How to Reset Oil Life on 2018 Honda Civic

Resetting the oil life indicator on your 2018 Honda Civic is simple and takes less than two minutes. This guide walks you through the exact button sequence and dashboard steps so you can clear the maintenance reminder safely and correctly.

Key Takeaways

• Know when to reset: Only reset the oil life indicator after you’ve actually changed the oil—don’t just clear the light without service.
• Use the right method: The 2018 Honda Civic uses a manual reset procedure via the steering wheel controls and instrument cluster.
• Turn the ignition on: You don’t need to start the engine—just turn the key to the “ON” position or press the start button without pressing the brake.
• Follow the exact sequence: Pressing the correct buttons in the right order is crucial; skipping a step may require you to restart.
• Confirm the reset: The oil life percentage should return to 100% once the reset is complete—double-check before driving.
• Keep records: Note the mileage and date of your oil change for future reference and warranty purposes.
• Don’t ignore maintenance: The oil life monitor helps protect your engine—use it wisely and stick to Honda’s recommended intervals.

Why Resetting the Oil Life Matters

You just changed the oil in your 2018 Honda Civic—great job! But now there’s that little yellow wrench or “Oil Life” message blinking on your dashboard, reminding you that it’s time for service. Even though you’ve already done the work, the car doesn’t know that… yet. That’s where resetting the oil life indicator comes in.

The oil life monitor in your Civic isn’t just a simple timer. It’s a smart system that tracks driving conditions, engine temperature, mileage, and even how often you idle or take short trips. Based on all that data, it calculates how much life is left in your current oil. When it hits a certain threshold—usually around 15%—it triggers a warning to let you know it’s time for an oil change. But once you’ve replaced the oil and filter, you need to tell the car, “Hey, I’ve done the maintenance!” That’s exactly what resetting the oil life does.

Failing to reset it doesn’t harm your engine, but it can be annoying. That persistent warning light might make you think you’ve missed something important, or worse—cause you to ignore future alerts because you’ve grown accustomed to seeing them. Plus, if you ever sell your car or take it in for service, a reset oil life indicator shows that you’ve been diligent about maintenance. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in how your car feels and functions.

Understanding the 2018 Honda Civic Oil Life System

Before we dive into the reset steps, let’s take a moment to understand how the oil life monitoring system works in the 2018 Honda Civic. Unlike older cars that rely solely on mileage (like “change oil every 3,000 miles”), modern Hondas use a more advanced algorithm. This system, called the Maintenance Minder™, evaluates real-world driving habits to determine when your oil actually needs changing.

How the Maintenance Minder Works

The Maintenance Minder analyzes several factors, including:

• Engine operating temperature
• Number of cold starts
• Driving time at various speeds
• Idling time
• Total mileage

For example, if you mostly drive short distances in stop-and-go traffic—like commuting in the city—your oil degrades faster than someone who takes long highway trips. The system recognizes this and adjusts the oil life percentage accordingly. That’s why two 2018 Civics with the same mileage might show different oil life percentages.

What the Oil Life Percentage Means

The oil life percentage displayed on your dashboard isn’t a countdown to engine failure. Instead, it’s a guide. Here’s a general breakdown:

• 100%: Fresh oil, just changed.
• 50%: Oil is still in good condition, about halfway through its useful life.
• 15%: Time to schedule an oil change soon.
• 0%: Oil change is overdue—don’t wait much longer.

Honda recommends changing your oil when the indicator reaches 15% or lower. However, even if it hits 0%, your engine isn’t immediately at risk—modern synthetic oils are designed to last. Still, it’s best not to push it too far beyond the recommended interval.

Types of Oil Life Warnings

When the oil life gets low, your Civic may display one of several messages:

• “Oil Life: 15%” – A gentle reminder to plan your oil change.
• “Oil Life: 10%” or “5%” – More urgent, but still not critical.
• “Oil Life: 0%” – Time to change the oil immediately.
• A yellow wrench icon – Often appears alongside the percentage, signaling maintenance is due.

Some trims may also show a message like “Maintenance Required” or “Service Due Soon.” Regardless of the wording, the reset process remains the same.

Tools and Preparation Needed

The good news? You don’t need any special tools to reset the oil life on your 2018 Honda Civic. It’s all done through the dashboard controls—no scanners, no dealership visits, no extra cost. But there are a few things you should have ready before you begin.

What You’ll Need

• Your car keys or key fob – To turn on the ignition.
• A few minutes of uninterrupted time – You don’t want to be rushed.
• Confirmation that the oil has been changed – Don’t reset the system unless the oil and filter have actually been replaced.

Before You Start

Make sure your car is parked on a level surface and the engine is off. You don’t need to start the engine—just turn the ignition to the “ON” position. This powers up the dashboard electronics without engaging the starter motor.

If you’re using a push-button start (common on higher trims like the EX, EX-T, or Touring), press the “Start” button once without pressing the brake pedal. The dashboard lights should illuminate, and you’ll hear the fuel pump prime, but the engine won’t start. That’s exactly what you want.

Also, ensure that no other warning lights are active. If your check engine light is on or there’s a serious issue, it’s best to address that first before resetting the oil life. The reset procedure only works when the vehicle is in a normal operating state.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people try to reset the oil life right after starting the car or while driving. That won’t work—the system only allows resets when the ignition is on but the engine is off. Also, don’t press the brake pedal if you have a push-button start, or the engine will fire up and interrupt the process.

