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What is the I symbol on my Ford Focus?

The "I" symbol on your Ford Focus dashboard is an indicator light that signifies the Intelligent Oil Life Monitoring System (IOLMS) in your vehicle. This system is designed to monitor the condition of your engine oil and provide you with timely reminders to change it, helping to ensure optimal engine performance and longevity.


What is the Intelligent Oil Life Monitoring System (IOLMS)?


The IOLMS is a feature found in many modern Ford vehicles, including the Ford Focus. It is an advanced oil monitoring system that uses sensors and algorithms to track the condition of your engine oil, taking into account factors such as engine temperature, driving conditions, and oil quality. Unlike traditional oil change intervals, which are based on a fixed mileage or time, the IOLMS adjusts the recommended oil change interval based on the actual condition of your oil.


How Does the "I" Symbol Work?


The "I" symbol on your Ford Focus dashboard is an indicator light that illuminates when the IOLMS determines that it's time to change your engine oil. When the "I" light turns on, it's a signal that the oil has reached the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced. This helps ensure that your engine is always running with fresh, high-quality oil, which can improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and extend the life of your engine.


Resetting the "I" Symbol



  • After changing your engine oil, you'll need to reset the "I" symbol to turn it off. This is typically done by following a specific sequence of steps, such as pressing a combination of buttons on your dashboard or using a diagnostic tool.

  • Consult your Ford Focus owner's manual or contact a Ford dealership for the exact steps to reset the "I" symbol on your specific vehicle model.


By understanding the purpose of the "I" symbol on your Ford Focus, you can ensure that you're maintaining your vehicle's engine oil at the optimal level, helping to extend the life of your car and keep it running at its best.

Can I drive with the (!) light on?


Yes, you can continue to drive your car if the engine warning light comes on. However, you should visit a local garage or call a mobile mechanic as soon as possible. If the light is accompanied with other issues, stop immediately and call your local garage or breakdown provider.



What does the I symbol mean in a Ford Focus?


It's there to get your attention and notify you that your car has some “information” to share with you. Usually this is redundant with a message at startup that indicates what the actual problem is. For example, if you have a burnt-out tail light, it will notify you at start-up and then the “(i)” symbol illuminates.



What is the i symbol on my dashboard?


The "i" symbol on your dashboard is an information indicator that signifies a message is available on your vehicle's information display. It is often a non-critical alert for things like low fuel, low washer fluid, a service reminder, or an issue with the tire pressure monitoring system. Check the display screen using your vehicle's controls to find the specific alert and learn how to address it. 

  • What it means: The light indicates that the car's sensors have detected a condition you should know about, and there is a corresponding message waiting for you to view. 
  • What to do: Use your steering wheel or dashboard controls to navigate to the multi-information display or message center on your dashboard to read the details of the alert. 
  • Common alerts: Common messages associated with this light include:
    • Low fuel 
    • Low washer fluid 
    • Tire pressure warning 
    • Maintenance reminders 
  • If the light is red: A red "i" light can indicate a more urgent warning that requires immediate attention, and you may also see a "STOP" message. 
  • If no message appears: If the light is on but you don't see a message on the screen, try checking related sensors or consult your owner's manual for a more detailed explanation. 



What does the yellow I mean on a Ford Focus?


Ford Engine Oil Warning Light
The yellow oil warning light appears when your vehicle's oil temperature gets too high or if the oil level is too low. Oil is important for your vehicle because if your engine is not lubricated properly it could lead to expensive repairs.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.