How to Reset the Oil Life Indicator on a Honda

If you bring your Honda vehicle to a mechanic for oil change services, they will do everything for you. That includes resetting the vehicle’s oil life sensor. But what if you do the oil change on your own? How do you reset the oil life indicator on your Honda?

Typically, to reset the oil life indicator on your Honda, you first have to press and hold the “Select/Reset” button for 10 seconds. Once the Engine Oil indicator light blinks and the display reads “Engine Oil life,” press the Info button on the steering wheel to select the Reset mode. Then, press the “Select/Reset” button to return oil life to 100%.

But is the process for resetting the Oil Life indicator the same for all Honda vehicles?

Read on to learn more about the oil life indicator of Honda vehicles, how to reset it, and more.

How to Reset the Oil Life Indicator on a Honda

how to reset the oil life indicator on a honda

Suppose you want to reset the oil life sensor on your Honda, just press and hold the “Select/Reset” button for 10 seconds. The Engine Oil indicator light will then start to blink, and the display will read “Engine Oil life.”

Press the Info button on the steering wheel to select the Reset mode. Then, press the “Select/Reset” button again to return oil life to 100%.

In essence, this is the general process for resetting the oil life sensor of Honda vehicles. If there’s any difference, it will only be minimal. To confirm this, let’s look at the process for doing this on different Honda models.

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How to Reset Oil Life on a Honda Civic

If you are an owner of a Honda Civic model between 2016 and 2019, you can reset its oil life using two methods, depending on the presence of a Multi-information display:

  • Method for Models with a Multi-Information Display
  • Method for Models without a Multi-Information Display

For Models with a Multi-Information Display

Honda Civic variants have a multi-information display, such as the Honda Civic DX and the Honda Civic Sport. To reset their oil life indicator, follow the steps below:

  • Turn the ignition key to position II. Make sure that you will not start the engine.
  • Press the start button twice if your Honda Civic features a smart key. Remember not to step on the brake pedal while doing this, not to start the engine.
  • Press the Info button located on the steering wheel. Press this repeatedly until the wrench icon appears on the screen.
  • Once it appears, press the Enter button until the display reads “Oil Life.” Then, press and hold the button again to reset.
  • After pressing the button, scroll down and select All Due Items. Then, press Enter once again to confirm and end the reset process.

For Models without a Multi-Information Display

If your Honda Civic variant does not have a multi-information display, follow the steps below:

  • Turn the ignition key. But make sure not to start the engine.
  • If your Honda car features a Smart Key button, press the Start button twice. However, do not step on the brake pedal to prevent the engine from starting.
  • Press the Trip knob repeatedly until the oil life percentage is displayed.
  • Press and hold that same knob until you notice the oil life percentage blinking.
  • Press it again using the same knob until the oil life percentage completely resets.

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How to Reset Oil Life on a Honda Accord

Do you know how to reset oil life on a Honda Accord? Similar to the Honda Civic, there are two different ways. These include the following:

  • Method for Honda Accord Models 2013 and Up
  • Method for Older Honda Accord Models

Method for Honda Accord Models 2013 and Up

For Honda Accord Models with information display, follow the steps below:

  • Turn on the ignition without starting the engine.
  • Press the Select button or knob for roughly 10 seconds or until the display blinks.
  • While blinking, release the knob/button, then press it once again. Continue to press it until it resets 100%.
  • If your Honda Accord features a multi-information display, the process is the same for the ignition.
  • Just turn it on but without starting the engine.
  • Then use the Info and Select/Reset buttons to scroll and select the correct Vehicle Settings.
  • Select Maintenance Reset before finally selecting Reset.

Method for Older Honda Accord Models

Honda Accord models manufactured between 2000 and 2012 have multi-information displays. So, the process is pretty much the same as the newer ones with the same features.

The main difference is that it should be in the Run position once you turn the ignition. Then, press Select/Reset to prompt the Oil Life Percentage indicator.

If your Honda Accord was manufactured between 1982 and 1999, follow the steps below:

  • Turn the ignition off.
  • Press and hold the Select and Reset buttons at the same time.
  • Continue to hold them as you turn the ignition on but make sure not to start the engine.
  • Just continue to hold the buttons simultaneously for about 10 seconds to reset the Maintenance Required indicator.

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How to Reset Oil Life on a Honda CRV

how to reset the oil life indicator on a 2009 honda civic

Let’s now see how to reset Honda CRV’s oil life indicator. Like other vehicles, you have to reset the oil life indicator of your Honda CRV right after an oil change.

