What To Know
- The “Change Oil Soon” message on your 2017 Ford Explorer’s dashboard can be a bit daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
- The oil life monitor in your 2017 Ford Explorer is designed to track the health of your engine oil based on driving conditions and usage.
- By understanding how to reset the oil life monitor and following the tips outlined above, you can ensure your 2017 Ford Explorer receives the proper maintenance and stays in optimal condition.
The “Change Oil Soon” message on your 2017 Ford Explorer’s dashboard can be a bit daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Knowing how to reset the oil life monitor is a simple and essential skill for any Explorer owner. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can confidently reset your oil life monitor after each oil change.
Why Reset the Oil Life Monitor?
The oil life monitor in your 2017 Ford Explorer is designed to track the health of your engine oil based on driving conditions and usage. It calculates the remaining oil life and displays it on your dashboard. When the oil life reaches 0%, it’s time for an oil change.
Resetting the oil life monitor after each oil change is crucial for several reasons:
- Accurate Oil Change Reminders: A reset ensures your vehicle provides timely and accurate oil change reminders, preventing potential engine damage from using oil past its recommended service life.
- Maintaining Vehicle Warranty: Ignoring oil changes and not resetting the monitor can void your vehicle’s warranty, as it indicates a lack of proper maintenance.
- Optimizing Engine Performance: Fresh oil keeps your engine running smoothly and efficiently, maximizing performance and fuel economy.
Understanding Oil Life Monitoring
Before diving into the reset process, let’s understand how the oil life monitor works:
- Driving Conditions: The system monitors factors like engine speed, load, and temperature to assess oil degradation.
- Driving Style: Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and towing can cause oil to degrade faster.
- Oil Quality: The type of oil used and its quality also influence the oil life monitor’s calculations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Oil Life on Your 2017 Ford Explorer
Now, let’s get to the practical part. Here’s how to reset the oil life monitor on your 2017 Ford Explorer:
1. Start Your Engine: Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position without starting the engine.
2. Access the Menu: Press the “OK” button on the steering wheel to access the vehicle’s menu.
3. Navigate to Settings: Use the steering wheel controls to scroll through the menu options until you find “Settings.”
4. Select “Oil Life Reset”: Locate the “Oil Life Reset” option within the settings menu.
5. Confirm the Reset: Your vehicle may prompt you to confirm the reset. Press the “OK” button to proceed.
6. Turn Off the Engine: Once the reset is complete, turn off the engine and restart it. The oil life monitor should now display 100%.
Additional Tips for Oil Life Monitoring
- Check Your Owner’s Manual: Consult your 2017 Ford Explorer owner’s manual for specific instructions and any additional recommendations for oil life monitoring.
- Regular Oil Changes: Even with an oil life monitor, it’s essential to follow your manufacturer’s recommended oil change intervals, typically around 5,000-7,500 miles.
- Monitor Oil Level: Regularly check your oil level using the dipstick. Top off the oil if necessary.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Don’t Reset Before an Oil Change: Never attempt to reset the oil life monitor before changing the oil. Doing so will lead to inaccurate readings and potential engine damage.
- Don’t Ignore the Warning: If the “Change Oil Soon” message appears, don’t ignore it. Schedule an oil change as soon as possible.
- Use the Correct Oil: Always use the type and grade of oil specified in your owner’s manual. Using the wrong oil can harm your engine.
Wrapping Up: Keep Your Explorer Running Smoothly
By understanding how to reset the oil life monitor and following the tips outlined above, you can ensure your 2017 Ford Explorer receives the proper maintenance and stays in optimal condition. Remember, regular oil changes and a well-maintained engine translate to a smoother driving experience and longer vehicle life.
Questions You May Have
Q: Can I reset the oil life monitor without changing the oil?
A: No, it’s crucial to change the oil before resetting the monitor. Resetting the monitor without an oil change will result in inaccurate readings and could damage your engine.
Q: How often should I change the oil in my 2017 Ford Explorer?
A: Consult your owner’s manual for the recommended oil change interval, but generally, it’s around 5,000-7,500 miles.
Q: What happens if I don’t reset the oil life monitor after an oil change?
A: The monitor will continue to track oil life based on your previous driving conditions, potentially leading to inaccurate reminders and a missed oil change.
Q: Can I reset the oil life monitor using a smartphone app?
A: No, there are no official Ford apps for resetting the oil life monitor on your 2017 Explorer. The process must be done through the vehicle’s onboard menu system.
