If you own a Honda Civic, keeping track of your oil life is key to maintaining your car’s performance and longevity. But after an oil change, you need to reset the oil life indicator so your vehicle can accurately remind you when the next change is due.
If you’re wondering how to reset oil life on your Honda Civic quickly and without hassle, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, you’ll discover simple, step-by-step instructions tailored for your Civic model. Follow along, and you’ll have your oil life indicator reset in minutes—helping you stay on top of your car’s maintenance with confidence.
Let’s get started!

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Step-by-step Reset Instructions
Resetting the oil life on your Honda Civic is simple and quick. Follow these clear steps to ensure your oil life monitor is accurate after an oil change. This helps maintain your car’s performance and keeps your engine healthy.
Turn Ignition On
Insert the key and turn the ignition to the “ON” position. Do not start the engine. For push-button start models, press the start button twice without pressing the brake. This powers the dashboard and electronics.
Navigate To Oil Life Display
Locate the menu or information button on the steering wheel or dashboard. Press the button repeatedly to scroll through the display options. Stop when the “Engine Oil Life” or oil life percentage appears on the screen.
Initiate Oil Life Reset
Press and hold the “SEL/RESET” button near the speedometer or on the dashboard. Hold the button for about 10 seconds. The oil life percentage will start flashing, signaling the reset process has begun.
Confirm Reset
Release the button once the display flashes. Press the “SEL/RESET” button again to confirm the reset. The oil life percentage will change to 100%, showing the reset is complete.
Verify Reset Success
Turn off the ignition and then turn it back on. Check the oil life display to ensure it shows 100%. This confirms the reset was successful and your Honda Civic is ready for the road.
Resetting On Newer Honda Civics
Resetting the oil life on newer Honda Civics is straightforward. These models feature advanced digital displays and controls. You can reset the oil life using the steering wheel or the infotainment screen. The process helps keep your engine running smoothly and tracks oil changes accurately. Follow the steps below to complete the reset easily.
Using Steering Wheel Controls
Start by turning the ignition to the ON position without starting the engine. Use the steering wheel buttons to find the maintenance menu. Look for buttons labeled “Menu,” “Info,” or an “i” icon. Scroll through the options until you see the oil life display. Press the Enter or OK button to access the reset option.
Hold the Enter or Reset button for a few seconds. The oil life percentage will reset to 100%. Release the button once the reset is confirmed. Turn off the ignition to finish.
Accessing Maintenance Menu
Turn the ignition on but do not start the engine. Use the steering wheel controls to navigate to the wrench icon. This icon represents the maintenance menu. Select it by pressing the Enter or OK button. Find the “Engine Oil Life” or similar option in the list.
Select the oil life option to view the current percentage. Hold the reset button until the value changes to 100%. This confirms the oil life reset. Switch off the ignition to complete the process.
Resetting Via Infotainment Screen
Turn on the vehicle without starting the engine. Access the infotainment screen and tap the “Settings” menu. Scroll to find the “Vehicle” or “Maintenance” section. Select the oil life or maintenance reset option.
Follow the on-screen prompts to reset the oil life indicator. Confirm your choice by tapping “Yes” or “Reset.” The screen will show the oil life at 100%. Exit the menu and turn off the ignition.
Resetting On Older Honda Civics
Older Honda Civics have a simpler system for showing oil life. Unlike new models with digital displays, these cars use basic buttons and knobs on the dashboard. Resetting oil life on these models requires following specific steps. This process helps keep track of when to change the oil again. Proper reset ensures the oil life indicator shows the correct remaining life after an oil change.
Using Select/reset Button
Some older Civics have a Select/Reset button near the speedometer. Turn the ignition to the ON position without starting the engine. Press the Select/Reset button repeatedly until the oil life percentage appears. Hold the button down for a few seconds. The oil life will reset to 100% and the indicator will turn off.
Using Trip Knob For Oil Life Display
Other models use the trip knob to show oil life. Turn the ignition ON, but do not start the engine. Rotate the trip knob until the oil life percentage shows on the display. Press and hold the trip knob for several seconds. The oil life will reset to full, clearing the maintenance light.
Performing The Reset Procedure
Start with the ignition in the ON position, engine off. Find the correct button or knob for your model. Display the oil life percentage on the dashboard. Press and hold the button or knob until the number resets to 100%. Release the button and turn off the ignition. The oil life reset is now complete.

