How to reset oil life on honda civic

by Leonardo R. Grabkowski

Newer Honda Civic models manufactured after 2005 are equipped with an engine oil life monitoring system. This system serves as a maintenance reminder and lets you know when to change your Civic's oil. After the oil is changed, the Civic's oil status indicator needs to be reset. In most cases, your dealer will reset the indicator for you; however, you can reset it yourself at home without tools.

Step 1

Insert your key into the ignition, and turn it to the "On" position but do not start the engine.

Step 2

Press the "SEL" button on the steering column control panel until the words "Oil Life" appear on the odometer.

Step 3

Press and hold the "SEL" button for approximately 10 seconds or until the "Oil Life" display begins to blink. Release the button when the display blinks.

Step 4

Press and hold the "SEL" button for five seconds until the display flashes and the "Oil Life" display resets to 100 percent.

If you visit any mechanic to have your oil changed, he or she will always turn off the engine oil sensor in vehicle. However, wile you may (and probably should) leave most vehicle maintenance aspects up to the professionals, if you do it yourself resetting the oil life sensor on your Honda is an easy job. 

Once your Honda vehicle has undergone an oil change, you will need to reset the engine oil life setting in your vehicle. Here’s how to do it for some of the most popular models—the CR-V, Civic and Accord. 

How to Reset Oil Life on Your Honda CR-V

Once you replace your CR-V’s engine oil, you’re responsible for resetting the oil life sensor. Failure to do so will result in the CR-V system displaying incorrect information, potentially leading to serious mechanical issues down the line.

Resetting oil life on your Honda CR-V is a simple process. For the 2018 and 2019 models, this is how you do it. 

For Models With Driver Information Interface

If your model has this interface, scroll until you see Maintenance Minder. Then, hold the Enter button for up to 10 seconds before scrolling and selecting the maintenance option you want to reset. 

For Models With the Information Display

You need to hold the TRIP knob from the instrument panel until the engine oil life option appears, then hold down the knob until the display starts to blink. Next, hold the knob for a few seconds before the display is reset to full strength. 

For Models With Display Audio

On the Home screen, select Settings and choose the Maintenance Info option. From there, select Reset Items, and pick the items from the list you want to reset. 

For Older Models

With models between 2007 and 2017, you should turn the ignition to the first position without starting the engine. Afterward, press the Trip stem and toggle it to show Engine Oil Life before holding that stem for 10 seconds until the display starts blinking. After that, hold the stem for another five seconds before the oil life fully resets. 

How to Reset Oil Life on Honda Civic

For 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 models of the Honda Civic, there are two methods you can use to reset the oil life sensor.

For Models With a Multi-Information Display

If your Honda Civic brand, such as the Sport or DX, has a multi-information display, you should first turn the ignition key to position II (on) without starting the engine. Should your model have a smart key, press the start button twice without touching the brake pedal. 

From there, press the Info button on the steering wheel repeatedly until the wrench icon appears on the screen. Then, press the Enter button until Oil Life appears on the display before pressing a holding that button again to reset. From there, scroll down and select All Due Items before pressing Enter again to confirm the reset. 

For Models Without the Display

Turn the ignition key on without starting the engine or press the Start button twice without touching the brake pedal if it has a Smart Key button. 

Press the Trip knob repeatedly until it displays the oil life percentage, then press and hold the same knob until the oil life percentage begins to blink. Following that, you should press the knob again until the oil life percentage resets fully. 

How to Reset Oil Life on a Honda Accord

For different Honda Accord models, there are varying ways to reset your oil life sensor. 

For 2013–2019 Models

For models with information display, you should turn on the ignition without starting the vehicle, then press the Select knob for more than 10 seconds until the display blinks. Release the knob, then press it again until it resets at 100%.

For models with multi-information display, you should do the same thing with ignition, but then use the Info (Up/Down) and SEL/RESET buttons to scroll and choose Vehicle Settings. Then, choose Maintenance Reset before selecting Reset. 

For Older Models

If you own a model dated from between the years 2000 and 2012, it’s pretty much the same process as it is with newer models containing the multi-information display. The only difference is that you would turn the ignition to the Run position, then go straight to pressing SELECT/RESET in order to prompt the oil life percentage indicator. 

If you own a model between 1982 and 1999, turn the ignition off, then hold the Select and Reset buttons at the same time. Continue holding both buttons while turning the ignition to the Run position without starting the engine. The Maintenance Required indicator will reset after holding both buttons for 10 seconds or more.

For all your Honda maintenance questions, Goderich Honda has you covered. If you’re in Goderich or nearby, make sure to book a service appointment with us!

How do you reset the oil life on a Honda?