Or else your vehicle’s system will display incorrect information. You will not be able to monitor your engine oil correctly, resulting in future engine issues.

For the Honda CRV, let’s talk about the methods appropriate for each model with the following features:

  1. Driver Information Interface
  2. Information Display
  3. Display Audio
  4. For Older Models

1. Driver Information Interface

If your Honda CRV features a Driver Information Interface, follow the steps below:

  • Scroll until you reach the Maintenance Minder.
  • Press and hold the Enter button for about 10 seconds.
  • Scroll and select the maintenance option you intend to reset.

2. Information Display

For Honda CRV models with information display, follow the steps below:

  • Press and hold the Trip knob located at the instrument panel.
  • Continue holding it until it displays the Engine Oil Life option.
  • Hold down the knob until the display begins to blink.
  • The next step is to press and hold the knob for a few seconds until it completely resets.

3. Display Audio

If your Honda CRV has Display Audio, here are the steps you should follow:

  • Select Settings on the Home Screen.
  • Select the Maintenance Info option.
  • The next step is to select Reset Items and find the items from the list you wish to reset.

4. For Older Models

There is a slightly different process for Honda CRV models manufactured between 2007 and 2017:

  • Turn on the ignition without starting the engine.
  • Press the Trip stem and let the Engine Oil Life display appear.
  • Once it appears, press and hold the stem for about 10 seconds.
  • When the display begins to blink, press and hold the stem again.
  • But this time, hold it for about 5 seconds only. This will completely reset the oil life indicator.

Again, how to reset the oil life indicator on a Honda? Press and hold the select or reset button for ten seconds to reset Honda’s oil life indicator. The engine oil indicator will then start to blink. Once you see the “Engine Oil Life” displayed, press the Info button and choose the Reset mode on the steering wheel. Lastly, press the select or rest button.

What Is a Honda Oil Life Indicator?

Plays a Vital Role in Honda Vehicles

The engine oil can wear out even before it runs out. The Oil Life Indicator plays a vital role in Honda vehicles.

Informs You If the Oil Is Properly Lubricating the Engine

This feature does not simply measure the amount of oil left in your Honda vehicle. But it also informs you if the oil is properly lubricating the engine.

Contaminated Oil Cannot Effectively Lubricate the Engine

If the oil is contaminated or is overloaded with dirt, it will not be able to lubricate the engine effectively. So, being alerted by the Oil Life Indicator is essential.

The Oil Life Indicator will display 100% if your vehicle has fresh engine oil. Every time you use your vehicle, you will notice the figures declining.

Regularly Refill the Reservoir with Fresh Oil

This is normal since the oil quality deteriorates as you drive your vehicle. That’s why it is important to monitor it so you can refill the reservoir with fresh oil regularly.

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How the Honda Oil Life Indicator Works

Can You Still Drive with 15% Oil Life?

So, what does it mean if your Oil Life Indicator says 15%? This doesn’t mean that your engine only has 15% oil. You can still drive your vehicle. But it means that you will need an oil change soon. Once it reaches the 15% threshold, you can start scheduling your service visit.

5% Oil Life

Once the Oil Life Indicator displays 5%, you need to have an oil change as soon as possible.

0% Oil Life

An Oil Life Indicator that displays 0% means that you have missed your oil change schedule. By this time, the oil in your engine has already become 100% dirty and is already affecting engine performance.

Part of Vehicle’s Maintenance Minder System

The Oil Life Indicator forms part of your vehicle’s Maintenance Minder System. Your onboard computer system consistently monitors your vehicle’s daily driving conditions, including:

  • Outdoor temperatures
  • Engine
  • Speed
  • Vehicle’s operating time
  • Number of miles
  • Engine load
  • Number of starts and stops

Using those data, the Oil Life Indicator factors down the oil life to help you monitor whether or not you already need an oil change.

Honda Oil Life Indicator Vs Honda Oil Pressure Indicator

Oil Pressure Indicator Resembles the Shape of a Genie’s Lamp

Honda’s Oil Life Indicator is different from its Oil Pressure Indicator. The Oil Pressure Indicator is that tiny red icon on the dashboard. It resembles the shape of a genie’s lamp that seems to have a drop of oil coming out of the sprout.

The Oil Pressure Indicator briefly lights up when you turn on the ignition. But it also stops illuminating as soon as the engine starts.

