Hey guys! Maintaining your 2019 Ford Transit in tip-top shape is super important, and one crucial part of that is keeping up with your oil changes. After each oil change, you'll need to reset the oil life monitoring system. Don't worry, it's a simple process! This guide will walk you through resetting the oil life on your 2019 Ford Transit, ensuring your engine stays healthy and you stay informed about your vehicle's needs. Let's dive in!

Why Resetting Your Oil Life is Important

Resetting your oil life indicator is more than just turning off a light on your dashboard; it's about maintaining the accuracy of your vehicle's maintenance schedule. The oil life monitoring system in your 2019 Ford Transit is designed to estimate when you need your next oil change based on your driving habits and conditions. This intelligent system takes into account factors such as:

• Driving habits: Frequent stop-and-go driving, hard acceleration, and high-speed cruising can all degrade oil faster.
• Driving conditions: Extreme temperatures, towing heavy loads, and off-road driving put extra stress on your engine and oil.

By resetting the system after each oil change, you ensure that the monitoring system starts with a clean slate and accurately tracks your oil's condition. If you don't reset it, the system will continue to base its calculations on the old, used oil, potentially leading to inaccurate recommendations and potentially causing damage to your engine over time.

Ignoring the oil life indicator can lead to several issues. Firstly, you might end up changing your oil too frequently, wasting money and resources. Secondly, and more seriously, you might delay your oil change for too long, which can lead to:

• Increased engine wear: Old, degraded oil doesn't lubricate as effectively, leading to increased friction and wear on engine parts.
• Sludge buildup: Over time, oil can break down and form sludge, which can clog oil passages and reduce oil flow.
• Engine damage: In severe cases, neglecting oil changes can lead to engine damage and costly repairs.

So, resetting your oil life indicator isn't just a formality; it's an essential part of maintaining your 2019 Ford Transit and ensuring its longevity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Your 2019 Ford Transit Oil Life

Alright, let's get down to business. Here’s how to reset the oil life on your 2019 Ford Transit. It’s easier than you think!

Method 1: Using the Information Display and Steering Wheel Controls

This is the most common method, and it’s pretty straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Turn on the Ignition: First, pop your key into the ignition and turn it to the "ON" position. You want the dashboard lights to come on, but don't start the engine.
2. Navigate to the Oil Life Display: Use the directional buttons on your steering wheel (usually the arrow keys or the OK button) to navigate through the information display on your instrument panel. You're looking for a menu option that says something like "Oil Life," "Oil Change Required," or similar. The exact wording might vary slightly depending on your Transit's specific configuration.
3. Initiate the Reset: Once you've found the oil life display, you'll need to initiate the reset process. This usually involves pressing and holding the "OK" button or the reset button. Keep an eye on the display for prompts. It might say something like "Resetting Oil Life" or "Hold OK to Reset."
4. Confirm the Reset: Continue holding the button until the display confirms that the oil life has been reset. You should see a message like "Oil Life Reset to 100%" or something similar. This confirms that the reset was successful.
5. Turn off the Ignition: Once the reset is confirmed, turn the ignition off and then back on to verify that the oil life indicator has been reset. The oil life display should now show 100% or the equivalent.

Method 2: Using the Touchscreen (If Equipped)

Some 2019 Ford Transit models come with a touchscreen infotainment system. If yours does, you might be able to reset the oil life through the touchscreen menus. Here’s how:

1. Turn on the Ignition: Just like before, turn the ignition to the "ON" position without starting the engine.
2. Access the Settings Menu: Navigate to the main menu on your touchscreen and look for a "Settings" or "Vehicle Settings" option. The exact location of the settings menu may vary depending on your Transit's infotainment system version.
3. Find the Oil Life Reset Option: Within the settings menu, look for an option related to "Oil Life," "Maintenance," or "Vehicle Maintenance." You might need to dig around a bit, but it should be there somewhere.
4. Initiate the Reset: Once you've found the oil life reset option, select it. The system will likely prompt you to confirm that you want to reset the oil life. Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm.
5. Confirm the Reset: After confirming, the system should display a message indicating that the oil life has been reset to 100% or the equivalent.
6. Turn off the Ignition: Turn the ignition off and then back on to verify that the oil life indicator has been reset.

Tips and Tricks for a Smooth Reset

• Read Your Owner's Manual: Your owner's manual is your best friend! It will have specific instructions for your exact model and trim level. Always refer to your owner's manual for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
• Try Again if it Fails: Sometimes, the reset process might not work on the first try. If this happens, don't panic! Simply repeat the steps, making sure you're holding the buttons or touching the screen in the correct spots.
• Ensure the Engine is Off: Make sure the engine is off, but the ignition is in the "ON" position. The reset usually won't work if the engine is running.
• Battery Issues: If you're having persistent issues resetting the oil life, your vehicle's battery might be weak or have some issues. A healthy battery is crucial for the proper functioning of your car's electronic systems.

What Happens If You Don't Reset The Oil Life?

Okay, so what's the worst that could happen if you just... don't reset the oil life indicator? Ignoring this step after an oil change can lead to a few potential headaches. The most immediate consequence is that your dashboard will continue to display the "Oil Change Required" message, even though you've already changed the oil. This can be annoying and distracting, but there are more significant reasons to reset the system.

The oil life monitoring system is designed to learn your driving habits and estimate when your next oil change will be needed. If you don't reset it, the system will continue to base its calculations on the old, dirty oil. This can lead to inaccurate recommendations and potentially cause you to delay your next oil change for too long. Running your engine with old, degraded oil can lead to increased wear and tear on engine components, sludge buildup, and potentially even engine damage. It's always better to play it safe and reset the oil life indicator after each oil change.

Moreover, failing to reset the oil life indicator might affect your vehicle's resale value. Potential buyers might be concerned about the vehicle's maintenance history if the oil life indicator hasn't been properly reset. Keeping up with regular maintenance and properly resetting the oil life indicator demonstrates that you've taken good care of your vehicle.

Finding a Professional

If you're not comfortable resetting the oil life yourself, or if you're having trouble with the process, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Most auto repair shops and dealerships can reset the oil life indicator for you as part of an oil change service. Find a trusted mechanic and get the work done.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it! Resetting the oil life on your 2019 Ford Transit is a breeze once you know the steps. By following this guide, you'll keep your engine running smoothly and your maintenance schedule on track. Remember to consult your owner's manual for specific instructions and don't hesitate to seek professional help if needed. Happy driving!