Honda Maintenance Minder FAQs

In 2005, the world was introduced to one of the greatest things since sliced bread. No, not Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3D; we're talking about Honda Maintenance Minder. First released on the 2005 Honda Odyssey, Maintenance Minder took the guesswork out of routine car service—an enormous boon to parents the world over. The system has evolved since its infancy, but it serves the same purpose today: Simplify car ownership by monitoring vehicle health and calculating when to visit the Honda service center.

Maintenance Minder is relatively intuitive to use, but we know many Honda owners who have questions about how it works and what those pesky service codes mean. Let's discuss!

How do I reset my dashboard after an oil change?

After getting an oil change or performing other routine maintenance, you'll want to reset your maintenance reminder warning light. The process to do so varies by make, model and year, so it's best to review your vehicle's owner's manual for accurate information.

Own a Honda? If the engine oil life is less than 15%, Maintenance Minder will notify you that it's time to go to an oil change shop near you. After you've performed the oil change or any other necessary service, here's how to reset Honda maintenance reminders (for the newest 2023- Honda models):

Honda Accord

1. Set the power mode to ON.
2. Roll the right selector wheel until the Maintenance Minder screen is displayed.
3. Press and hold the right selector wheel for about 10 seconds to enter the reset mode.
4. Roll the right selector wheel to select a maintenance item to reset, or to select All due items (You can also select Cancel to end the process).
5. Press the right selector wheel to reset the selected item.
6. Repeat from step 3 for other items you wish to reset.

Honda Civic

1. Set the power mode to ON.
2. Press the (HOME) button.
3. Roll the left selector wheel until (WRENCH) is displayed.
4. Press the left selector wheel to go to the Maintenance Minder screen.
5. Press and hold the left selector wheel for about 10 seconds to enter the reset mode.
6. Roll the left selector wheel to select a maintenance item to reset, or to select All due items (You can also select Cancel to end the process).
7. Press the left selector wheel to reset the selected item.
8. Repeat from step 5 for other items you wish to reset.

Honda CR-V

1. Set the power mode to ON.
2. Press the (HOME) button.
3. Roll the left selector wheel until (WRENCH) is displayed.
4. Press the left selector wheel to go to the Maintenance Minder screen.
5. Press and hold the left selector wheel for about 10 seconds to enter the reset mode.
6. Roll the left selector wheel to select a maintenance item to reset, or to select All due items (You can also select Cancel to end the process).
7. Press the left selector wheel to reset the selected item.
8. Repeat from step 5 for other items you wish to reset.

Honda HR-V

1. Set the power mode to ON.
2. Press the (HOME) button.
3. Roll the left selector wheel until (WRENCH) is displayed.
4. Press the left selector wheel to go to the Maintenance Minder screen.
5. Press and hold the left selector wheel for about 10 seconds to enter the reset mode.
6. Roll the left selector wheel to select a maintenance item to reset, or to select All due items (You can also select Cancel to end the process).
7. Press the left selector wheel to reset the selected item.
8. Repeat from step 5 for other items you wish to reset.

Honda Pilot

1. Set the power mode to ON.
2. Press the (HOME) button.
3. Roll the left selector wheel until (WRENCH) is displayed.
4. Press the left selector wheel to go to the Maintenance Minder screen.
5. Press and hold the left selector wheel for about 10 seconds to enter the reset mode.
6. Roll the left selector wheel to select a maintenance item to reset, or to select All due items (You can also select Cancel to end the process).
7. Press the left selector wheel to reset the selected item.
8. Repeat from step 5 for other items you wish to reset.

Honda Odyssey

1. Set the power mode to ON.
2. Display the engine oil life.
3. Press and hold the (ENTER) button for about 10 seconds to enter the reset mode.
4. Press the (ARROWS) to select a maintenance item to reset, or to select All Due Items (You can also select Cancel to end the process).
5. Press the ENTER button to reset the selected item.
6. Repeat from step 5 for other items you wish to reset.

Honda Passport

1. Set the power mode to ON.
2. Display the engine oil life.
3. Press and hold the (ENTER) button for about 10 seconds to enter the reset mode.
4. Press the (ARROWS) to select a maintenance item to reset, or to select All Due Items (You can also select Cancel to end the process).
5. Press the ENTER button to reset the selected item.
6. Repeat from step 5 for other items you wish to reset.