Absence of Oil Pressure

What if it continues to light up even when the engine is already running? This means that the engine has already lost its oil pressure. In this case, you have to bring your Honda vehicle to a professional mechanic to address the issue.

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Frequently Asked Questions – Resetting the Honda Oil Life Indicator

how to reset the oil life indicator on a 2006 honda accord

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Honda Oil Life Indicator:

How to Reset the Oil Life on a 2017 Honda Accord?

To reset the Oil Life Indicator on a 2017 Honda Accord:

  • Switch the ignition to Run.
  • Press the Up and Down arrows to view Vehicle Settings.
  • Press the Select/Reset button.
  • Again, press the Up and Down arrows until you reach Maintenance Reset.
  • Click the Select/Reset button. The Reset Mode for Oil Life will then appear.

How to Reset the Oil Life on a 2007 Honda Accord?

To reset the Oil Life Indicator on a 2007 Honda Accord, follow the steps below:

  • Turn the ignition on but make sure not to start the engine.
  • Locate the Trip button, which you will use to select Oil Life. Once Oil Life appears, press and hold the Trip button for about 10 seconds.
  • By this time, the Oil Life should start to blink. You can then release the Trip button.
  • Then, press it again and hold for about 5 seconds. The Oil Life Indicator will then reset to 100%.

How to Reset the Oil Life on a 2008 Honda Accord?

To reset the Oil Life Indicator on a 2008 Honda Accord, the first step is turning the ignition to run but not starting the engine.

Then, press the Select/Reset button until the Oil Life Indicator appears on display. Press the Select/ Reset button once again and hold it for about 10 seconds. This will make the Oil Life Indicator and the Maintenance Code/s blink.

Again, press the Select/Reset button. This time, hold it for about five seconds. The Maintenance Code/s will then disappear. At the same time, the Oil Life Indicator will reset to 100%.

The next step is to turn the ignition off. Then, start the engine to confirm if the Oil Life Indicator has successfully been reset.

This process is applicable for Honda vehicles manufactured between 2008 and 2012.

How to Reset the Oil Life on a 2014 Honda Accord?

The first step is to turn the ignition on for the 2014 Honda Accord variants that do not have the Multi-Information Display (MID):

  • Press the Select/Reset button repeatedly until the Engine Oil Life appears on display. 
  • Press the Select/Reset knob for about 10 seconds. This will make both the engine oil life indicator and the maintenance code/s blink.
  • Again, press the Select/Reset knob and hold it for about 5 seconds. The maintenance code/s will disappear, and the Engine Oil Life Indicator will be reset to 100%.
  • Turn the ignition off and start it again. This way, you will be able to confirm if you have successfully reset the Oil Life Indicator of your 2014 Honda Accord.

If your 2014 Honda Accord is equipped with MID, the first step is the same. Then, press the Up/Down button located on the lower right of the steering wheel.

Repeatedly press it until you reach Vehicles Settings. Then, press the Select/Reset button. Press the Up/Down button until you reach Maintenance Reset. Then, press the Select/Reset button.

Using the Up/Down button once again, select Reset. Then, press the Select/Reset button. This will then reset the Oil Life Indicator. To confirm this, turn the ignition off and start the engine.

How to Set the Oil Life on a Honda?

Press and hold the Select / Reset button for roughly 10 seconds. This will make the Engine Oil Life Indicator light start blinking.

Once the display reads Engine Oil Life, select the Reset mode by pressing the Info button on the steering wheel. Then, press the Select / Reset button once again. This time, it will reset the Oil Life Indicator to 100%.

How to Reset the Oil Light on a Honda CRV?

If you have to reset the oil life indicator on a Honda CRV, the first step is to turn the ignition on without starting the engine. Press the trim stem to make the Engine Oil Life appear. Press it again and hold it down until it starts to blink. Turn the trip until you reach the Reset option.

Conclusion – How to Reset the Oil Life Indicator on a Honda

To sum it up, resetting the oil life sensor on your Honda starts by pressing and holding the “Select/Reset” button for 10 seconds. The Engine Oil indicator light will begin to blink, and the display will read “Engine Oil life.”

Press the Info button on the steering wheel to select the Reset mode. Then, press the “Select/Reset” button again to return oil life to 100%.

In essence, this is the general process for resetting the oil life sensor of Honda vehicles. If there’s any difference, it will only be minimal, and the task is generally easy to do.

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