What does a "Maintenance Required" light mean in a 2005 Honda Accord?

Matt · #1 (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 08:07 PM

Well I thought that it may be an oil change light or something but I have taken it to the dealer every time for an oil change and my next one isn't scheduled for another 2,000 miles. Maybe they forgot to reset it last time they changed the oil?????

rubberducky75 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 08:07 PM

I have an 04 Accord with the same problem. Everything seems fine, and I have had my oil changed, but not by the dealer. I bet they can reset it, but I don't want them to run a diagnostic and charge me a bunch of $$$.

neocons_r_feces · #3 (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 08:12 PM

I think it means it's a reminder for you to get an oil change.

I have a honda insight and it does the same thing.

G S · #4 (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 08:12 PM

Look in your owners manual it probally has instructions on how to reset the light. Usually a fuse to pull for a set period of time or a button to push and hold untill the light goes out

Darganot · #5 (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 08:35 PM

This is definately a dealer problem. It does more than likely tell you that you need an oil change, but to have the light shut off you may need a scan tool. I don't know about late model Hondas but on late model GM vehicles you can turn the oil change light off by:

-Turning ignition key to 'on', do not start engine
-depress the gas pedal to the floor all the way 3 times
-the light should flash then go out

If it does not and it is a GM, you need a scan tool (tech 2). There may be some similar procedure on a Honda that you don't need a scan tool for, but I don't know it. I'm a heavy truck mechanic. Nowadays cars tell you when to get you oil changed and make you goto their dealer. That's what you get when you buy a brand new car anymore.

Sandy · #6 (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 08:36 PM

it means that you probably need an oil change but if you want to know for sure and for FREE go to an autozone, they will scan your car and tell you exactly whats wrong with it for free not like the dealer that will probably charge you around 100 dlls

rjmsd2001 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 08:40 PM

I had a 2002 CRV with the same light. Pretty much, it meant that it was time for a scheduled maintenace (oil change, etc)the problem was that you had to take it to a dealer to have the maintenace done. The dealer had to reset the maintenace light. Nobody else seemed to be able to do it.