2004 4 cylinder escape oil light comes on when starting car and stays on for 5 seconds after start. is that normal?

Vehicles equipped with the PASS-KEY or VATS anti-theft system usually require the system be reset whenever the battery is drained or replaced. Follow this procedure.
Step 1 - Attempt to start the vehicle. It will crank, but not run. The security light will be flashing on and off. Leave the key in the run/on position for exactly 10 minutes, then the security light will stay solid or go off.
Step 2 - Turn the key to the 'off' position for 10 seconds. Attempt to start the vehicle. Some vehicles will run at this point, although many will require you repeat repeat Step 1 two more times. Make sure turn the key to the 'off' position for 10 seconds before each 10 minute cycle.
Step 3 - The vehicle is now ready to relearn the proper code. Turn the key 'off' for 10 seconds and then 'crank' the vehicle. It should be running now. The security light might stay on solid for several minutes afterwards, depending on your system.

I do think you have a leaking engine cylinder gasket or a cracked cylinder head.

I don't know the year of the vehicle so I'll give you 2 possible ways to reset it.

2004-2005

Turn the ignition to run (one position before starting engine).
Immediately after Step 1 press and release the gas pedal 3 times within 5 seconds. If the Change Engine Oil light is flashing, the system is reset. The light will flash for up to 30 seconds or until the ignition is turned off. If the light comes on again and stays on for 30 seconds at the next engine start, it did not reset. You will need to reset the system again.
Turn the ignition off and then start the engine to verify the indicator has been reset.





Turn the key to run, but don't start the car. Open up the underhood fuse box (move the coolant line out of the clips for easier access). In the fuse box is a button labeled "OIL-R". Hold it down for five seconds. The "change oil soon" light should flash for about 30 seconds or so. That means it's reset.

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that sounds like those cylinders injectors might be the problem . When an injector over fuels or fails to supply fuel it would create a misfire just like if a plug or coil failed

turn key on but dont start, Press and release Gas pedal 3 times in 5 seconds

1. Turn the ignition to "ON", with the engine off.
2. Slowly fully press and release the accelerator pedal 3 times within 5 seconds. The reset is complete when the chimes sound and the "CHANGE OIL" lamp goes out. If the lamp stays on and no chime is heard, repeat the reset procedure.
3. Turn the key to "OFF".
4. If the "CHANGE OIL" lamp comes back on when the vehicle is started, the engine oil life system has not reset. Repeat the procedure.

turn key to on position (do not start). wait for change oil light to illuminate. fully depress the gas pedal to the floor 3 times in less then 5 seconds. wait another ten seconds, then start the car. the light should be out. good luck!

The sensor is failing you need to have the oil level sensor replaced.

I would take the vehicle to your local autozone and have the codes checked and that can tell you with a lot more accuracy what the issue is.
Thanks,
Lee