You’re driving your Honda, and a light on the dashboard catches your eye. It’s not the check engine light, but the one that says “Maintenance Required.” What does it mean when maintenance required light is on Honda? Simply put, it’s a friendly reminder from your car’s computer that routine service is due soon. It’s not usually a sign of an immediate problem, but it is a nudge you shouldn’t ignore.
This light is part of your vehicle’s maintenance minder system. It’s designed to take the guesswork out of service intervals. Unlike older cars that worked on a strict mileage schedule, your Honda monitors how you drive and the conditions you drive in. This helps it calculate when your car genuinely needs an oil change or other basic service.
What Does It Mean When Maintenance Required Light Is On Honda?
When this light illuminates, it means one of two things. If the light is steady, it’s telling you that your next scheduled maintenance is approaching. You should plan to have the service done soon. If the light is flashing, it’s more urgent. A flashing light typically means the maintenance is overdue based on the car’s calculations, and you should schedule service immediately.
The light itself is just the first part of the message. To understand the full story, you need to check your maintenance minder codes. These are alphanumeric codes that appear in your instrument cluster when you start the car, right next to the odometer reading. They tell you exactly what service items are due.
Understanding Your Honda’s Maintenance Minder Codes
Your Honda doesn’t just turn on a light. It gives you specific codes. To see them, turn your ignition to the “ON” position without starting the engine. You’ll see a series of codes like “A1,” “B2,” or “B16.” Each letter and number corresponds to a specific maintenance task.
Here is a breakdown of what the main codes mean:
- Code A: This means an oil change is required. The number following it tells you what other services are needed.
- Code B: This also means an oil change is required, but it signals that additional, more involved services are due alongside it.
- Code 1: Rotate the tires and perform a general vehicle inspection.
- Code 2: Replace the engine air filter and cabin air filter, and inspect the drive belt.
- Code 3: Change the transmission fluid.
- Code 4: Replace the spark plugs and timing belt (if equipped), and inspect valve clearance.
- Code 5: Replace the engine coolant.
- Code 6: Replace the rear differential fluid (for AWD models).
- Code 7: Change the brake fluid.
You will often see a combination, like “A13.” This tells you that you need an oil change (A), plus tire rotation (1), and a transmission fluid change (3). Always refer to your owner’s manual for the definitive list of what each code means for your specific model and year.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Light
Ignoring the maintenance required light is a bad idea. While it’s not an emergency like the check engine light can be, it serves a vital purpose. Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your Honda running reliably for hundreds of thousands of miles. Postponing service can lead to:
- Reduced fuel economy.
- Increased wear and tear on critical components.
- Potential for more expensive repairs down the road.
- Voiding certain aspects of your warranty if you skip required services.
Think of it as going to the dentist for a regular cleaning. Skipping it once might not cause immediate pain, but it increases the risk of bigger problems later. Your Honda’s engineering is precise, and it thrives on timely care.
How to Reset the Maintenance Required Light
After you or a mechanic has completed the required service, you need to reset the light. If you don’t, it will stay on or come back on quickly, giving you an inaccurate reminder. The reset process is simple and you can do it yourself in about a minute.
Here are the general steps for most Honda models:
- Insert your key and turn the ignition to the “ON” position. Do not start the engine.
- Locate the trip/reset button on your instrument cluster. It’s usually a small stick or button near the odometer.
- Press and hold the trip button. You will see the maintenance light start to blink.
- Continue holding the button until the light goes out and the display resets. This usually takes about 10 seconds.
- Turn the ignition off. When you start the car next, the light should be off.
For some newer models with a push-button start, the process is slightly different:
- Put the vehicle in accessory mode by pressing the start button twice without your foot on the brake.
- Use the steering wheel controls to navigate to the “Vehicle Settings” menu on the multi-information display.
- Select “Maintenance Info” and then “Reset.” Confirm your selection.
- Exit the menu and turn the vehicle off.
Always double-check your owner’s manual for the exact procedure for your specific Honda. The steps for an Accord might be a little different than for a CR-V or Civic.
What If the Light Won’t Reset?
Sometimes, the light might not reset on the first try. Don’t panic. First, ensure you followed the steps correctly and held the button long enough. If it still doesn’t work, try disconnecting the negative terminal of your car battery for a few minutes. This can reset the car’s computer. Remember, this will also reset your clock and radio presets, so be prepared to set those again.
