How To Reset Oil Life On A Honda Accord

Seeing that “Maintenance Due” or oil life percentage light on your dashboard can be a bit annoying. This guide will show you exactly how to reset oil life on a Honda Accord. It’s a simple process that takes less than a minute and saves you a trip to the dealership.

Resetting the light is part of routine car care. It ensures the onboard computer accurately tracks when your next oil change is due. We’ll cover all the major model years, from older cars to the latest generations.

The main process is similar across many years, but the controls differ. The most common method uses the steering wheel buttons and the multi-information display (i-MID). Let’s start with the procedure for most modern Accords.

General Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you follow these steps. They are crucial for the reset to work properly.

Ensure your vehicle is parked with the engine off.
Turn the ignition to the “ON” or “II” position. Do not start the engine. You should see all your dashboard warning lights illuminate.
If your car has a push-button start, press the ENGINE START button twice without pressing the brake pedal. This puts the car in accessory mode.

Method 1: For Models with Steering Wheel Controls (Common for 2008-2022+)

This method applies to Accords that have a multi-information display in the gauge cluster and controls on the steering wheel. It’s the standard for many recent models.

With the ignition ON (engine off), locate the steering wheel buttons. Look for one that says “Sel/Reset” or has an icon that looks like a clock or page.
Press the “Sel/Reset” button repeatedly until you see the oil life display on the screen. It will show a percentage (e.g., “Oil Life 15%”).
Once the oil life is showing, press and hold the “Sel/Reset” button for about 10 seconds. The percentage will begin to blink.
Continue holding the button until the oil life resets to 100%. You may need to hold it for up to 15 seconds total.
Release the button. Turn the ignition off and then start your engine to verify the reset is complete. The maintenance light should be gone.

Method 2: For Models with a Dashboard Button (Older Models)

Some older Honda Accords, particularly around the 2003-2007 generation, use a simple button in the instrument cluster.

Turn the ignition to the ON position (engine off).
Locate the small, recessed button on the dashboard. It’s often near the odometer or speedometer and might be labeled “Reset” or have an icon.
Press and hold this button. The oil life display will start to blink.
While holding the button, turn the ignition OFF, then back to ON (engine still off).
Continue holding the button for another 10 seconds or until the light resets to 100%. Release the button and start the engine to check.

Method 3: For 10th Generation Accord (2018-2022) and Newer

The 10th generation Accord uses a touchscreen infotainment system for some settings. The reset process is a hybrid approach.

Put the car in accessory mode (press START twice without brake).
Use the steering wheel buttons to scroll to the oil life display on the instrument cluster, as in Method 1.
Press and hold the “Sel/Reset” button until the display blinks and shows a reset message.
Alternatively, you can use the touchscreen. Go to Settings > Vehicle > Maintenance Info.
Select “Reset” or “Yes” when prompted to reset the oil life. The system is very intuitive once you navigate to the right menu.

What If the Reset Doesn’t Work?

Sometimes the light won’t reset on the first try. Don’t worry, this is common. Here are a few troubleshooting tips.

Timing is Key: Ensure you are pressing and holding the button for the full duration. It often takes a full 10-15 seconds.
Ignition Sequence: For button-method cars, the sequence of turning the key while holding the button is critical. Try the steps again slowly.
Check the Manual: Your owner’s manual has the exact procedure for your specific model year and trim. It’s the most reliable source.
Disconnect the Battery: As a last resort, disconnecting the car battery for a few minutes can reset the system. Note this will also reset your radio presets and clock.

Why Resetting Your Oil Life Monitor Matters

The oil life monitoring system isn’t just a simple timer. It’s a sophisticated computer that tracks your driving conditions.

It analyzes engine temperature, RPMs, mileage, and cold starts to calculate how much life your oil has left. Resetting it allows this system to work correctly from a fresh start.

If you don’t reset it, the computer will think you’re using old oil. This can lead to inaccurate maintenance reminders and, potentially, ignoring other important alerts.

When Should You Reset the Oil Light?

Only reset the oil life monitor after you have completed an oil and filter change. Resetting it without changing the oil is a bad idea.

You’ll be tricking the system into thinking it has fresh oil when it doesn’t. This can lead to increased engine wear and even severe damage over time. Always do the maintenance first, then the reset.

Using the Correct Oil and Filter

For the oil life monitor to be accurate, you must use oil that meets Honda’s specifications. Check your manual for the recommended viscosity (like 0W-20) and look for the API certification mark.

Using a high-quality oil filter designed for your Accord is equally important. A cheap filter may not protect your engine adequately, making the oil life calculation less reliable.

Understanding Your Accord’s Maintenance Minder

The oil life percentage is part of Honda’s Maintenance Minder system. This system will also display alphanumeric codes (like A1, B13) when service is due.

Main Code A: Means it’s time for an oil change, tire rotation, and a general inspection.
Main Code B: Means all of “A” plus additional services like air filter replacement or brake inspection.
Sub-Codes (1, 2, 3, etc.): These indicate other specific services needed, such as changing the transmission fluid or checking the valve clearance.

After an oil change, you reset the oil life, but these other codes may still appear. They need to be reset separately, often through the same multi-information display menus.

Step-by-Step for Resetting Other Maintenance Codes

If you see a code like “B13” after an oil change, here’s how to clear it. This process is very similar to the oil life reset.

With the ignition ON (engine off), use the steering wheel buttons to scroll until the maintenance code is displayed.
Press and hold the “Sel/Reset” button. The display will begin to blink.
Continue holding until the code disappears and is replaced by a dashed line or a new mileage countdown.
Turn the ignition off and on again to confirm the code is cleared. All the maintence lights should now be off.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple task can go wrong if you overlook a detail. Here are mistakes people often make.

Starting the Engine: Trying to reset with the engine running. The reset only works in the “ON” position.
Impatience: Not holding the button long enough for the system to enter reset mode.
Wrong Button: Using the trip odometer reset stalk instead of the dedicated “Sel/Reset” or dashboard button.
Ignoring Codes: Just resetting the oil life without addressing other maintenance codes that appear.

FAQs About Resetting Oil Life on a Honda Accord

Can I reset the oil light without changing the oil?

Technically, yes, you can. But you absolutely should not. The light is a reminder that your oil has degraded. Resetting it without changing the oil removes this important warning and risks engine damage.

My oil was changed but the light didn’t come on. Should I still reset it?

Yes. If you change the oil yourself or at a quick-lube shop that forgot to reset it, you should manually reset the oil life monitor to 100%. This keeps your maintenance schedule accurate.

What does it mean if the oil light comes on while driving?

A red oil can light that illuminates while driving is different! This indicates low oil pressure, not life. Pull over safely, turn off the engine immediately, and check your oil level. Driving with this light on can destroy your engine in minutes.

How often does a Honda Accord need an oil change?

Follow the Maintenance Minder system. Most modern Accords can go 7,500 to 10,000 miles between changes under normal driving. The system will tell you when it’s time, usually between 15% and 5% oil life remaining.

Will resetting the oil light affect my warranty?

No, resetting the light yourself does not void your warranty. In fact, keeping up with maintenance is required for warranty coverage. Just be sure to keep receipts for oil and filters as proof of service.

Final Tips for Success

Resetting the oil life on your Honda Accord is a straightforward task that empowers you to manage your own vehicle maintenance. Always refer to your specific owner’s manual for the definitive guide.

By performing this simple reset after every oil change, you ensure your car’s computer is giving you the best possible information to keep your Accord running smoothly for many miles to come. Taking care of small tasks like this is key to long-term reliability.