Ever get that annoying oil change light popping up on your Honda Pilot dashboard? We know it’s easy to ignore at first, but keeping your SUV in top shape is crucial. Resetting the oil change light is simple and should be done after every oil change. We’ve all been there, scratching our heads, wondering how to get rid of that light. Let’s walk through it together.
If you’re dealing with a 2006-2015 model Honda Pilot, you’ll find the Select/Reset button either on the dashboard near the fuel gauge or on the steering wheel. After turning the ignition on (not starting the engine), you need to toggle the button until you see the oil life percentage. Then, just press and hold it for about 10 seconds until the display starts to blink. Easy, right?
For newer models like the 2016-2018 Honda Pilot, the process is pretty similar. Turn the ignition on, find your Select/Reset button, and cycle through the options until you reach the oil life display. We’ve found it helpful to hold the button for a solid 10 seconds or until the maintenance items disappear. Just like that, your Honda Pilot will be ready for its next adventure without that pesky light making an appearance!
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Introduction
We’ve all been there. One day, you’re driving your Honda Pilot, enjoying the smooth ride, and then 🚨 – that pesky oil change light pops up on the dashboard. It’s like having a neon sign reminding you of overdue homework.
It’s essential not just for the vehicle but also for our peace of mind to address it. Regular routine maintenance keeps our V6 engine running smoothly. We know how critical it is to keep our car in good shape. This involves more than just changing the oil; it includes actions like rotating the tires and other necessary checks.
Changing the oil at home or the garage can save us time and money. Besides, it’s quite rewarding to maintain our vehicle ourselves. It’s all about ensuring our Honda Pilot remains in top shape and avoiding unexpected breakdowns.
Next time, when the oil maintenance light comes on, let’s roll up our sleeves, grab our tools 🔧, and get it done. Remember, a well-maintained car is a happy car, and a happy car means many miles of smooth journeys for us.
Locating the Oil Change Light Reset Button
First, let’s find the ignition switch. We insert the key and turn it to the “On” position, but we don’t start the engine. This ensures we’re ready to reset the maintenance light.
Next, the Select/Reset button can be spotted on either the instrument panel or the steering wheel. Trust us, this small button is quite the handy helper.
Now, press the Select/Reset knob repeatedly until “Engine Oil Life” is displayed on the multi-information display. This is like tuning a radio but simpler.
For different Honda Pilot models, you might see a wrench icon 🛠️ or the words “Engine Oil Life.” Both mean the same thing – the oil maintenance light you’re aiming to reset.
Finally, some models use an odometer button, usually near the speedometer. Press it until “oil life” pops up. Once “engine oil life” is blinking, hold the button for 10 seconds. You’ll thank us when the maintenance light resets.
It feels pretty satisfying to see the lights disappear, kind of like clearing a digital To-Do list! 🚗💡
That’s it! Locating the reset button is a breeze once you know where to look. Now you’re ready to get back on the road. Happy driving! 🏁
Step-by-Step Guide to Reset Oil Change Light
Let’s get your Honda Pilot’s oil change light reset with a few straightforward steps. These steps include turning on the ignition, pressing the reset button, releasing and holding the button again, and verifying the reset.
Turn On the Ignition
First, make sure the vehicle is parked. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the ON position, but don’t start the engine. This will light up the dashboard, giving us access to the vehicle’s settings. We’ve got to see those maintenance reminders before we can reset them.
Press the Reset Button
Next, we need to locate the Select/Reset button. This button can usually be found on the steering wheel or the dashboard. Press and hold this button until you see the oil life percentage or maintenance reminder start blinking.
Release and Hold Button
Once the light blinks, release the button. Then, press and hold the button again for several seconds. You should see the oil life percentage reset to 100%. This confirms that the vehicle’s oil life has been successfully reset.
Hold the button down until you are sure the oil life is reset to *100%*.
Verify the Reset
Finally, turn off the ignition and start the engine. Check the dashboard to make sure that the oil maintenance light no longer appears. This confirms that the reset was successful and our Honda Pilot’s oil life is back to 100%.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When resetting the oil change light on our Honda Pilot, sometimes we face issues. Let’s look at some common problems and how to solve them.
Maintenance Code Not Resetting
If the maintenance code doesn’t reset, it’s often because the hold time on the button wasn’t long enough. Press and hold the SELECT/RESET for 10-15 seconds.
Make sure the ignition is in the ON position, but don’t start the engine.
Multiple Maintenance Codes
Often, the Honda Maintenance Minder system shows multiple codes like A1, B1, or A123. Each code is for different tasks like tire rotation, transmission fluid, or brake fluid changes. Remember to reset each one after completing the task.
Sensor Issues
If the light doesn’t reset, there could be a sensor problem. It’s rare, but possible. May need to visit the dealership. A Honda technician can check the sensors and ensure they’re functioning properly.
Incorrect Oil Type
Using the wrong oil, like non-synthetic instead of 0W-20 synthetic oil, can cause maintenance issues. Always check your oil capacity and type recommended.
Display Not Showing Reset Option
If your display isn’t showing the reset option, make sure you’ve properly toggled through the maintenance info using the SELECT/RESET button. It might take a few tries.
Maintenance Minder System Glitch
Sometimes, the Minder system itself can glitch. If restarting doesn’t fix it, you may need a software update from the dealership.
Driving Habits
If the light comes on too soon after resetting, reflect on your driving habits. Short trips and city driving can lead to more frequent oil changes. Better to keep an eye on the oil pressure and level yourself.
Ambient Temperature and Weather
Extreme temperatures can also trigger maintenance alerts. The system accounts for ambient temperature. If it’s very cold or extremely hot, it’s normal for the Minder to prompt more frequent checks.
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