How to reset the maintenance reminder on an old Polo?
4 Answers
Resetting the maintenance reminder on an old Polo: First, turn the key to the OFF position, then press and hold the (maintenance reset button). While holding the button, turn the key to the ON position. Once the dashboard lights are all on, wait for a moment, release the button, and then press it twice quickly. This will display the mileage as zero. Below is some related information about the Polo: 1. The birth of the Polo: The Volkswagen Polo was introduced in 1975. Over the next 30 years, it went through five generations of product evolution, with total production exceeding 7 million units. It has long been the top-selling economical compact car in Germany. The Polo has consistently been regarded as a benchmark for reliability, comfort, and safety in the economical compact car segment. 2. Exterior and interior: The exterior is sporty and stylish, especially the headlights and LED side turn signals, which are now mainstream features. The interior is somewhat rough, a common issue with compact cars, but the new Cross model has seen significant improvements.
When I used to drive my old Polo, I often encountered the maintenance reminder light issue. Actually, it's quite simple to reset it yourself. First, turn off the ignition and leave the key untouched after the engine is off. Then, find a thin tool and press the trip button or settings button on the dashboard—the exact location depends on your model; for my 2005 version, it was the one at the lower left corner. Keep holding it down without releasing. Next, turn the key to the 'on' position, which is the pre-start position, but don't start the engine. Continue holding the button for about 20 seconds until you see the wrench icon disappear or the 'Service' light turns off. The whole process takes less than a minute, and you can get it done smoothly with practice. If the light remains on, it might be due to missed steps or a stuck button, so I recommend checking if the button is responsive. Personally, I suggest resetting it after every maintenance to avoid the reminder affecting your driving mood. Regular maintenance also helps your car run longer and prevents major repair troubles. If you can't remember the details, check the owner's manual—it usually has illustrated instructions. If you're still unsure, record a video and ask for help in your car enthusiast group.
As an ordinary car owner, I recommend this method to eliminate maintenance reminders, having tried it myself several times. Turn off the engine, then immediately press and hold the trip reset button on the dashboard—usually a small button on the panel. While holding it, gently turn the key to the accessory position without starting the car. Wait patiently for about 10 to 15 seconds until you see the warning light blink a few times and go off. If there's no response, it might be because the button wasn't pressed firmly enough or there's a minor issue with the car's electrical system. In that case, don't force it—just visit your local repair shop and ask a mechanic for help. They can resolve it quickly with a diagnostic tool. Personally, I reset the maintenance reminder as soon as it pops up to avoid the annoying alarm sound while driving. The key is to maintain proper service intervals—change the engine oil every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers—and not just reset the reminder without actual maintenance. Otherwise, the car's performance and fuel efficiency will deteriorate.
From a technical perspective, the maintenance reminder on older Polo models is based on an internal timer and is quite simple to reset. You can clear it by operating the dashboard buttons or using an OBD tool to reset the service counter. Specific method: After turning off the engine, hold down a specific button (such as the reset button), then turn the ignition to the ACC position, and wait for the reminder to disappear. Be careful not to press other buttons during the process to avoid interference. Understanding the principle helps in easily handling similar issues.
