B1381
Oil Change Reset Button Circuit Open
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Code B1381 indicates that the circuit for the oil change reset button has an open condition, meaning the electrical path from the button to the control module is broken somewhere. This is a Ford manufacturer-specific code that specifically relates to the physical button or switch used to reset the oil life monitor after an oil change has been performed.
The practical impact of this code is that you won't be able to reset your oil change reminder using the dashboard button. The oil change light or message will continue to display even after you've had your oil changed. While this is purely an annoyance and doesn't affect how your vehicle drives or runs, it can be confusing if you rely on the oil life monitor to track your maintenance schedule.
The simplest workaround is to have a technician reset the oil life monitor using a scan tool, which bypasses the physical button entirely. For a permanent fix, inspect the reset button for physical damage and check its wiring connections. The button itself is usually inexpensive ($5–$20) and replacement is straightforward on most vehicles. If the wiring is damaged, a simple repair may be all that's needed. Related codes B1380 (circuit failure) and B1382 (circuit short to battery) point to different types of failures in the same circuit.
Severity
Symptoms
- •Oil change reminder light stays on even after oil change
- •Unable to reset the oil life monitor using the dashboard button
- •Oil change required message persists on instrument cluster
- •No drivability issues whatsoever
- •Dashboard oil reminder cannot be dismissed
- •Maintenance reminder system does not respond to reset attempts
Likely Causes
The physical button used to reset the oil life monitor can fail due to repeated pressing, age, or internal contact wear, creating an open circuit that prevents the reset signal from reaching the module.
The wiring from the oil change reset button to the instrument cluster or body control module can develop an open circuit from vibration-induced wire breaks or disconnected connectors.
Moisture and dirt can reach the button connector, especially on buttons located in areas exposed to the elements or near the footwell, causing corrosion and an open circuit.
The module that processes the reset button signal can have a failed input circuit, preventing it from detecting the button press even when the button and wiring are functional.
Estimated Cost
Professional Repair
Includes parts + labor
Common Fixes
- Inspect and clean the oil change reset button and connector
- Replace the oil change reset button or switch
- Repair broken wiring to the reset button
- Use a scan tool to manually reset the oil life monitor as a workaround
- Check instrument cluster input circuits if button and wiring are good