Description
Reset Maintenance Reminder System
What is resetting the maintenance reminder system all about?
A maintenance reminder indicator comes up on nearly all modern vehicles’ instrument clusters when a maintenance service is due.
Each manufacturer has slightly different criteria to determine when the indicator illuminates. Common criteria include: distance traveled, number of hours the engine has run, and operating conditions.
The maintenance reminder is usually reset by pressing a button or through a combination of actions, such as pressing the pedal while turning the key in the ignition. Some vehicles are equipped with a simple button in the fuse access panel. Other cars allow you to alter the setting to allow you to account for oil quality and other factors.
Some reasons the reminder may come on prematurely or fail to illuminate include: a faulty speedometer/dash input, a fault dash bulb, or an incorrect setting that was programmed.
For example, if you purchased a vehicle and the setting is set to 5,000 kilometres and you use an oil that’s rated for 8,000, your system will not know of the difference and it will keep reminding you every 8,000 kilometres until the setting has been updated. At the same time, if the car is programmed for a service every 6,500 kilometres, and you get an oil change at 5,000 kilometres, it is possible for a mechanic to forget to reset the maintenance reminder, in which case the light would illuminate 1,600 kilometres after the oil change. In these scenarios, the reminder system would be inaccurate.
Keep in mind:
- Your maintenance interval will be inaccurate if you reset your maintenance reminder without performing your scheduled service.
- Your maintenance interval will be inaccurate your maintenance reminder is not reset after a service even if the reminder did not display at the time.
- Some manufacturers allow you to adjust the reminder interval. It is not recommended you do this without first consulting a professional mechanic.
- Always have a second (backup) method of reminding yourself when the next maintenance is due.
How it’s done:
- The vehicle is connected to the proper scan tool as required
- The maintenance system is accessed as per the manufacturer’s recommendations
- The maintenance reminder system is reset as per manufacturer’s recommendations
- The ignition is turned off and back on to verify the maintenance reminder has been reset
- The vehicle is checked for proper operation and scanner is removed
Our recommendation:
Use a second method of tracking your next service, such as placing an oil change sticker on your windshield, or tracking your maintenance history through a Fixxr online account. If the light is not coming on, or if it comes on too early, have a mechanic diagnose your vehicle and reset the reminder.
What are the common symptoms indicating you need to reset the maintenance reminder system?
- The maintenance reminder turns on before you are due for a service.
- You are well past your service interval and the reminder hasn’t displayed.
How important is this service?
The maintenance reminder is a convenience item and is strictly a guidelinace for the timing of your next service. If this reminder system is faulty, monitor your vehicle maintenance schedule manually until it is fixed and have your regular maintenance services performed accordingly.