Honda Ridgeline

1. Set the power mode to ON.
2. Display the engine oil life.
3. Press and hold the (RESET) button for about 10 seconds to enter the reset mode.
4. Select Reset with (ARROWS) or (INFORMATION) button, then push the (RESET) button.
5. A maintenance reset complete message will be displayed on multi-information display. Engine oil life display returns to 100%.
6. To cancel the oil life reset mode, select Cancel, then push the (RESET) button.

Note: Failure to reset the Maintenance Minder display after a maintenance service results in the system showing incorrect maintenance intervals, which can lead to serious mechanical problems. Your Honda dealer will reset the Maintenance Minder display after completing the required maintenance service. If someone other than a dealer performs maintenance service, reset the Maintenance Minder display yourself. (You can also reset the Maintenance Minder TM display using the driver information interface.)

Click here to find owner's manuals for other Honda models.

What do oil life percentages mean?

• Maintenance Minder kicks on when your oil life is determined to be 15%. This indicates that service is due as soon as you're able to schedule an appointment (usually within 1,000 miles).
• When oil life drops to 5%, service is due ASAP (no more than 200-300 miles).
• Once you reach 0% oil life, your vehicle is overdue for service and must be brought in for an oil change.

How often should you change your vehicle's motor oil? We recommend that you get a Honda oil change every 5,000-10,000 miles depending on your environment and driving conditions, or when your Maintenance Minder reaches 5% -- whichever comes sooner.

How accurate is Maintenance Minder oil life percentage?

Honda's maintenance reminder system utilizes sensors to accurately monitor oil health. The system also takes into account the engine's overall operating conditions (including towing a boat to the lake or off-roading), mileage driven since the last oil change, and the type of oil used (full-synthetic oil is best for your Honda, in most cases) to provide owners with a very accurate representation of oil life.

What do Maintenance Minder A, B and number codes mean?

Wondering what "Maintenance Code B1" means on your Accord? What about "Maintenance Code A137"? Here's a breakdown of common Honda Maintenance Minder codes and service items:

Code	Maintenance Due
A	Replace engine oil
B	Replace engine oil and oil filter Inspect front and rear brakes Check parking brake adjustment Check expiration date for temporary tire repair kit bottle Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox and boots Inspect suspension components Inspect driveshaft boots Inspect brake hoses and lines (ABS/VSA included) Inspect all fluid Inspected exhaust system Inspect fuel lines
1	Rotate tires
2	Replace air cleaner element Replace dust and pollen filter Inspect drive belt
3	Replace transmission fluid
4	Replace spark plugs Inspect valve clearance Replace timing belt Inspect water pump
5	Replace engine coolant
6	Replace rear differential fluid
7	Replace brake fluid

This list is not all-inclusive. Please consult with your model's owner's manual or speak with a certified Honda mechanic or technician for accurate advice and information.

Can I perform car maintenance and reset the codes myself?

Many car owners prefer to do their own (minor) routine maintenance, such as oil changes, fluid flushes and cabin filter replacements. You can certainly do these tasks and manually reset the Maintenance Minder code.

However, for peace of mind and to ensure your vehicle retains its resale value, it's best to have an authorized Honda dealer and service center perform all your maintenance. When you go to a certified Honda service department, they will add all performed maintenance to your vehicle's history report; if you do your own oil changes, they will not show up on your vehicle's CARFAX report! That could cost you thousands of dollars on a sale.

Do I need to follow Maintenance Minder recommendations?

Do you need to do maintenance? If you want to avoid a broken-down car, you need to keep up with all recommended Maintenance Minder tasks. Should a system component fail due to neglect—neglect is determined by your documented service history—then you will have likely voided your warranty. In this instance, that replacement part or repair will not be covered under warranty.

This is yet another reason to bring your vehicle into the dealership for preventative maintenance!

Did you know that if you decline recommended service at a dealership, and your vehicle ends up breaking down, your warranty might also be voided? This is because good car dealers record these declined services on your VIN. So don't put off getting brake service if you're in need of new brake pads or rotors – it could very well cost you thousands of extra dollars in long-term repairs.

Can I return a Honda lease with the Maintenance Minder warning light on?

You can, though we advise you to perform all necessary maintenance, including oil changes and tire rotations, while leasing your Honda. If you return a leased Honda vehicle that has its Maintenance Minder dashboard light on, you may be charged a turn-in fee. (This varies by location, so check with your leasing company and Honda dealer.)

Need to get your oil changed in Joplin? We're here for just that very occasion! Visit Roper Honda at 902 N Rangeline Rd for walk-in oil change service—or better yet, book your oil change appointment online. In addition to Honda maintenance, we also perform service on most other vehicle makes and models.