Ford · 2005–2026
HOW TO RESET THE OIL LIFE ON A FORD MUSTANG
Oil change light or maintenance reminder on after an oil change? Here's how to reset it on the Ford Mustang (2005–2026), plus how much oil it takes, the oil type and the oil filter number.
Engines covered
3.7L V6 · 4.6L V8 · 5.0L V8 · 2.3L EcoBoost · 5.0L V8
Model years
RESET STEPS
Ford Pedal Sequence · covers model years 2005–2019
Ford & Lincoln, roughly 2004–2019 (F-150, Explorer, Escape, Fusion, Mustang…)
- 1
Close all doors and turn the ignition to ON/RUN without starting the engine.
- 2
Fully press and release the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time (some years: accelerator alone). Hold about 2 seconds.
- 3
Repeat for a total of 3 cycles within 10 seconds. Watch the cluster for the oil-life reset message or a flashing oil light.
- 4
Wait a few seconds, then start the engine and confirm 100% oil life.
Oil needed for an oil change
5.7–10.0 qt (5.4–9.5 L)
Capacity with a new filter. Verify the exact amount and oil grade (viscosity) in your owner's manual before filling.
Type of oil
5W-20 synthetic blend
Oil filter part number
Motorcraft FL-820S (V8) · FL-500S / FL-400S
Common factory part numbers — the right filter can vary by engine. Verify before buying.
RESET STEPS
Ford Instrument Cluster / SYNC Menu · covers model years 2020–2026
Ford & Lincoln, roughly 2020 and newer
- 1
Start the vehicle or turn the ignition to ON/RUN.
- 2
Use the steering-wheel controls to open the instrument cluster menu, then go to SETTINGS → MAINTENANCE (or OIL LIFE).
- 3
Select RESET OIL LIFE and confirm.
- 4
Verify the cluster now reads 100% oil life.
Oil needed for an oil change
6.5–10.0 qt (6.1–9.5 L)
Capacity with a new filter. Verify the exact amount and oil grade (viscosity) in your owner's manual before filling.
Type of oil
5W-30 full synthetic (EcoBoost) · 5W-20 / 0W-20 (others)
Oil filter part number
Motorcraft FL-500S · FL-910S (EcoBoost 4-cyl)
Common factory part numbers — the right filter can vary by engine. Verify before buying.
BEFORE YOU START
- Only reset the oil life after a real oil and filter change.
- Warm oil is hot — let the engine cool a few minutes before draining.
- Reset resets the internal interval timer; it doesn't change what's in the sump.
FORD MUSTANG QUESTIONS
+How do I reset the oil life on a Ford Mustang?
Close all doors and turn the ignition to ON/RUN without starting the engine. Fully press and release the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time (some years: accelerator alone). Hold about 2 seconds. Repeat for a total of 3 cycles within 10 seconds. Watch the cluster for the oil-life reset message or a flashing oil light. Wait a few seconds, then start the engine and confirm 100% oil life. Other model years use different steps — see the full list on this page.
+How much oil does a Ford Mustang take?
About 5.7–10.0 qt (5.4–9.5 L) or 6.5–10.0 qt (6.1–9.5 L) with a new filter, depending on engine and year. Check the dipstick after filling.
+What type of oil does a Ford Mustang use?
Commonly 5W-20 synthetic blend or 5W-30 full synthetic (EcoBoost) · 5W-20 / 0W-20 (others). Confirm the grade in your owner's manual or on the oil filler cap.
+What oil filter fits a Ford Mustang?
Common factory part number: Motorcraft FL-820S (V8) · FL-500S / FL-400S, Motorcraft FL-500S · FL-910S (EcoBoost 4-cyl). The right filter can vary by engine, so confirm before buying.
More answers on our oil change FAQ.