Updated on May 2, 2022
The Oil Life indicator in a Honda Odyssey is an essential component of the car’s maintenance reminder system on the dashboard. When your Honda Odyssey has fresh engine oil, the Oil Life reading will show 100%. As you accumulate mileage, this percentage will gradually decrease.
When the Oil Life reaches 50%, it indicates that the oil is halfway through its lifespan. If you change your oil at home, you will need to know how to reset the Honda Odyssey oil light.
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What Does the Honda Odyssey Oil Life Light Do?
It’s vital to understand that the Oil Life light and the oil pressure light in a Honda Odyssey serve different purposes. The Oil Life indicator reflects the quality of the oil in your car and is a key part of the Honda’s maintenance reminder system.
When the Oil Life shows a percentage of 15%, it’s time to schedule a regular maintenance check and oil change for your Honda Odyssey. On the other hand, the oil pressure light should only illuminate on your car dashboard if there’s an actual problem. This warning light resembles a leaking oil can, and if it lights up, it should not be ignored. If the light flashes, it could indicate a temporary drop in oil pressure that has since been restored.
If the oil light remains constantly lit, you should immediately pull over your car when it’s safe to do so. A continuously illuminated oil pressure light could signal significant engine damage that requires immediate attention.
The Oil Life light can save Honda drivers hundreds of dollars in repairs by preventing serious engine damage caused by poor-quality oil. With the Oil Life indicator, you’ll always know precisely when your Honda Odyssey needs an oil change.
How to Reset the Honda Odyssey Oil Light
Resetting the oil light in a Honda Odyssey is a relatively simple process. However, the steps may vary depending on the specific model year. Whether you have a 1995 model or the most up-to-date Honda Odyssey, we’ll provide you with all the necessary information on how to reset the Oil Life light.
How to Reset the Honda Odyssey Oil Life on Older Models
If you have a 1995 – 2004 Honda Odyssey, follow these steps to reset the oil light. When your oil needs changing, the maintenance display will likely show ‘Maint Reqd’.
Step 1: To start the reset process, turn off the engine.
Step 2: Next, press and hold the Select/Reset button, located in the instrument panel of your Honda Odyssey.
Step 3: While holding down the Select/Reset button, turn the ignition to the ‘run’ position (the position just before fully starting your car).
Step 4: Keep holding the button down for 10 seconds, and the oil light should reset.
Step 5: Release the button and turn off the engine.
Step 6: Restart the car engine, and the reset process will be complete.
How to Reset the Honda Odyssey Oil Life on Models Made Between 2005 and 2017
When a 2005 to 2017 Honda Odyssey requires an oil change, a wrench-shaped light appears on the dashboard. After completing the maintenance work, you’ll need to reset this light. Here’s a guide on how to easily complete the procedure:
Step 1: Find the SEL/RESET button. In some Honda cars, the button is located on the steering wheel, while in other models, you can find it on the instrument panel near the fuel gauge.
Step 2: Turn the SEL/RESET button until you see the Oil Life percentage displayed.
Step 3: Once you have the Oil Life percentage on the screen, press and hold down the SEL/RESET button for 10 seconds. Wait for the screen to blink, and then release the button.
Step 4: Press and hold the SEL/RESET button again, this time for five seconds. The display should now show Oil Life 100%.
How to Reset Oil Life Light on Honda Odyssey 2018 to 2021 Models
As Honda has improved their Odyssey cars with each new model, the process of resetting the oil life light has slightly changed. In the newer Honda Odyssey cars, there are two methods you can use to reset the oil light: using the instrument panel or using the touch screen.
Let’s take a look at the two different ways to reset the Oil Life light.
Resetting Oil Life Light Using the Touch Screen
- Step 1: Tap ‘Settings’ on the touch screen menu.
- Step 2: Next, tap ‘Vehicle’ and then ‘Maintenance Information’.
- Step 3: Since you want to reset the Oil Life, tap ‘Oil & Filter’.
- Step 4: Tap ‘Reset’ and then tap ‘Reset’ again to confirm.
- Step 5: The Oil Life reading should now display 100%.
Resetting Oil Life Light Using the Instrument Panel
- Step 1: Set the power mode in your Honda Odyssey to ‘On’.
- Step 2: Next, find the ‘Enter’ button on the steering wheel until the home screen is displayed.
- Step 3: Using the up and down arrows, highlight the word ‘Maintenance’ on the menu, and then press ‘Enter’ to select this option.
- Step 4: Again, using the up and down arrows, select ‘Oil life’, and press ‘Enter’ to choose this option.
- Step 5: Press ‘Enter’ again and hold it down for 10 seconds.
- Step 6: Highlight and select ‘All Due Items’, then press and hold ‘Enter’ once more. Keep holding ‘Enter’ until a message appears on the screen confirming the reset is complete.
FAQs
Q: What Does Honda Oil Light Mean?
The Oil Life light in a Honda serves to prevent people from driving their Honda with low-quality oil in the engine. The displayed percentage does not indicate the remaining quantity of oil in the car, but rather the remaining life of the oil. It reminds you when your car will need an oil change. For example, if the Oil Life says 15%, it means an oil change will be necessary soon. If it reaches 5%, it’s time for an oil change. Ignoring the percentage and letting it drop to 0% would mean your car is overdue for an oil change and at risk of damage.
Q: How Often Does a Honda Odyssey Need an Oil Change?
A Honda Odyssey typically needs an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles if you use conventional oil. However, if your car uses synthetic oil, the oil change interval can be extended to every 7,500 miles.
Q: Does Honda Recommend Synthetic Oil?
Although petroleum-based motor oils are used during the development, testing, and certification of all Honda engines, Honda states that synthetic oil can also be used. However, it’s crucial to follow the recommended time interval (every 7,500 miles) for changing the oil when using synthetic oil in a Honda Odyssey.
Q: How Do You Check the Oil in a Honda Odyssey?
To check the oil in a Honda Odyssey, pop the hood and locate the bright handle of the dipstick (usually orange). Pull out the dipstick carefully and wipe it clean with an old cloth or rag.
Insert the dipstick all the way back into the engine, then remove it again without turning it upside down. Observe where the oil and the dry part of the stick meet. If the joining point is between the two dots/lines at the bottom of the dipstick, the oil levels are fine. If the oil does not reach above the line/dot at the bottom, you’ll need to add more oil to the engine.
Q: How to Reset Oil Life on Honda Odyssey 2020?
To reset the Oil Life on a Honda Odyssey 2020, you can use either the touch screen or the instrument panel. For the touch screen method, select ‘Settings’, ‘Vehicle’, ‘Maintenance Information’, ‘Oil & Filter’, and then tap ‘Reset’ twice.
Conclusion
The Oil Life light in a Honda Odyssey is a crucial part of the car’s maintenance reminder system. It informs drivers about the remaining life of their engine oil. When the Oil Life displays 15%, it’s time to book your car for an oil change.
Always remember to reset the Oil Life after an oil change to ensure accurate readings. Whether you have a 1995 Honda Odyssey or a shiny new 2021 model, this article provides all the information you need on how to reset the oil light. We hope you found it helpful.
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