How do you reset a Ford Explorer?
Resetting a Ford Explorer depends on what you want to reset: the oil-life/maintenance reminder or the tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) are the two most common tasks. This guide outlines the typical steps for recent Explorer models and notes where year-by-year differences can occur.
Oil life and maintenance reminder reset
What you should know before you start
Many Ford Explorers use a maintenance/oil-life indicator that you must reset after an oil change or service. The exact path may vary by year and trim, but the general method is consistent across many models with the touchscreen or instrument cluster controls.
- Turn the ignition to the ON position without starting the engine (or press the start button once with your foot off the brake).
- Use the steering wheel controls to access the instrument cluster information display, then navigate to Settings.
- Select Vehicle (or a similar category) and locate Oil Life (or Oil Life Reset).
- Choose Reset (or Reset Oil Life) and confirm. The display should show Oil Life at 100% after the reset.
- Start the engine and drive as normal; the system will re-establish the oil-life interval after the reset.
Note: If your Explorer uses a touchscreen-only interface, the path may read Settings > Vehicle > Oil Life > Reset. If you don’t see a Reset option, consult your owner’s manual for the exact year/trim procedure, as steps can differ slightly.
After completing the oil-life reset, you should see the oil-life percentage return to 100% and the next reminder timing start anew based on your driving and service schedule.
Resetting the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
How the TPMS relearn process works
TPMS reset procedures can vary by year and trim. In many newer Explorers, you can reset the system through the vehicle’s settings, while older or non-touchscreen models may rely on a manual relearn or simply auto-relearn after driving with proper tire pressures. Always start with correct tire inflation and then perform the relearn steps.
- Ensure all tires are inflated to the recommended cold pressures listed on the door jamb sticker, then recheck for accuracy.
- If your Explorer supports it, go to Settings > Vehicle > TPMS (or Tire Pressure Monitor) > Reset/Learn and follow the on-screen prompts. Some models require you to confirm the reset and then drive to complete it.
- If there is no in-dash Learn option, you may need to drive the vehicle for about 10 minutes at highway speeds (roughly 50 mph or faster) to allow the TPMS to relearn automatically.
- If your TPMS warning light continues after a relearn attempt, check each tire for a slow leak or a faulty sensor, and consider professional inspection if the light does not extinguish after driving.
For some model years, a physical TPMS reset button is located in an accessible area such as the glove box or under the dash near the steering column. If your vehicle has one, press and hold the button until the TPMS indicator changes state, then drive to complete the relearn.
After a successful TPMS reset, the warning light should behave normally and extinguish once proper tire pressures are detected during driving. If the light remains on or immediately blinks, there may be a sensor fault or a tire leak requiring service.
When resets don’t take or you’re unsure
If you’ve tried the standard resets and still see warnings, or if your model year has a nonstandard procedure, consult the owner’s manual specific to your Explorer’s year and trim. Ford dealer service or a certified technician can perform diagnostics to identify sensor faults, software issues, or maintenance reminders that need more specialized steps.
Summary
Resetting key reminders on a Ford Explorer typically involves two common tasks: resetting the oil life/maintenance reminder and resetting the TPMS. For oil life, access the Settings menu in the instrument cluster (or touchscreen) and choose Reset under Oil Life. For TPMS, ensure tires are at the correct pressure, then use the Settings menu to reset if available, or drive at highway speeds to trigger a relearn. Model-year variations exist, so always check the specific steps in your owner’s manual or with a dealer if you’re unsure.
How to do a hard reset on Ford Explorer?
To perform a Ford Explorer master reset, go to Settings on the touchscreen, select General (or System), and then choose Master Reset or Factory Reset. Confirm the reset, and the system will reboot to factory defaults, erasing all user data like paired phones and navigation history.
This video shows how to perform a master reset on a Ford SYNC 3 system: 59sFord Motor CompanyYouTube · Nov 8, 2017
Step-by-step master reset
- Ensure your vehicle is on, running, and in a safe, open area.
- On the touchscreen, tap Settings.
- Navigate to General (or System).
- Scroll down until you find the Reset or Reset options menu.
- Select Master Reset or Factory Reset.
- The system will prompt you with a confirmation message. Press Continue or Yes to proceed.
- The screen will turn blank as the system resets. This can take a few minutes.
- After the reset, the system will restart and may ask you to set it up again, including reconnecting your phone and setting preferences.
What to know before you start
- Data will be erased: A master reset will delete all stored data, including paired phones, contact lists, call history, text messages, and navigation history.
- Re-setup required: After the reset, you will need to re-pair your phone and set up any other desired preferences.
- Vehicle not to be turned off: Do not turn off the vehicle during the reset process.
Soft reboot for quick fixes
- If you only need to fix a minor glitch and don't want to erase your data, perform a soft reboot.
- For SYNC 3, press and hold the volume and right seek buttons for about 5 to 10 seconds until the screen reboots.
- For newer systems (like Digital Experience or SYNC 4), quickly press the audio system's power button five times.
What is a Master Reset on Ford?
Home screen press settings on the bottom feature bar. Next press general and scroll down and hit master reset. You'll then get a popup asking if you want to reset to factory defaults.
How to manually reset a car computer?
On. Now comes the tricky. Part the computer's got to relearn. So start the vehicle. And put it in neutral. Let it run for about 4 minutes in neutral.
How to reset Ford system?
Select Settings. Swipe up on the Settings menu and select System. Swipe up on the System menu and select Reset options. Choose Factory reset.
