How To Reset Oil Life on Honda Civic: Step-By-Step Instructions
All Honda Civic models manufactured after 2005 boast an oil life indicator, which counts down your vehicle’s oil life. As a result, you know when you are due for an oil change. Unfortunately, the indicator does not reset automatically even after replacing the oil.
So, how do you reset the oil life on a Honda Civic? The correct way to reset your Honda Civic oil life depends on your vehicle’s model year. However, regardless of your Civic’s model, the first step entails turning on the ignition.
But why reset your Honda Civic’s oil life indicator in the first place? Keep reading to find out this and much more.
How To Reset Oil Life On Honda Civic
Typically, the reset procedure varies based on the Honda Civic year model you have. Let’s find out how to perform the reset for all Honda Civics years.
1. Resetting Oil Life in 2006 to 2011 Models
The 2006 to 2011 Honda Civics were the first to have this oil life feature as part of the Maintenance Minder feature. Below, we will explain how to reset the oil life.
Step 1: Get the Ignition On
Turn your ignition system to the run position, but don’t start the engine. It should be one click.
Step 2: Hit the Select/Reset Button
On the left side of the dashboard, locate the ‘SEL/Reset’ button. Press and hold it in for a couple of seconds. Release the button once an oil change reset indicator pops up on your Civic’s display blinking.
Step 3: Press and Hold the SEL Button
Press and hold the ‘Select/Reset’ button again for at least 10 seconds. Then, release it once the Oil Life indicator turns off, which is a sign the reset was successful.
2. Resetting Oil Life in 2012 to 2015 Models
The procedure of resetting Civics’ oil life from 2012 to 2015 is slightly different from that of older models. Here is how to go about it.
Step 1: Turn Your Ignition On
Turn the ignition to the ‘on’ position using your key. Just don’t crank the engine all the way or press the brake pedal.
Step 2: Hit the Menu Button
Go to the left side of your Civic’s steering wheel and press the menu button to go to the information screen.
Step 3: Scroll Down
Next, use the plus/minus (+/-) keys to navigate through the screen. Then, select Vehicle Information by clicking the ‘Source/Enter’ button.
After that, press the ‘Source’ button again to choose the Maintenance Info. The oil life indicator should appear on the display.
Step 4: Press the Source Button
Press the ‘Enter/Source’ button. You will get a prompt asking if you would like to reset Maintenance Info. Select ‘Yes’ by pressing the arrow down (minus button) and hit the ‘Source’ button again to confirm. The oil life will read 100%.
3. Resetting Oil Life in 2016 to 2021 Models
Honda Civics made between 2016 and 2021 belong to the 10th generation. Check out how to reset the oil life if you have one of these.
Step 1: Turn on the Ignition
Hit the engine start button twice to turn on the ignition and wait for the dashboard to illuminate. However, don’t put your foot on the brakes as it will crank the engine.
Step 2: Go to the Menu Button
On the left side of your steering wheel, locate the menu button. Then, press the Information button with a little ‘i’ icon until you spot a wrench icon on the display. Next, press the ‘Enter’ button so the oil life screen pops up.
For models like the 2016 to 2018 Honda Civic EX, you simply press the Info button several times. Then, stop once the oil life screen comes up.
Step 3: Hold Down the Enter Button
Next, hold the ‘Enter’ or source button down for at least 10 seconds. Then, release the button once the back screen switches over to the maintenance reset screen.
Step 4: Scroll Through the Options
Use the arrow buttons on the steering wheel to navigate through the various options until you spot Item ‘A’ or ‘A1’. A or A1 stands for oil change. You could also reset all due items.
Step 5: Hold Down the Enter Button
After choosing the item ‘A or A1’, press and then hold the ‘Enter’ button for 5 to 10 seconds. On the screen, it will indicate that the oil life is 100%, a sign that the reset is complete.
Here is a short video showcasing how to reset the oil life step by step:
4. Resetting Oil Life in 2022 to 2023 Models
Just like the previous model years, resetting the oil life of these Honda Civics newer models is easy. Here are steps to help you.
Step 1: Switch on the Ignition
Press the push start button twice without depressing the brake pedal to avoid starting the car.
Step 2: Press the Home Button
On the left side of your Civic’s steering wheel, hit the ‘Home’ button with a home icon.
Step 3: Scroll Down the Screen
Next to the home button is a thumbwheel button that looks like a rollerball. Use it to navigate up and down until you get to the maintenance screen.
Then, press the thumbwheel button to see the oil life percentage.
Step 4: Hold Down the Thumbwheel Button
Next, press and hold down the thumbwheel button for about 5 to 10 seconds. Once the ‘maintenance reset’ screen pops up, release the button.
Step 5: Scroll Down through the Screen
Use the thumbwheel button to navigate through the options on the ‘maintenance reset’ screen.
Then, press the button once the ‘A1’ option for oil change or the ‘All due items’ comes up. The screen should display oil life at 100%, meaning the reset is complete.
Here is a video demonstration of how to do the resetting:
Why Reset Your Honda Civic Oil Life
After an oil change, you must reset the oil life indicator on your Honda Civic for the following reasons.
Accurate Tracking of Oil Change
If you don’t reset the indicator after an oil change, the system will continue to display a lower oil life percentage. This can lead to confusion about when the next oil change is due. As such, you could end up replacing the oil when it’s too late.
Compliance Purposes
Honda Motor Company recommends resetting the oil life of your Civic as part of the maintenance schedule. Therefore, resetting the indicator ensures you comply with these rules.
Sense of Responsibility
Resetting the oil life indicates a sense of awareness and responsibility from the driver regarding the importance of regular maintenance.
FAQs
In this section, we will respond to commonly asked queries regarding how to reset oil life on various Honda Civic year models.
No. You don’t even need any tools. The entire resetting procedure is conducted through the vehicle’s menu system.
If you perform the oil change yourself at home, you don’t need a mechanic to do the resetting for you. The process is easy. However, if you take your vehicle to the mechanic for an oil change service, they will automatically reset the oil life.
You can check your owner’s manual again for model-specific instructions. If this does not help, seek assistance from a qualified technician or your Honda dealership.
Final Words
Depending on the year model of your Honda Civic, the procedure of resetting the oil life can vary slightly. This is because the vehicles have different dashboard features. However, regardless of which model year you have, the reset process is easy, so you can do it yourself.
The important thing is knowing what is the model year of your Honda Civic before you perform the reset. That said, the primary benefit of resetting the oil life is to ensure proper tracking of oil changes and avoid overdue oil changes.
