How to Reset the Oil Life Indicator on a 2012–2015 Honda Civic

Which Honda Civic model years does this cover?

These oil life reset specifications apply to every Honda Civic built from 2012 through 2015 — the 9th generation (FB/FG), compact sedan and coupe. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.

What changed during the 2012–2015 Honda Civic

• 2012Generation launch. A hybrid (1.5L IMA) and a natural-gas 1.8L were also sold 2012–2015 in small numbers, not covered in detail here.
• 2013Emergency refresh after poor reviews: new fascias, upgraded interior, standard rearview camera
• 2014CVT replaces the 5-speed automatic on 1.8L models; Touring-like EX-L Navi tops the range; Si gains 5 hp (205)

How do you reset the oil life on a 2012–2015 Honda Civic?

4 steps, using only the controls in the car, the full sequence is above.

Do you need a scan tool to reset the oil light on a 2012–2015 Honda Civic?

No. The procedure above uses the vehicle's own controls. A scan tool is only necessary if the reset does not take, which usually points at a different fault.

Why won't the oil light reset on a 2012–2015 Honda Civic?

Almost always a timing problem in the sequence, a step held too briefly, or the ignition in the wrong position. Repeat it exactly, with the engine off and the key in accessory rather than run, unless the steps say otherwise. If a Maintenance Minder code other than the oil item is shown, this procedure resets all displayed due items.