpful.

How do I reset the Ford Fiesta oil change light? 

To reset the Ford Fiesta oil change light, you need to:  

  • Turn on the ignition, not the engine 
  • Press the brake and accelerator at the same time 
  • Wait for 20 seconds. The light should turn off 

While it can be an annoyance to have the oil service light come on unexpectedly, with the Ford Fiesta there is an easy fix. This article will look a little more deeply at what the various oil lights mean and how you can address them.

How the Oil Change Light Works

The Ford Fiesta has two lights that indicate problems with the oil. A yellow warning light that looks like a dripping oil can with a squiggly line underneath is one. The second is an Engine Oil Next Service red or blue warning light.

The red oil can symbol usually means something is wrong with the engine oil. This can be due to contamination in the oil. It can also be due to oil levels being low. If you see this light, you need to check the oil to confirm it’s at the proper level.

The Engine Oil Next Service light indicates when it’s time to have your oil changed. It’s helpful for many drivers because they might forget to change their oil. However, sometimes it can come on at the wrong time.

Step-by-step Instructions to Turn Off the Oil Change Light on a Ford Fiesta

If you notice the yellow oil symbol, you need to investigate further. However, if the red Engine Oil Next Service light comes on, and you’re confident it’s not time for an oil change, you can address the problem on your own. This video shows how.

First, turn the vehicle off. Then insert the key and turn the ignition, but not the engine, on.

Now, place one foot on the brake and one foot on the accelerator. Press both down and hold for 20 seconds or until the lights reset.

This is a very simple fix that you can easily do in your driveway. If it doesn’t reset the light, consider taking the vehicle to a dealership for assessment.

What Other Ford Fiesta Warning Lights Should I Know about?

In addition to the oil change light, the Ford Fiesta is armed with several indicators and warnings that can help drivers. The most serious ones are red and indicate a critical problem. Less serious are orange or yellow.

The Ford Fiesta Message Indicator Symbol looks like a square with a lowercase i in the middle. This means the car is giving you an error message, and you need to take it to the dealer to run the diagnostic code.

If you’re having a problem with your brakes, you might see a symbol with a circle surrounded by brackets with an exclamation point inside. Again, this requires a professional to look at the car.

An exclamation point with a cog surrounding it or a wrench is an indicator of powertrain malfunctions.

These can be minor problems, such a sensor gone bad, or more serious issues.

The anti-lock brake system is separate from the braking system, so it gets its own warning light: the letters ABS surrounded by a circle and in brackets. It is still safe to drive your vehicle with the ABS light on, because the brakes will still work.

The engine temperature light indicates that the engine is overheating. This one looks like a thermometer with a squiggly line underneath. Allow the engine to cool down for at least 20 minutes, and then check the coolant. If it has enough coolant but is still overheating, get a pro’s opinion.

Other Indicators on a Ford Fiesta include:

  • Engine malfunction light
  • Stability control warning light
  • Battery warning light
  • Front airbag warning light
  • Eco-system indicator light
  • Low tire pressure warning light
  • Cold external temperature warning light

Get the Right Information About Your Next Ford Fiesta

Warning indicator lights are helpful tools on the Ford Fiesta. Another helpful tool if you’re considering buying a Fiesta is a Vehicle History report. Get the details about the specific car you’re considering by running its Vehicle History before you buy it.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Lewis on August 3, 2021
Owner
Out of the first three choices, this is the only one that said how to do it right. Thank you
avatar Nicole H
Nicole H has been writing professionally for 15 years after stepping away from the education world. Married to an auto/diesel mechanic, cars have always been a part of her life.
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