How to Reset the Maintenance Reminder on the Car?
4 Answers
Maintenance reminder light reset method: After turning off the ignition switch, press and hold the trip meter reset button on the instrument cluster. While keeping the button pressed, turn on the ignition switch. The odometer display will start counting down. When the display shows 0000.0, release the button to reset the maintenance reminder light. Below is relevant information about the maintenance reminder light: 1. Function of the maintenance reminder light: The maintenance reminder light serves to alert the car owner that the vehicle requires maintenance. Car maintenance involves regular inspection, cleaning, replenishment, lubrication, adjustment, or replacement of certain parts as preventive measures, also known as vehicle servicing. 2. Maintenance reminder light reset method: After turning off the ignition switch, press and hold the trip meter reset button on the instrument cluster. While keeping the button pressed, turn on the ignition switch. The odometer display will start counting down. When the display shows 0000.0, release the button to reset the maintenance reminder light.
The maintenance reminder keeps flashing on the dashboard. I usually start by identifying the car model. For German cars like Volkswagen or BMW, the process is a bit more complicated: first, don’t start the engine, turn the key to the ACC position, then hold the reset button under the steering wheel for about ten seconds until the reminder disappears. Japanese cars like Toyota or Honda are simpler—just press and hold the ODO button on the odometer. But all of this assumes the maintenance has already been done; otherwise, clearing the reminder is pointless and could mask real issues like degraded oil or a clogged filter. Remember, procedures vary widely by brand, so checking the owner’s manual is the safest bet. There are plenty of online tutorials, but they come with risks—don’t experiment blindly. Regular maintenance is key; sticking to a schedule of every 5,000 km or six months can prevent the reminder from popping up repeatedly.
Having driven for over a decade, I always try the old trick when seeing maintenance reminders: hold down the dashboard reset button for a few seconds before starting the engine. This method works commonly for GM vehicles, and similar approaches apply to other models—just locate that tiny button precisely. If you fumble and forget the steps, no worries, just start over. Last time after clearing the reminder, I made sure to check the dipstick to confirm proper oil level, avoiding wasted effort and safety risks. Develop a habit of regularly checking fluids and tires, and you'll see fewer reminders needing reset. Remember, never clear reminders while driving; always perform the operation after parking and turning off the engine for safety.
Dismissing the maintenance reminder is really convenient. I usually just press the navigation keys on the left or right side of the steering wheel to operate. For newer models like those after 2020, simply select the maintenance reset option in the vehicle menu and confirm. It's just a reminder system, so don't stress too much, but make sure the maintenance has actually been done before dismissing it, otherwise going on a long trip could be risky. Older cars might have a rougher operation, but regular maintenance at the 4S store can help avoid reminder issues.
