Staying on top of regular service is crucial for extending your Honda Civic engine’s life. One of the most critical maintenance tasks is regularly changing the engine oil and filters. Honda Civics has an intelligent oil life monitoring system that lets you know when an oil change is due. This guide will walk through the detailed, step-by-step process of how to reset the oil life on various Honda Civic models.

Key Takeaways

  • Reset the system immediately after every oil change to maintain accuracy.
  • Follow the precise reset instructions for your Civic’s model year.
  • Hold buttons for the exact time stated to complete the reset successfully.
  • Check your owner’s manual if you need step-by-step details.
  • Proper oil changes, light resetting, and other maintenance help maximize your engine’s lifespan.

How the Maintenance Minder System Works?

The maintenance minder in Honda Civics tracks data like mileage and operating conditions to estimate oil life. Sensors monitor things that degrade oil faster, like high speeds, stop-and-go driving, towing, and temperature extremes. 

The system calculates when fresh oil is needed and sends Minder maintenance light. This notifies you to get an oil change and reset the system. After a change, resetting it allows a recalculation for the next interval.

Instructions by Honda Civic Model Year

Here are the detailed step-by-step instructions on how to reset the oil life system for different model years of the Honda Civic:

When Honda Civic Needs Oil Change
When Honda Civic Needs Oil Change

Resetting the Oil Life on 2022 Honda Civics

The 2022 Honda Civic has two ways to reset the oil life display:

From the Touchscreen:

  • Press the “Home” button on the touchscreen. Select “Settings.”
  • Choose “Vehicle” and Select “Maintenance Info.”
  • Choose “Select Reset Items.” Select “Oil and Filter.”
  • Press “Reset” to reset the oil life to 100%.

Using the Steering Wheel Controls:

  • Turn the key to the “On” or “II” position without cranking the engine.
  • Press the right-side steering wheel “Home” button.
  • Roll the wheel to highlight “Maintenance.” Press the wheel to select.
  • With the oil life percentage displayed, press and hold the wheel.
  • Hit on “All Due Items.” Press and release the wheel to reset.

Resetting the Oil Life on 2019-2021 Honda Civics

  • Switch the ignition to the “On” or “Run” position without starting the engine.
  • Press the “Info” button repeatedly until the wrench symbol displays.
  • Hit and release the “Enter” button.
  • Hold the “Enter” key for 10 seconds, enabling the reset functionality.
  • Navigate the selection using the up and down buttons to pick “Engine Oil Life” or “All Due Items” on the display.
  • Press “Enter” again to complete the reset.

Resetting the Oil Life on 2016-2018 Honda Civics

Models with Information Display:

  • Tap the “Trip” control successively to bring up the “Oil Life” information on the monitor.
  • Keep the “Trip” button activated without release for 10 seconds until the interface flickers.
  • Release the button and hold it for 5 seconds to reset to 100%.

Models with Display Audio:

  • Select “Settings” on the touchscreen.
  • Choose “Vehicle.”
  • Select “Maintenance Info.”
  • Pick “Select Reset Items.”
  • Choose “Engine Oil” to reset.

Resetting the Oil Life on 2015 Honda Civics

Models with Information Display:

  • Press “Trip” until “Oil Life” shows.
  • Hit and hold “Trip” for 10 seconds until the display blinks.
  • Release and press/hold for 5 seconds to reset.

Models without Information Display:

  • Use the steering wheel buttons to pick “Menu.”
  • Select “Vehicle Information.”
  • Choose “Reset.” Select “Yes” to reset.

Resetting the Oil Life on 2012-2014 Honda Civics

  • Toggle the ignition to the “On” position enabling the electronics while avoiding engine start.
  • Press the steering wheel “Menu.” Select “Vehicle Menu.”
  • Pick “Vehicle Information” with the + button.
  • Press “Source.” Push “Source” again to access the “Maintenance Info” menu.
  • Press “Source” once more to enter the reset mode.
  • Use the – button to pick “YES.”

How to Reset the Oil Life on 2005-2011 Honda Civics

  • Switch the ignition to the “II” or “On” setting without starting the propulsion system.
  • Press “RESET” until oil life shows.
  • Hold “RESET” for 10 seconds until the codes blink.
  • Release and press/hold again for 5 seconds until reset to 100%.

Resetting the Oil Life on 2000-2005 Honda Civics

  • Turn the engine off.
  • Hold the “Select/Reset” button.
  • Keep holding the button while turning the ignition to “On.”
  • Hold for ten more seconds until the oil light turns off.

Helpful Reset Tips

Before resetting, ensure the Civic’s engine is off, not just in accessory mode. Carefully follow the button press time stated for your model year – holding too long or too little will fail the reset.

You can reset all maintenance reminders together rather than just oil. Brief diagnostic codes may flash during the process, but that’s normal. Just focus on completing the steps until the oil life reset finishes successfully.

Maintaining Your Civic’s Oil Life

Resetting the oil life monitor is essential every time you get an oil change to keep the system accurate. Make sure always to use the recommended weight and type of motor oil. You should adhere to the maintenance intervals outlined in your Honda owner’s guide.

The maintenance minder takes the guesswork out when your Honda Civic needs an oil change. Resetting it on time and keeping up with routine service will keep your engine running smoothly for years. Your Civic will last for the long haul with proper maintenance.

When to Reset the Oil Life System?

Resetting the oil life system should be done immediately after every oil change. Do not delay resetting it or drive for extended miles before resetting it. The system tracks mileage since the last reset to determine when the following oil change is due.

Resetting it right after an oil change allows the most accurate calculation for your driving conditions and preserves engine life. Most Honda technicians will reset the monitor as part of the oil change service. But if you change your oil, be sure to reset it yourself.

Signs Your Civic Needs an Oil Change

Don’t solely rely on the maintenance minder to know when your Civic needs an oil change. Look for signs like thick, sludgy oil on the dipstick, oil levels outside the normal range, increased consumption between changes, leaks or stains under the vehicle, burning smells from the exhaust, and knocking or ticking engine noises. If you notice any of these indicators, get the oil changed immediately, regardless of the Minder light.

Crazy Facts

  • The world record for fastest oil change was set in 2018 by the Valvoline pit crew, who changed the oil in a NASCAR race car in just 9.75 seconds!
  • According to AAA, not changing your oil regularly can reduce engine life by up to 97%.
  • Used motor oil is recycled and refined to make new oil. One gallon of recycled oil can generate enough electricity to power the average home for 24 hours.

The Bottom Line

Once you know the steps, resetting the oil life is easy to do yourself right in your driveway or garage. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions for your Civic model year. Following the maintenance minder system helps prevent engine wear and tear. Your Civic will last years with regular oil changes and resets.

FAQs about How to Reset Oil Life Honda Civic

Will the maintenance minder light turn off once I reset the oil life system?

Resetting it will turn off the maintenance reminder light and reset the oil life percentage to 100.

What happens if I don’t reset the oil life system?

The system will lose accuracy when your next oil change is due, and the reminder light will be unreliable.

Do I need any tools or scan codes to reset the oil life?

The reset process is done manually through the instrument cluster buttons and can be performed without tools.

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