2 Ways To Reset Oil Life On Honda CR-V (2012-2016)

Last Updated on July 14, 2022 by Nick

How you doin’ Honda lovers? Here we have a 2015 Honda CR-V, and I’m going to be showing you how to reset the oil life. There are two different methods to do this, and I’m not sure that all vehicles have the second method, so I’ll show you both.

By the way, this reminder comes on every ten to fifteen thousand miles. It will blink for about five, think probably 2,500 miles, and go off, and then finally it will come on. It’ll stay on until you take it to a dealership or garage that knows how to turn it off after they’ve done the regular maintenance for the mileage interval. So let’s get right up in this.

How To Reset Oil Life/Service Light On Honda CR-V (2012-2016)

The Easy Way To Reset Oil Life in Honda CR-V (2012-2016)

The first method is by viewing the on-screen display here in the center of the speedometer and using the reset button up here in the corner. So all you got to do is:

  • Put the key in the ignition and turn it to the on position
  • Then hit the RESET button to cycle through the menu and get the OIL LIFE
honda maintenance service oil life reset
  • Once you get there you’re going to hold the RESET button down until the oil life starts to blink and it might take a while so just be patient
  • Once it starts flashing you can remove your finger and hold it down again to reset the oil life

Resetting Oil Life With Steering Button

Time needed: 3 minutes

The other method is using this second screen here in the center of the dash along with these buttons over to the left-hand side of the steering wheel. So the first step you need to do is:

  1. Turn on your car without starting the engine

    The first thing you want to do is press the power button twice and do not put your foot on the brake. Or if you have the key variant turn it twice but do not start the vehicle

  2. Press the MENU button

    Then come over to the left side of the steering wheel and you just hit the MENU button
    service oil minder light reset

  3. Go to the VEHICLE INFORMATION

    Next, go up to Vehicle Information by using the + button and hit Source to enter

  4. Select MAINTENANCE INFO

    After that, select the Maintenance Info by using the same button

  5. Press the SOURCE button on the OIL LIFE

    Make sure you’re on the OIL LIFE and then press the source button again to get the reset option

  6. Select YES

    It’ll ask you if you want to reset it, press the – button to highlight YES and press Source to confirm it

How Accurate is the Honda Oil Life Indicator?

One of the most common questions is how accurate the Honda CR-V oil life indicator is? The answer is that it is 100% correct when the engine oil is new. But once it starts to age, the percentage drops. While most manufacturers recommend changing oil every three to five thousand miles, it is best to change it at least once a year. This article will explain how to reset the Honda oil life indicator. Also, learn why you should check the oil level in your vehicle at least once a year.

100% accurate when engine oil is fresh

If your Honda has an oil life indicator, you will know when it’s time to change it. This system measures oil life, not oil level. It’s part of Honda’s maintenance minder system, which helps you avoid spending money on unnecessary oil changes. The oil life indicator lights up when the quality of your engine oil has dramatically declined. Changing your oil regularly is one of the best ways to keep your engine running smoothly. You can also use it to keep track of your car’s mileage and see when you need to change the oil.

The Honda CRV oil life indicator is 100% accurate when your engine oil is new. As your car ages, it loses its life percentage. After 3,000 miles, you will only have 40% oil life left. Changing your oil at 5,000 miles or less is not a cause for alarm. In general, you should change your oil every thousand miles or so. However, you don’t have to worry if your Honda oil life indicator is at 5%. The recommended interval is 3,000 miles.

Doesn’t sense vehicle’s oil level

If you notice that your car’s engine’s oil level light is on even though the oil is complete, you may have a problem with your oil level sensor. The oil level sensor is designed to warn you if your engine’s oil pressure drops below a specific level. However, if the sensor is damaged or malfunctioning, it may not trigger the correct warning lights. In this case, the next step is to get your car checked by a mechanic.

Most cars have an oil pressure gauge showing how much oil is in the engine. When the level drops, the pressure will drop in kind. The oil level will then show on a dashboard warning light, informing the driver of the low level. Oil levels must remain above a certain level because it could damage gaskets and rings, posing a fire hazard. Fortunately, there are now more convenient and intuitive methods to check the oil level than relying on the accuracy of a traditional level sensor.

You should check it at least once a year

Your Honda CRV has an oil life indicator that shows the percentage of life left in the engine’s oil. This is a valuable part of your Honda’s maintenance reminder system. When your Honda is brand new, the oil life indicator shows 100%, but it drops over time as you drive. A low indicator means that only 15 percent of the oil’s life is left. If the indicator drops below 50%, you should replace the oil immediately.

Regular oil changes keep your Honda CR-V’s engine cool and lubricated. The lubricating oil prevents friction and overheating, resulting in a smoother and more efficient ride. Changing your Honda oil more frequently also leads to cleaner tailpipe emissions. Performing routine oil changes also allows you to do general car maintenance. Regular checks catch problems before they cause further damage and make your Honda unusable.

Can be reset

If you’ve recently had your Honda CR-V’s oil change, you’ve probably noticed that the oil life indicator has stopped working. However, there’s no need to worry because there’s a simple solution. You can reset your Honda CR-V oil life indicator yourself. This will return your engine oil life to 100%. The only difference between unused and full oil is the percentage displayed, so it’s a simple process you can do yourself.

FAQ – Honda CR-V Oil Service

In this section, we will discuss frequently asked questions and myths surrounding engine oil. So let’s dive right in.

I put 0W-20 in one of my cars. What does that combination of letters and numbers mean?

Let’s discuss what multi-grade viscosity means. So, the 0 is the viscosity grade when it is cold. So, remember the W stands for winter. The 20 is the viscosity grade at the engine’s operating temperature. Engines work at around 212°F (100°C).

Why should I change my oil?

When a motor burns fuel, it breaks down the motor oil. When you change your oil, you get rid of harmful contaminants and add back any missing additives.

What is the typical composition of motor oil?

The motor oil will be about 75-90% base oil, depending on the formulation. The other 10-25% will be additives. So the base oil determines the fundamental properties of the motor oil, and the additives help to enhance the base oil, help to protect the base oil, and help to protect the mechanical equipment.

Okay, now you mentioned oil additives. Are aftermarket oil additives something I should be using?

No! Branded products already contain carefully balanced additives for optimal performance. And I’m sure you can apply that same logic to many oil brands out there.

So those are the two ways to reset the oil life on the Honda CR-V (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 model years). I hope this content helped you out. Suppose it did; please like and share. So thanks for your time, and have a good day.

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