Seeing that maintenance light on your Honda Civic’s dashboard can be a bit annoying. Don’t worry, resetting it is usually a simple process you can do yourself. This quick and easy guide will show you exactly How To Reset A Honda Civic Maintenance Light for various model years.
That little wrench or “Maintenance Due” message is just a reminder from your car’s computer. It’s based on mileage or time since the last reset. Once you’ve done the needed oil change or service, you just need to tell the car’s system it’s been completed.
The method varies depending on your Civic’s year and whether it has a physical button or a touchscreen system. We’ll cover all the common methods step-by-step.
How To Reset A Honda Civic Maintenance Light
Below are the primary methods. First, identify which generation your Civic belongs to. A good rule of thumb is to check if you have a traditional instrument cluster with buttons or a digital speedometer with a touchscreen in the center console.
Method 1: For Older Models with a Dashboard Button (Typically 2006-2015)
Many Civics from this era have a simple reset button on the instrument panel. This is often the easiest method.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Turn your ignition to the “ON” position. Do not start the engine. Just turn the key so that all the dashboard lights illuminate.
- Locate the “Select/Reset” button on your dashboard. It’s usually a small, black stalk or button near the speedometer.
- Press and hold the “Select/Reset” button. You will see the maintenance light begin to blink.
- Continue holding the button. After about 10 seconds, the maintenance light should go out completely.
- Release the button and turn off the ignition. When you start your car again, the light should be gone.
Method 2: For Newer Models with a Touchscreen (Typically 2016 and Later)
Newer Civics with the Honda Display Audio touchscreen use a menu-driven system. You don’t use a physical button on the dash.
Follow these numbered steps:
- Start your car’s engine. It’s often easier to do this with the engine running for power to all systems.
- On your center console, press the “HOME” button on the touchscreen.
- Navigate to “Settings.” You may need to swipe through some screens or tabs to find it.
- Select “Vehicle Settings.”
- Scroll down and choose “Maintenance Info.”
- You will see an option to “Reset” or “Reset Item.” Select it.
- A confirmation screen will appear. Select “Yes” to confirm the reset.
- Exit the menus. The maintenance minder light on your dash should now be off.
Method 3: Using the Steering Wheel Controls (Some 2012-2015 Models)
Some models in this range use the multi-information display (MID) and steering wheel controls. It’s a bit different but still straightforward.
- Turn the ignition to the “ON” position (engine off).
- Press the “MENU” button on your steering wheel. It’s usually on the left side.
- Use the arrow or scroll buttons to cycle through the menus until you see “Vehicle Settings” or “Maintenance.”
- Select it by pressing the “SOURCE” or “ENTER” button (this varies).
- Find the “Maintenance Reset” option and select it.
- Confirm the reset when prompted.
- Turn off the ignition. Start the car to verify the light is reset.
What If the Light Comes Back On Immediately?
If you reset the light but it returns the next time you start your car, it’s trying to tell you something else. The maintenance minder system in modern Hondas monitors more than just oil life.
It tracks several service items. The light might be back because a different code is now active. Check your maintenence info screen on the dash or touchscreen. It will show a main code (like A1, B2, etc.) and sometimes sub-codes.
- Code A: Usually means an oil change and tire rotation is needed.
- Code B: Indicates oil change, tire rotation, plus additional inspections and potential replacements (like air filters, brake fluid).
- Numbers 1-7: These sub-codes point to specific items like engine air filter, cabin air filter, transmission fluid, spark plugs, or coolant.
You may need to adress the specific service indicated by the code before the system will allow a permenant reset.
Important Safety Precautions Before You Start
Always prioritize safety when working with your vehicle, even for a simple reset.
- Perform the reset while the vehicle is parked in a safe, level location.
- If the procedure requires the ignition to be “ON,” ensure the parking brake is firmly engaged.
- Do not attempt to navigate touchscreen menus while driving. Pull over if needed.
- Refer to your owner’s manual for the most accurate, model-specific instructions. Car manufacturers sometimes make changes mid-model year.
Why Resetting the Light Yourself Makes Sense
Knowing how to do this simple task saves you time and a potential trip to the dealership. It also ensures you’re in control of your vehicle’s maintenance records.
If you perform your own oil change, you can reset the light immediately. If a shop does it, you can double-check that they properly reset the system. Sometimes technicians forget, and the light will come on prematurely.
It’s a small piece of knowledge that adds to your understanding of your car. It helps you maintain the accurate service intervals that keep your Civic running smoothly for years to come.
Troubleshooting Common Reset Problems
Sometimes, the standard steps don’t seem to work. Here are a few tips:
- Timing is Key: For button methods, the press-and-hold duration is crucial. Hold it for the full 10-15 seconds, even if the light starts blinking early.
- Ignition Sequence: Make sure you’re in the correct ignition mode. “ON” means all dash lights are on, but the engine is not running. In some cars, you might need to cycle from OFF to ON.
- Check the Manual: Your Honda Civic’s owner’s manual is the definitive source. Look for the “Maintenance Minder” or “Indicator Reset” section. The index in the back is very helpful for this.
- Battery Disconnect: As a last resort, disconnecting the car battery for a few minutes can reset the computer. Warning: This may also reset your radio presets, clock, and other memory settings. You’ll likely need to recalibrate your power windows as well.
Understanding the Maintenance Minder System
Honda’s system is smart. It doesn’t just count miles. The computer analyzes your actual driving conditions—like engine temperature, trip length, and RPMs—to calculate oil life and wear on other components.
This means the service interval is tailored to how you drive. Mostly highway miles might extend the interval, while lots of short trips in cold weather might shorten it. Trusting this system is generally better than relying on a static mileage number.
FAQs About Resetting Your Honda Civic’s Maintenance Light
Can I reset the maintenance light without changing the oil?
Technically, yes, you can. But you absolutely should not. The light is a vital reminder to maintain your engine’s health. Resetting it without performing the required service, especially an oil change, can lead to severe engine damage due to old, degraded oil. Always do the service first.
Is the maintenance light the same as the check engine light?
No, they are completely different. The maintenance light (a wrench or “Maintenance Due”) is a routine service reminder. The check engine light (an engine-shaped icon) indicates a potential problem with the engine, emissions, or transmission systems. A check engine light requires diagnostic trouble code reading to fix.
My Civic’s touchscreen isn’t working. How can I reset the light?
If the touchscreen is unresponsive, you may need to use a backup method. Try the physical button method (Method 1) if your car has the button. If not, the battery disconnect method might be your only option until the touchscreen is repaired. Consult a dealership or auto electrician.
How often should the maintenance light come on?
There’s no fixed mileage. It depends on your driving. For most drivers, the oil life percentage (shown in the maintenance info menu) drops to 15% or 5% after roughly 5,000 to 10,000 miles, triggering the light. The system will also factor in time, usually alerting you after one year if you don’t drive enough miles.
Does resetting the light affect my car’s warranty?
No, resetting the maintenance light yourself does not void your warranty. However, you must keep records (receipts for oil, filters, etc.) as proof that you performed the required services at the intervals indicated by the car. This is incase you need to make a warranty claim later.
Final Tips for Success
To make sure your reset goes smoothly, keep these last points in mind. First, identify your Civic’s model year clearly. Second, determine if you have a touchscreen or button interface before you begin.
Have your owner’s manual handy for reference. If you’ve lost it, you can often find a digital PDF version online by searching for your specific year and model. Take your time with the steps, and don’t rush the button-holding sequences.
Remember, this is a simple procedure designed for owners. With the right instructions, you can clear that reminder light in just a minute or two and get back on the road with a clean dashboard and a well-maintained vehicle.