Steps to Reset the Honda Accord Service Interval Light (2013-2018)
Press the start button twice without your foot on the brake to put the Honda Accord into run mode. (engine off)
Press the TRIP button until the Oil Life Percentage is shown on the display screen.
Once the Oil Life Percentage is displayed, HOLD down the TRIP button until the display screen begins to flash.
While flashing, take your finger off of the trip button for a second, then push and hold the TRIP button back down until the display screen stops flashing and the Oil Life percentage sets to 100%.
The 2013-2018 Honda Accord Service Required Maintenance reminder should only be reset after changing the oil and oil filter on the car.
Why It's Important to Reset the Honda Accord Oil Life Light
Resetting the oil life indicator on your Honda Accord is crucial for monitoring when it’s time for oil changes and assessing the condition of the engine’s oil, as well as knowing when you’re due for your next service. Additionally, keeping a personal log for each oil change and service by compiling all necessary service records is recommended – consider organizing them in a folder or a similar system. This practice ensures optimal maintenance of your Honda and serves as proof of consistent upkeep, beneficial should you decide to sell the car later.
Honda Accord Oil Type and Quantity
The 2013-2018 Honda Accord requires 4.4 Quarts of 0W-20 Synthetic oil.
How Often Should You Change the Oil on Your Honda Accord?
It’s advisable to change the oil in your Honda Accord every 3,000 miles. Despite some professionals, service centers, and dealerships suggesting extended intervals between oil changes, adhering to the 3,000-mile frequency is essential. Regularly maintaining this schedule is crucial for maintaining your Honda Accord’s engine performance and averting various potential issues. Changing the oil consistently not only keeps the engine running well but when a vehicle is serviced, the entire car is looked over for potential problems. This can help in finding small problems before they become big problems.
What to Do If the Honda Accord Service Reset Procedure Does Not Work?
Should you face difficulties in resetting the oil life percentage on your Honda Accord, try starting the process over. Shut off the engine and the ignition, then initiate the reset sequence anew. Before beginning, ensure that the hood and all doors are securely closed.
Why is the Service Maintenance Light Still On After An Oil Change?
Once you’ve finished an oil change in your Honda Accord the oil life percentage must be reset. Just changing the oil and filter doesn’t automatically reset the maintenance indicator. If the service reminder in your Honda is still on after the oil change, it typically means the reset of the indicator was overlooked during the oil change process.
General Honda Accord Maintenance Tips
Check Tire Pressure and Tire Tread
Find the suggested tire pressure for your Honda Accord by looking at the white or yellow label on the door panel, visible when you open the driver’s side door. Inflate the tires when they are cold to avoid overinflation, which means either waiting three hours after the vehicle has last been driven or inflating the tires before driving. To assess the tread wear on each tire, you can use the penny test or a tread depth gauge.
Rotate Your Tires
We recommend rotating the Honda Accord tires every other oil change, (if you are changing your oil at our recommended 3,000 mile interval) or every 6,000 miles.
Check the Coolant Level
Inspect the coolant level to confirm it falls within the appropriate range in the coolant reservoir, which is above the minimum mark and below the maximum mark. Using a flashlight might help you see more clearly inside the coolant container. Given that the coolant system is sealed, a notably low coolant level may indicate a leak. Perform a pressure test on the system to identify any potential leaks.
Check the Brake Pads and Rotors
Examine the thickness of the brake pads on both the front and rear brakes of your Honda Accord, ensuring they retain sufficient brake pad material. Use a brake pad measuring tool for a precise thickness evaluation. Also, check the rotors for signs of rust or irregularities. If your Honda Accord is raised on a jack or lift, manually turn each wheel (with the parking brake off) to ensure they rotate freely. Any sign of resistance on a wheel could signal a problem with the brake caliper or stuck slider pins within the caliper.
Check Brake Fluid Reservoir
Keeping the Honda Accord brake fluid reservoir full at all times is crucial. A notably low level of brake fluid typically suggests there’s a leak in the system. If you find the fluid level is low, refill the brake fluid reservoir and then inspect the brake calipers and lines for any signs of leaking.
Check Washer Fluid Level
Top up your washer fluid reservoir. In the winter months, opt for a washer fluid that contains antifreeze to prevent it from freezing in the container.
Check the Engine and Cabin Air Filters
Open up the air filter box in your Honda Accord and remove the air filter. Clean it with compressed air, with a vacuum, or by shaking off dirt and debris if it appears dirty. Replace it with a new one if it’s excessively dirty. If it’s clean, simply reinsert it. Remember, there’s also a cabin air filter behind the glove box which cleans the air inside the cabin. Check this filter and replace it if it’s dirty or has not been changed previously.
Check the Power Steering Fluid
Make sure the power steering fluid in your Honda Accord reaches the full mark on the reservoir. If the fluid level is low, it could indicate a leak. In this case, top up the fluid and then check the power steering lines for any evidence of leaks.
Benefits of Regular Oil Changes
In my decade of experience as an automotive technician, working in both dealerships and private garages, I have noticed that vehicles that skip or miss regular maintenance are more prone to frequent and severe issues. Even though some car makers recommend oil change intervals of 5,000 to 20,000 miles, my professional advice for the Honda Accord is to change the oil every 3,000 miles regardless of Honda’s own recommendations. This practice is key to maintaining the vehicle’s peak performance and durability. Frequent oil changes can reduce engine wear, potentially enhancing fuel efficiency by up to 2%. It also helps the engine to run cleaner, which is vital for avoiding the accumulation of damaging deposits that can shorten the engine’s life.