How to Reset a Honda Civic Oil Light

by Alastair | Last Updated: July 22, 2023

As an owner of a Honda Civic, you get to enjoy a popular and reliable vehicle that will last for years to come. However, in order to keep your Honda Civic running well, you need to perform regular maintenance. This includes changing the oil and resetting the oil life light. Today, you will be shown the process for how to reset a Honda Civic oil light in models from different years. Let’s get started.

(And yes, it’s a little different from resetting a Honda Accord oil light!)

How to Reset a Honda Civic Oil Light in Older Models

Resetting the oil light in a Honda Civic is a simple process, but it can vary depending on the model and year of your vehicle. Let’s first look at older Honda Civic models:

Pre-2006 Honda Civic Oil Life Reset

For models before 2010, this is the method you will most likely need to follow:

1. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position without starting the engine.
2. Locate the reset button, which is often located beneath the dashboard on the driver’s side. It may be a small black button or a pinhole.
3. Press and hold the reset button for approximately 10-15 seconds.
4. Release the reset button. The oil light should start flashing or turn off, indicating that the reset was successful.
5. Turn off the ignition and wait for a few seconds. Start the engine to confirm that the oil light no longer appears on the dashboard.

Take a look at this video if you need a visual:

2010-2016 Honda Civic Oil Life Reset

Models between 2010-2016 had a variety of dashboards and ways to get into the menu. Depending on the trim, there is a chance that you may have to look at the pre-2006 steps in order to reset the oil light. Here are the steps for resetting the 2010-2016 Honda Civic oil life lights:

1. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position without starting the engine.
2. Locate the “SEL/RESET” button on the instrument cluster.
3. Press the “SEL/RESET” button repeatedly until the oil life indicator is displayed on the dashboard.
4. Press and hold the “SEL/RESET” button for approximately 10 seconds until the oil life indicator starts flashing.
5. Release the “SEL/RESET” button and then press and hold it again for about five seconds. The oil life indicator should reset to 100%.

How to Reset a Honda Civic Oil Light in Newer Models

In many newer Honda Civic models, including the late-2010s, the menu button on the steering wheel is often represented by an “i” symbol rather than the word “MENU.” The exact appearance may vary slightly between different trim levels or within a region. The location of the button remains the same, usually on the left side of the steering wheel.

2018-Present Honda Civic Oil Light Reset

To reset the oil life light in 2018+ models:

1. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position without starting the engine.
2. Locate the MENU or “i” on the steering wheel.
3. Press the “i” button repeatedly until you see the “Settings” menu on the multi-information display.
4. Use the arrow buttons on the steering wheel to navigate to the “Maintenance” or “Vehicle Settings” option and press the “OK” or “Enter” button.
5. Scroll down to the “Oil Life” option using the arrow buttons and press the “OK” or “Enter” button again.
6. Select “Reset” and press the “OK” or “Enter” button once more to confirm. The oil life indicator should reset to 100%.

Now You Know How to Reset a Honda Civic Oil Light

Learning how to rest a Honda Civic oil light is just another part of basic maintenance. It is a straightforward process, but it varies slightly depending on the model and year you own. By following the sequences detailed in this article, you should have no problem resetting the oil light in your Honda Civic. With that, you can accurately track oil life and maintain the optimal performance of your vehicle.