If the light continues to come on immediately after a reset and a confirmed service, there might be a deeper issue with the maintenance minder system itself. In this rare case, a visit to a dealership or trusted mechanic for a diagnostic check is a good idea.
Maintenance Required Light vs. Check Engine Light
It’s crucial to know the difference between these two lights. They are not the same thing.
- Maintenance Required Light: Usually amber or orange. It’s a scheduled reminder for routine upkeep. It comes on based on mileage or engine run-time calculations.
- Check Engine Light: Usually red or amber. It indicates a detected problem with the engine, emissions system, or transmission. This light requires prompt attention to diagnose a fault code.
If the check engine light is on, you need to have the car scanned for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). The maintenance required light is simply a calendar reminder. You might see both lights on at the same time, which means you have a fault and you’re due for service.
Common Services Triggered by the Light
Let’s look a little closer at the common services this light calls for. Understanding what’s involved helps you see why they’re important.
Oil Change (Code A/B)
This is the most frequent service. Fresh oil lubricates engine parts, reduces friction, and carries away heat and debris. Using the correct oil type and weight is critical for your Honda’s performance and longevity.
Tire Rotation (Code 1)
Tires wear unevenly. Rotating them evens out this wear, extending their life and ensuring better traction and handling. It’s a simple procedure that saves you money in the long run.
Fluid Changes (Codes 3, 5, 6, 7)
Transmission fluid, coolant, differential fluid, and brake fluid all degrade over time. They lose their protective properties and can become contaminated. Changing them at the recommended intervals prevents internal corrosion, overheating, and component failure. Brake fluid, for instance, absorbs moisture from the air, which can lead to reduced braking performance and corrosion inside the brake lines.
Filter Replacements (Code 2)
A clean engine air filter ensures your engine gets the clean air it needs for efficient combustion. A dirty cabin air filter means poorer air quality inside the car for you and your passengers.
Can I Service My Honda Myself?
Absolutely. Many of the services indicated by the maintenance minder, like oil changes, air filter replacements, and even cabin air filter swaps, are very doable for a home mechanic with basic tools. Resetting the light yourself is also easy, as shown above.
If you choose to do the work yourself, keep two things in mind. First, always use high-quality parts and fluids that meet Honda’s specifications. Second, keep detailed records of what you did and when. This is invaluable if you ever sell the car or need to make a warranty claim. For more complex services like timing belt replacement or brake fluid flushes, consulting a professional is often the safer and more reliable choice.
FAQs About the Honda Maintenance Light
Q: My maintenance light came on early. Is something wrong?
A: Not necessarily. The minder calculates service based on driving conditions. Lots of short trips, towing, or driving in extreme heat or cold can cause the light to come on sooner than the “standard” mileage interval.
Q: How long can I drive with the maintenance light on?
A: With a steady light, you likely have a little time—perhaps a few hundred miles. But don’t delay for weeks. With a flashing light, schedule service as soon as possible. Driving too long with old oil, for example, can cause engine wear.
Q: Does the maintenance required light mean I need an oil change?
A: It almost always includes an oil change (Code A or B). But you must check the secondary number codes to see what other services are due alongside it.
Q: Can any mechanic reset the light?
A: Yes, any mechanic or even you can reset it using the simple procedure. You don’t need to go to the dealership just for the reset.
Q: Why did my maintenance light come on right after an oil change?
A> The technician probably forgot to reset the system. It’s a common oversight. You can easily reset it yourself following the steps outlined earlier in this article.
Q: Is it bad if I ignore the maintence required light?
A: Yes, consistently ignoring it leads to accelerated wear. You risk lower fuel efficiency, poorer performance, and potentially costly repairs that could have been prevented with simple upkeep.
Final Thoughts on Your Honda’s Reminder
The “Maintenance Required” light is a helpful feature, not an annoyance. It’s your car’s way of communicating its needs based on its actual usage. By understanding the codes, responding promptly, and resetting the system after service, you form a partnership with your vehicle. This proactive approach is the single best way to ensure your Honda remains dependable, safe, and enjoyable to drive for many years and miles to come. Listening to this simple light can save you a lot of time, money, and hassle in the future. So next time it glows on your dash, you’ll know exactly what it wants and how to take care of it.