2020–2025 U625 (6th generation)
How to Reset the Oil Life Indicator on a 2020–2025 Ford Explorer
Reset the oil life or maintenance reminder on the 2020–2025 Ford Explorer in 5 steps, using only the controls already in the car. No scan tool needed.
Last verified
Reset procedure, 2020–2025 Ford Explorer
High confidence- Turn the ignition ON without starting the engine (press START once with your foot off the brake)
- Use the left steering-wheel arrow pad to open the cluster menu and scroll to the vehicle/car icon, then "Oil Life"
- Press and hold OK when "Hold OK to Reset" appears
- Hold until oil life shows 100%
- If your cluster has no Oil Life menu: with ignition ON and engine off, press and hold both the accelerator and brake pedals for ~25 seconds until the cluster confirms the reset
Both the menu method and the two-pedal method work on most 2020–2025 Explorers; the pedal method is the fallback if the menu item is missing. Reset only after an actual oil change, the IOLM has no oil-condition sensor.
Which Ford Explorer model years does this cover?
These oil life reset specifications apply to every Ford Explorer built from 2020 through 2025 — the U625 (6th generation), mid-size 3-row suv (rwd-based cd6 platform, rwd/awd; 2025 refresh). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2020–2025 Ford Explorer
- 2020Generation launch on RWD-based CD6 platform; 10-speed automatic across the board; hybrid and 400-hp ST debut; rocky launch quality (see common problems)
- 2021King Ranch and off-road-flavored Timberline (265/65R18 ATs, full-size spare) added; Platinum keeps 365-hp 3.0L
- 2022ST-Line (ST looks, 2.3L) added; ST available RWD; 3.0L Platinum/King Ranch rated 400 hp
- 2024Carryover; final year for the 3.3L hybrid and King Ranch/Timberline/Limited trims
- 2025Major refresh: new fascias, new interior with 13.2-in SYNC 4A touchscreen, trims consolidated to Active/ST-Line/Platinum/ST; hybrid dropped; 2.3L switches to FL-2127 oil filter (~5.0 qt)
2020–2025 Ford Explorer oil life reset: common questions
How do you reset the oil life on a 2020–2025 Ford Explorer?
- 5 steps, using only the controls in the car, the full sequence is above.
Do you need a scan tool to reset the oil light on a 2020–2025 Ford Explorer?
- No. The procedure above uses the vehicle's own controls. A scan tool is only necessary if the reset does not take, which usually points at a different fault.
Why won't the oil light reset on a 2020–2025 Ford Explorer?
- Almost always a timing problem in the sequence, a step held too briefly, or the ignition in the wrong position. Repeat it exactly, with the engine off and the key in accessory rather than run, unless the steps say otherwise. Both the menu method and the two-pedal method work on most 2020–2025 Explorers; the pedal method is the fallback if the menu item is missing. Reset only after an actual oil change, the IOLM has no oil-condition sensor.
Sources
- 2020 Explorer Owner's Manual, Capacities and Specifications (fordservicecontent.com)
- CarCareTruth, 2020–2026 Explorer oil type & capacity (from OEM manuals)
- NHTSA recall 23V-675 / Ford 23S55, rear axle bolt replacement
- Ford recall 22S27 (NHTSA 22V-712), rear axle bolt software remedy
- NHTSA recall 23V-342 (Ford 23S23), 360-camera blue image
- Levittown Ford parts, FA-1947 / L1MZ-9601-A engine air filter (3.0L/3.3L)
- Ford Parts Giant, JX6Z-19N619-B cabin air filter, 2020 Explorer
- ExplorerST.org, factory H6 battery, fluid capacities (Mercon ULV, 75W-85 rear axle)
- fueleconomy.gov, 2021 Ford Explorer EPA ratings
- Goodyear / Mavis, 2021–2024 Explorer OE tire sizes by trim
- Car and Driver, 2020 Explorer specs (fuel tank, curb weight, towing)