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How To Reset The Honda Pilot Oil Life Maintenance Light

The Honda Pilot was first introduced in 2002 as the largest mid-sized crossover SUV from the brand, featuring three-row seating. It is a popular choice as the unibody construction and independent suspension are designed to provide handling similar to a car with the ability to allow towing and even some off-road use.

With several models and display options available over the years, you may struggle to find correct information on how to reset the oil maintenance light on your Honda Pilot. This article will cover everything you need to know about how to reset the Honda Pilot’s oil life maintenance codes, as well as some handy how-to guides. 

2019-2022 Maintenance Code Meanings

As well as resetting the oil light, many Honda Pilot owners struggle to decipher the meaning behind the maintenance codes on their dash. These codes can sometimes be signaling something as simple as a spark plug in need of replacement, but this doesn’t mean these codes should be ignored.

With aspects such as low engine coolant levels being alerted through these codes, long-term disregard could seriously cost you and cause long-term damage to your vehicle. 

Here’s an easy guide to the meaning behind your Honda Pilot Maintenance Codes:

Main codes

A: Replace engine oil

B:

  • Replace engine oil and oil filter.
  • Inspect front and rear brakes.
  • Check parking brake adjustment.
  • Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots.
  • Inspect suspension components.
  • Inspect drive shaft boots.
  • Inspect brake hoses and lines.
  • Inspect all fluid levels and conditions.
  • Inspect exhaust system.
  • Inspect fuel connections and lines.

Sub Codes

How To Reset The Honda Pilot Oil Life Maintenance Light

1: Rotate Tires.

2:

  • Replace the air cleaner element.
  • Replace dust and pollen filter.
  • Inspect drive belt.

3: Replace transmission fluid and transfer fluid.

4:

  • Replace spark plugs.
  • Replace the timing belt and inspect the water pump.
  • Inspect valve clearance.

5: Replace engine coolant.

6: Replace Rear Differential fluid.

7: Replace brake fluid.

How To Reset The Honda Pilot Oil Life Maintenance Light

The variety of upgrades and features that have come over the years have transformed the Honda Pilot and made it into a highly favorable SUV that delivers on several fronts making it a firm favorite.

But resetting the oil life maintenance can become a confusing task especially as it is an essential reminder that should only be performed when you are certain your engine oil is at a safe level. Here is a step-by-step process on how to reset the Oil Maintenance Light on your Honda Pilow from 2003 up to the newest 2022 mode.

2003-2005 Models

On these older models of the Honda Pilot, you will see a Maint Reqd light illuminate when your vehicle is due to have an oil change. Clearing it is a simple task:

  1. Turn your ignition switch to OFF.
  2. Locate the Select/Reset button on your instrument panel.
  3. Whilst holding this button, turn your ignition On without starting the engine.
  4. Hold the button for 10 seconds until the indicator has reset.

2006-2015 Models

How To Reset The Honda Pilot Oil Life Maintenance Light

A wrench icon will appear on your dashboard for these models, indicating an oil change is required.

  1. Locate your Select/Reset button on your vehicle. This will either be a stem button on your display near the fuel gauge or steering wheel.
  2. Turn your ignition ON without starting your engine up.
  3. Toggle the Select/ Reset button to display Oil Life %.
  4. When displayed, press and hold the Select/ Reset button for 10 seconds until the screen blinks.
  5. Release the button, then press and hold Select/Reset again for 5 seconds until the code disappears. 

2016-2018 Models

  1. Without starting your engine, turn your power on.
  2. Go to Home > Settings > Vehicle > Maintenance Info.
  3. Press and hold the Reset button to enter the reset mode.
  4. Using the arrow buttons, toggle the selection to Reset.
  5. Press the Reset button.

2019-2021 Models

On these models, oil reminders can appear in several ways, all of which alert you that the oil life value needs maintenance.

  1. Turn the power on without enabling the engine.
  2. Go into Home> Settings> Vehicle > Maintenance Info > Oil Life.
  3. Press and hold Enter for more than 10 seconds to enter reset mode.
  4. Use the arrows to toggle Oil Life then press Enter.

2022 Models

  1. Start your ignition.
  2. Press Home to bring up your main menu.
  3. Scroll down to Maintenance and select this section.
  4. Select Oil Life then press and hold enter until your display changes into reset mode.
  5. Select the item you want to reset or use the handy All Due Items button to reset all maintenance items and remove the warning reminders on your vehicle.

FAQs

How often does a Honda Pilot need an oil change?

Oil intervals are recommended every year or 7,500 miles on your Honda Pilot.

How To Reset The Honda Pilot Oil Life Maintenance Light

Can you just add oil instead of changing it?

Without removing the old oil, your engine could face further issues as the used oil won’t be removed for the new oil to properly lubricate your engine parts and could lead to seizing and serious damage over time. 

Why is my oil light flashing on my Honda?

If your oil light is flashing instead of being consistently illuminated this is a sign your oil pressure dropped for a moment and recovered. If it stays on this means you have lost oil pressure and should not continue use until you can get your vehicle assessed by a garage.

What year is the most reliable Honda Pilot?

With so many models of the Honda Pilot available it can be hard to pick the most reliable of these vehicles, especially with them being a popular family car option due to their roomy interior and easy handling. Many reviews and users have reported that the 2008 and 2015 models have been the most reliable, whilst still maintaining all the features that are most desirable in this vehicle. 

What does a wrench light mean on a Honda Pilot?

The Honda Pilot will illuminate a yellow wrench symbol on your dashboard any time your vehicle requires routine maintenance. Routine maintenance is an essential way of ensuring your Honda Pilot will perform to the expected high standards and not leave your vehicle damaged.

Conclusion

Proper levels and pressures of your engine oil are one of the key ways in which you can ensure your vehicle runs properly and you gain the best performance from your Honda Pilot over the years.

The oil life feature is a fantastic way to monitor the level and condition of your engine oil without having to constantly check under the hood. If you repeatedly encounter this warning light it may be a sign that your sensor is damaged and you should seek a replacement to avoid any further frustration.

We hope this article has given you all the information you need to reset your illuminated oil maintenance reminder light from your dashboard and keep your vehicle running smoothly.