Honda Maintenance Codes: Why They Pop Up & How to Clear

What Are Honda Maintenance Minder Codes?

Honda Maintenance Minder codes are alphanumeric codes that indicate which service your car needs. For example, Honda B1 service implies that your car needs an oil and filter change along with a tire check.  

The Honda Maintenance Minder system generates these codes when the sensors detect low oil levels, tire problems, brake issues, or other abnormalities.

When the code activates, you’ll notice a “WRENCH” symbol with the message “Service Due Soon” and “code A” or “code B” behind the steering wheel. 

How to Interpret Honda Maintenance Minder Codes

Maintenance codes across Honda models follow a similar format: 

• A maintenance message shows engine oil life and alerts you when service is due. 
• A main item like “A” or “B” tells you the type of service needed. 
• A sub-item, ranging from 0 to 7, signals the specific service, like tire rotation, you require.  

Let’s explore them further.

A. Honda Maintenance Messages 

The Maintenance Minder tracks engine oil life and displays these oil warnings on your Honda vehicle dashboard:

1. Oil Life 15%: This indicates that service is due soon, and it’s the right time to schedule service with your Honda dealer.

2. Oil Life 5%: This indicates that the service is due now. Book an appointment with your service center ASAP.

3. Oil Life 0%: This signals that the oil level is extremely low, and the service is past due. You’ll also see how many miles you’ve gone past the recommended scheduled maintenance. To avoid potential engine damage, you should immediately take your vehicle for service. 

B. Maintenance Main Item (Characters)

Along with the oil warning, your car will display two main Honda service codes, indicating the general type of maintenance needed. : 

1. Service A: Change engine oil and filter.

2. Service B: Replace the engine oil and filter. Inspect the front and rear brakes, adjust the parking brake, or check the brake components in depth.

C. Maintenance Sub-Item (Numbers)

The main Honda service codes are also followed by one or more of the following subcodes: 

• 0: Do a multi-point inspection
• 1: Perform tire rotation
• 2: Replace the engine and cabin air filters
• 3: Replace the transmission fluid
• 4: Replace spark plugs, timing belt, and adjust valves
• 5: Replace the engine coolant
• 6: Replace rear differential fluid (if equipped)
• 7: Replace brake fluid with a new batch

To ensure you’re reading the service code correctly, let’s look at the example of code B127, where: 

• Code B or Service B: Indicates it’s time to change the oil and filter, as well as perform other system checks
• 1: This means you need to check the tire’s condition and get a rotation
• 2: Signals that the engine and cabin air filter require replacement
• 7: Implies that your car needs new brake fluid 

If you’re still uncertain how to decode a maintenance main item or its corresponding maintenance sub-item, check the Honda info center website or contact a mechanic.

Is It Necessary to Follow the Honda Maintenance Minder Schedule?

Yes, adhering to scheduled maintenance is vital for all Honda cars, especially older and pre-owned vehicles. 

Honda Maintenance Minder System reminds you about upcoming services that will keep your car running without the risk of engine overheating or other potential damage. 

Getting timely repairs from a service center guarantees:

• Extended vehicle lifespan and reliability
• Improved engine performance
• Reduced repair and maintenance costs
• Higher resale value and stronger warranty coverage

How Do You Reset Honda Maintenance Codes?

The codes should typically clear after the maintenance service. If it’s still on, you can reset it in a few steps. However, since these steps differ between models, it’s best left to a professional. 

If you still wish to go ahead, let’s check out how it’s done. 

A. Newer Car Models

Resetting the service code in newer Honda cars involves the following steps:

1. Turn the key in the ignition to “ON” with the engine off. 
2. Navigate the Maintenance Minder screen using the steering wheel buttons. 
3. Press and hold the “ENTER” button until the display blinks. 
4. Choose the “RESET” option and click. 

B. Older Car Models 

Here’s how a mechanic will clear the code in older cars:

1. Turn the key in the ignition to “ON” with the engine off.
2. Push the trip reset button with the label “SEL/RESET” near the odometer display for 10 seconds until the display blinks. 
3. Press the button again to confirm the reset.

If the service code still doesn’t clear, refer to the Honda info center website or call a mobile mechanic for further assistance.

When to Get a Honda Maintenance Code Service?

Here are some of the required maintenance and inspections for specific intervals for all new or pre-owned vehicles: 

A. At 7,500 / 22,500 / 37,500 / 52,500 / 67,500 / 82,500 miles

At these intervals, your Honda vehicle will benefit from the following routine or express service:

• Check and replace fluids
• Change the oil filter and perform an oil change 
• Check tire treads and tire pressure
• Rotate tires
• Conduct a brake inspection
• Lubricate the throttle linkage

B. At 15,000 / 45,000 / 75,000 / 105,000 miles

From in-depth checks to bulb repairs, services you must get around these intervals include: 

• Lubricate the chassis and all hinges
• Check spark plugs and order parts as needed
• Assess the AC and heater operation
• Service transmission
• Check the interior and exterior lights
• Inspect the steering system 

C. At 30,000 / 60,000 / 90,000 / 120,000 miles

For long-lasting engine performance, schedule these services according to the intervals mentioned above:

• Inspect the fuel system
• Lubricate wheel bearings
• Check the battery and clean the terminals
• Perform road tests to check for issues

What Preventive Services Should You Get Outside the Honda Codes?

While you stick to the recommended routine maintenance, make sure to: 

• Book a yearly oil change if the “Maintenance Due Now” message doesn’t appear for more than 12 months after being reset. 

• Swap out the cabin air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles if you drive in industrial areas with heavy soot, dust, and pollen.

• Replace your brake fluid every two years or 30,000 miles.

Honda Maintenance Near Me

Whether you need express service for a flat tire or a timing belt replacement, our service department can book your slot with our mechanics. AutoNation Mobile Service experts can perform routine maintenance or urgent repairs for various Honda models across different cities, including: 

Arizona

• Phoenix, AZ
• Mesa, AZ

California

• Los Angeles, CA
• Sacramento, CA
• San Diego, CA
• San Jose, CA

Florida

• Jacksonville, FL
• Miami, FL
• Tampa, FL

Georgia

• Atlanta, GA
• Savannah, GA

Illinois

• Chicago, IL
• Aurora, IL

Nevada

• Las Vegas, NV
• Henderson, NV

Texas

• Houston, TX
• San Antonio, TX

Want more information about Honda repairs?
Fill out the form at the top of the page with your car details as well as contact information, and our service department will answer your queries.