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Tips For Successful Oil Life Reset
Resetting the oil life on your Honda Civic is simple with the right approach. Following key tips ensures the process goes smoothly. Avoid mistakes that could prevent the reset or cause confusion later.
Below are important tips for a successful oil life reset. These help keep your Civic’s maintenance system accurate and reliable.
Avoid Starting Engine During Reset
Keep the engine off while resetting the oil life. Turn the ignition to ON, but do not start the engine. Starting the engine interrupts the reset process. This can cause the oil life to show incorrect readings. Stay patient and follow the steps carefully before starting your car.
Ensure Correct Menu Selection
Use the steering wheel buttons to find the right menu. Look for the wrench icon or “Maintenance Info” screen. Selecting the wrong menu stops the reset from working. Double-check the display before pressing the reset button. Clear menu selection saves time and prevents errors.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If the oil life does not reset, try these fixes. Turn the ignition off and on again, then repeat the reset steps. Check that your battery is charged, as low power can affect the system. Consult the owner’s manual for model-specific instructions. Persistent problems may need a visit to a mechanic.
When To Reset Oil Life Indicator
The oil life indicator on your Honda Civic helps track engine oil condition.
Resetting it at the right time keeps your car’s maintenance on schedule.
Ignoring this reset can cause inaccurate readings and missed oil changes.
After Oil Change
Reset the oil life indicator immediately after changing the oil.
This tells the system the engine has fresh oil and resets the countdown.
It ensures accurate monitoring for the next oil change interval.
After Maintenance Service
Reset the indicator after any maintenance involving oil or filter replacement.
Some services include oil system checks that require a reset.
Resetting helps keep track of the new service and prevents false alerts.
When Oil Life Percentage Reaches Zero
The oil life indicator shows a percentage that counts down with use.
Reset it as soon as it reaches zero to avoid engine damage.
Zero percent means the oil has lost its protective qualities and needs changing.

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Benefits Of Resetting Oil Life Indicator
Resetting the oil life indicator on your Honda Civic offers several benefits. It helps keep track of your vehicle’s maintenance needs. Accurate oil life readings promote timely oil changes. This simple task supports the overall health of your car.
Regular resets ensure that the indicator reflects the true condition of the oil. This prevents unnecessary oil changes and saves money. It also helps you avoid engine damage caused by delayed maintenance.
Accurate Maintenance Reminders
Resetting the oil life indicator gives precise alerts for oil changes. The system calculates oil life based on driving habits and engine use. Proper resets help the system provide reliable reminders. This keeps your maintenance schedule on track.
Accurate alerts prevent premature or late oil changes. You maintain the best oil quality for your engine at all times.
Improved Vehicle Performance
Fresh oil keeps engine parts lubricated and running smoothly. Resetting the oil life indicator encourages timely oil changes. Clean oil reduces engine wear and helps it run efficiently. This leads to better fuel economy and power.
Maintaining optimal oil life supports smooth acceleration and quiet operation. Your Civic performs at its best with proper oil care.
Extended Engine Life
Changing oil on time protects the engine from damage. Resetting the indicator ensures you never miss an oil change. Clean oil reduces friction and removes harmful deposits. This lowers engine wear and prevents costly repairs.
Regular maintenance extends the engine’s lifespan. Your Honda Civic stays reliable for many years with proper oil life resets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Reset Oil Life In A 2016 Honda Civic?
Turn the ignition to ON without starting the engine. Press the SEL/RESET button until oil life appears. Hold the button to reset. Wait for confirmation. Turn off ignition.
How To Reset Oil Life On Honda Civic 2007?
Turn the ignition to ON without starting the engine. Press the SEL/RESET button until oil life shows. Hold the button until the display resets to 100%. Turn off the ignition. Oil life reset is complete.
How To Reset Oil Life On Honda Civic 2019?
Turn ignition to ON without starting the engine. Use the SEL/RESET button to find the oil life display. Press and hold the button until the oil life resets to 100%. Turn off ignition. The oil life indicator now shows full reset.
How Do I Reset My Honda After An Oil Change?
Turn the ignition to ON without starting the engine. Press the Select/Reset button until “Engine Oil Life” appears. Hold the button to reset. Confirm the reset when prompted. Turn off the ignition. Your Honda’s oil life indicator is now reset.
How Do I Reset Oil Life On A Honda Civic?
Turn the ignition to ON without starting. Press the SEL/RESET button until oil life shows, then hold to reset.
Conclusion
Resetting the oil life on your Honda Civic keeps your engine healthy. Follow the simple steps carefully after each oil change. This ensures the oil life indicator shows the correct status. Checking and resetting oil life helps avoid engine problems.
Regular maintenance saves money and extends your car’s life. Stay on top of your Honda’s needs for smooth driving. Now, you can reset the oil life with confidence and ease.


