Maintenance lights warn the driver of problems that needs attention. If you take your car into a maintenance shop, the mechanic will fix your problem and turn off the warning lights. When you change the oil of your Ford Winstar, the oil change light continues to be illuminated. With a scan tool or some easy-to-follow steps, you can turn off your oil change light whenever you change the oil yourself.
Pull the cap off the diagnostic port located underneath the dashboard. The port is next to the steering column and labeled "DTC."
Plug the scan tool cable into the diagnostic port. You can purchase a scan tool from an automotive maintenance and parts store. The scan tool must be equipped with the Ford OBD-II software.
Start the ignition to the Ford Windstar, and perform a self test by following the instructions on the scan tool.
Follow the instructions on the scan tool on how to clear the codes. Once you have completed the diagnostic test, the scanner tool sends a message to the vehicle diagnostic program to turn off the oil change light.
Shut off the engine before disconnecting the datalink cable, and place the cap back onto the diagnostic port.
Reset a Windstar manufactured between 1999 to 2001 by following these instructions: Press SETUP control button. Press the RESET button and hold until "IF NEW OIL HOLD RESET" message appears. Press and hold the RESET button again until the message reads "OIL LIFE SET TO 100%."
Reset a Windstar manufactured between 1997 to 1998 by following these instructions: Press the RESET and SETUP buttons simultaneously until the message "OIL LIFE % HOLD RESET NEW" appears. Press the SETUP button to access System Check mode. Press the RESET button to begin system check. Press and hold the RESET button until prompted to stop. Press the SETUP and RESET button together to reset the system back to 100 percent.
Complete the appropriate sequence in the order listed above regarding your particular model. If done correctly, the oil change light should be turned off.
