One of the handy features of the Honda Civic is an oil life indicator. This gauge lets a driver know when it’s time for an oil change based on mileage and the conditions that affect the quality of the oil. But once you get an oil change, this indicator doesn’t automatically turn off. Here’s how to reset the oil life on a Honda Civic.
Basics First
Although the adjustment varies from generation to generation of the Civic, begin by pressing the start button or turning the ignition key, but don’t actually start the engine. You just want the dashboard to light up. (For 2016-2021 Civics, press the button twice.)
Eleventh Generation
(2022)
On the lower left steering wheel spoke, there’s a button with a home icon. Press it, and a menu will appear in the center of the tachometer. Use the wheel to the right of the home icon to scroll to “Maintenance.” Select it.
The oil life percentage will appear on the dash. Underneath the oil life readout, it will read “A1.” This is the maintenance menu number. Press and hold the scroll wheel again. It will open a window allowing you to choose to reset A1, other maintenance items or all maintenance items. Select the one you want (if the oil change was part of a complete service, you may want to reset all maintenance items), then press and release the scroll wheel, and the oil life should read 100%.
Tenth Generation (2016-2021)
On the left steering wheel spoke, there’s an information button with three rectangles and a lowercase letter i in a circle. Press that button to open a menu inside the tachometer. Press the information button again until you see a wrench icon. To the left of the information button is an enter button. Press that. The oil life percentage will appear as service item A1.
Press and hold the enter button for 10 seconds. Choose whether to reset A1, other maintenance items or all maintenance items. Use the arrow buttons around the enter button to make your choice, press and release enter, and the oil life should read 100%.
Ninth Generation (2012-2015)
On the left steering wheel spoke, there’s a menu button. Press it to open a multifunction screen to the right of the speedometer. Use the arrow keys around the enter button to scroll until you reach “Vehicle Information.” Press enter. This will bring up “Maintenance Info.” Press enter again. The oil life should be the first thing to appear. After you press enter, it will ask if you would like to reset the maintenance information. Arrow down to select yes, then press enter, and the oil life should read 100%.
Eighth Generation (2006-2011)
On the far left side of the dashboard, below the vent, is a select/reset button (“SEL RESET”). Press and hold that button until a service indicator appears below the tachometer. Press and hold it one more time to reset. The oil life should read 100%.
For 2005 and older Civics, check your owners or shop manual. As with any routine maintenance, getting your oil changed regularly can extend the life of your vehicle.
Check out all the Honda Civic parts and accessories available on NAPA Online, or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on how to reset the oil life on a Honda Civic, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.
Photo courtesy of Mike Hagerty.
Categories
Maintenance
Tags
automotive computer systems, car care, check engine light, Civic, computer, emissions, engine oil change, filter, filters, Honda, motor oil, OBD-II, oil filter, oil life, oil life percentage
Mike Hagerty View All
Mike Hagerty is an automotive journalist whose work has been featured on radio, TV, in print and online since 1997. He's the Publisher and Editor of MikeHagertyCars.com, and contributes car reviews to the Los Altos Town Crier and losaltosonline.com. Previous outlets have included KFBK and KFBK.com in Sacramento, California, the ABC television affiliates and Hearst-Argyle and Emmis radio stations in Phoenix, Arizona; AAA magazines for Arizona, Oklahoma, Northwest Ohio, South Dakota and the Mountain West and BBCCars.com.