Car question

[sphinctor]

My wife has a 2001 Honda Civic, and it just turned over 10,000 miles Friday. Imediately after, the "Maintenance Required" light comes on and stays on. I know this is just to get me to take it in and pay $60-$100 to get it reset (or to check the engine out to see if anything needs done {yeah right}). There has to be a way to reset this without taking it in to the dealer and get robbed of my money. Does anyone here know how to do this that will not do harm to the vehicle or void the warranty? Is it as simple as disconnecting the battery?


Thanks in advance if someone knows the answer to this.

 

[dullard]

My 2002 Honda Civic has this step listed in the owners manual. I can get the info for you tomorrow (I assume it is the same with the 2001 model, since they are nearly identical). Of course you will probably find the answer out yourself before then. It has something to do with the key in the ignition...

 

[sphinctor]

You mean I have to read the book? Aww man!!

OK, I will check that out when I get home. I never even imagined it would be in there actually.

Thanks!

 

[bozo1]

Some of the later model Hondas let you reset with the ignition key, some of them had a button (somewhere under the dash near the center of the console, little button in a screwhole) and some required reset via a scan tool. Don't know which years had what, tho.

 

[rootaxs]

There's a recessed button where the guages are (if i remember correctly it's right beside the Trip guage reset thingy). Push it using your key and the red "Maintenance Required" signal will go back to green.

At least that's how it was with the 2000 Civic. Dunno with the 2001.

 

[dullard]

<< You mean I have to read the book? Aww man!!

OK, I will check that out when I get home. I never even imagined it would be in there actually.

Thanks! >>



It would be unethical for Honda to require you to get it checked at Honda. Thus they need some method of telling other mechanics how to turn that light off. You might even do the inspection yourself if you know a lot about cars, thus it should be in the owners manual.

To me, a small fee is not too bad considering the problems that may occur if you don't change the oil in your car, neglect the engine, never refill fluids, etc. It is just part of the cost of owning a car. However Honda Civics are the most reliable small cars, so maybe you can get away with doing no maintenance.

 

[Tominator]

The light is there to remind you to get your emission system checked at a set interval. Any shop can reset it, but just pull the bulb.....

 

[PsychoAndy]

where's mastertech when ya need him?

 

[SCSIfreek]

Most likely you'll be able to do it yourself with a key. but 10,000 miles services are required trust me. unless you know of someone who could service your car for you.


--SCSI

 

[Emulex]

dizzam honda doesn't pay for your free service?? thats cheezy for sheezy

 

[dullard]

I looked in my 2002 manual, here is what it says:

1) turn off the engine
2) press and hold the trip mileage selector/reset button
3) turn the key in the ignition to ON
4) wait up to 10 seconds

 

[sphinctor]

Hey, thanks a lot! I will try that as soon as I leave here and get to the car.

I didn't get a chance last night to check the manual yet.

And to back myself up a bit, I am not one to drive a car without doing any maintenance to it. An automobile is a big investment that needs taken care of, and I do my best to do just that. I do the regular oil changes, and if the maintenance required (or check engine) light comes on abnormally, I would take it and have it checked out. But, when it is set to come on at 10,000 miles to get you to go in and pay someone to reset it and hook it up the a computer to do a routine check on it is rediculous in my opinion. If a Honda has problems at that low mileage, then there is something wrong with Honda. I have been extremely pleased with the car and so far will continue to buy Honda products. Here in Ohio, they don't check for emissions like they do in California, so I doubt that's the reason for the light coming on at 10,000 miles.

Anyway, off my soap box...

I want to thank everyone that responded to this thread with my most sincere gratitude!

I knew there had to be a way to not have to spend money on a light that is programmed to come on at a set mileage. And right now, the money situation is tight due to medical reasons with the wife, so I didn't want to have to come up with unnecessary money for a light.

Again, THANKS!

 

[rommel]

there is always the slight chance that there actually is a problem ... even with 10k miles...so unless you are certain this occurs with all hondas at this milage interval you should take the car in

 

[MichaelD]

<< I looked in my 2002 manual, here is what it says:

1) turn off the engine
2) press and hold the trip mileage selector/reset button
3) turn the key in the ignition to ON
4) wait up to 10 seconds >>




Bingo! Honda started this in 1998 (on the Accords, anyway) Above is the exact proceedure you need to follow. All that is, is a reminder to change your oil...and bring it in for the "10K/20K/30k/40k/etc" Dealer Service. In which they change the oil and some other nitnoidy things that you can do yourself.\

Now, if the "Check Engine" light stays on, then you have problems that SHOULD be checked by El Dealero.

 

[sphinctor]

OK, in reply to rommel... I am aware that these lights to come on when problems arrise, but te odds of it coming on at the exact moment the mileage changed to 10,000 (I know this because I was watching for the change then the light also came on when it changed) are way to high that it's an actual problem. The car runs great, I have not noticed any change in sound or feel during my travels. And I have heard that a lot of different vehicle do this.

But thanks for the reply, it is a valid one, but I don't feel it is in this case. If I reset it and the light comes back on, I will take it in to have the car checked out.