Another mistake? Trying to reset the oil life without actually changing the oil. The system is designed to track real maintenance. Resetting it prematurely can lead to missed oil changes down the road, which could harm your engine over time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reset Oil Life

Now for the main event—the actual reset procedure. This method works for all 2018 Honda Civic models, including the LX, Sport, EX, EX-T, EX-L, and Touring trims. Whether you have a manual or automatic transmission, sedan or coupe, the steps are identical.

Step 1: Turn the Ignition On

Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position. If you have a push-button start, press the button once without pressing the brake pedal. You should see all the dashboard lights come on, including the oil life indicator. The engine should remain off.

Wait about 10 seconds for the system to fully initialize. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil life percentage appears clearly on the display.

Step 2: Navigate to the Oil Life Display

Use the steering wheel controls to access the oil life information. On the left side of your steering wheel, you’ll find a cluster of buttons labeled with arrows and an “i” or “INFO” symbol.

Press the “INFO” or “i” button repeatedly until you see the “Oil Life” screen. It should show a percentage (e.g., “Oil Life: 15%”) along with other maintenance items like tire pressure or brake fluid.

If you accidentally skip past it, just keep pressing the button—it will cycle back around.

Step 3: Enter Reset Mode

Once the oil life screen is displayed, press and hold the “SELECT/RESET” button (usually the center button with a circular arrow or “SEL/RESET” label). Hold it down for about 10 seconds.

After a few seconds, the oil life percentage should start flashing. This means the system is ready to accept a reset. Keep holding the button until the display changes.

Step 4: Confirm the Reset

When the oil life percentage begins to flash, continue holding the “SELECT/RESET” button. After another 5–10 seconds, the display should show “Oil Life: 100%” or “Oil Life: —%” with a checkmark or confirmation message.

At this point, release the button. The reset is complete.

Step 5: Turn Off the Ignition

Turn the key back to the “OFF” position or press the start button again to power down the vehicle. Wait a moment, then turn the ignition back on to verify the reset.

The oil life should now read 100%, and the warning light should be gone. If it still shows a low percentage or the wrench icon, repeat the steps carefully—sometimes it takes a second try.

Troubleshooting Tips

If the reset doesn’t work the first time, don’t panic. Here are a few things to check:

• Make sure the ignition is on but the engine is off.
• Ensure you’re holding the correct button—some Civics have similar-looking controls for audio or cruise control.
• Try the process again from the beginning. Timing is important.
• If you have a touchscreen infotainment system, avoid using it during the reset—it can interfere with the dashboard controls.

In rare cases, a weak battery or electrical issue might prevent the reset. If you’ve tried multiple times and it still won’t work, consider visiting a Honda dealer or certified mechanic.

When to Reset the Oil Life

Timing is everything when it comes to resetting the oil life. You should only reset the indicator after you’ve completed an actual oil change. This includes replacing both the engine oil and the oil filter. Simply topping off the oil isn’t enough—the system is designed to track full services.

After a Professional Oil Change

If you took your Civic to a dealership, quick lube shop, or independent mechanic, ask them to reset the oil life as part of the service. Most reputable shops will do this automatically, but it never hurts to confirm. If they forgot, you can easily do it yourself using the steps above.

After a DIY Oil Change

Did you change the oil yourself? Even better—you have full control over the process. After draining the old oil, replacing the filter, and adding fresh oil, wait until the engine has cooled slightly (to avoid burns), then proceed with the reset.

Pro tip: Keep a small notebook or use a maintenance app to log the date, mileage, and type of oil used. This helps you track your service history and can increase your car’s resale value.

What If You Reset Too Early?

Accidentally reset the oil life before changing the oil? Don’t worry—you can still do the oil change afterward. Just remember that the system now thinks the oil is fresh, so you’ll need to manually track when the next change is due. Consider setting a reminder on your phone or calendar.

Alternatively, if you realize the mistake quickly, you can drive a short distance (a few miles) and let the system recalculate. However, this isn’t ideal, as the oil life percentage may not reflect the true condition of the oil.

Maintaining Your Honda Civic’s Engine Health

Resetting the oil life is just one part of keeping your 2018 Honda Civic running smoothly. To get the most out of your engine—and avoid costly repairs down the road—follow these best practices.

Follow Honda’s Recommended Intervals

Honda recommends changing the oil every 7,500 miles or 12 months under normal driving conditions. However, if you frequently drive in severe conditions—such as extreme temperatures, heavy traffic, or towing—you may need to change it every 3,750 to 5,000 miles.

Your Maintenance Minder will adjust based on your driving habits, so trust the system—but also use your judgment. If your oil looks dark or gritty between changes, it’s time for a swap.

Use the Right Oil

The 2018 Honda Civic requires 0W-20 synthetic oil for optimal performance and fuel efficiency. Using the wrong viscosity or conventional oil can reduce engine life and void your warranty.

Stick with reputable brands like Honda Genuine Oil, Mobil 1, Pennzoil Platinum, or Castrol EDGE. Avoid cheap off-brand oils—they may not meet Honda’s specifications.

Replace the Oil Filter Every Time

Never reuse an old oil filter. A clogged or degraded filter can restrict oil flow and cause engine damage. Always install a new Honda OEM filter or a high-quality aftermarket equivalent.

Check Oil Levels Regularly

Even with a reset oil life indicator, check your oil level monthly using the dipstick. Low oil can lead to increased wear, overheating, and reduced performance. Top it off with the same type of oil if needed.

Watch for Warning Signs

Listen for unusual engine noises, notice a drop in fuel economy, or see smoke from the exhaust? These could indicate oil-related issues. Address them promptly to avoid bigger problems.

Conclusion

Resetting the oil life on your 2018 Honda Civic is a quick, easy task that ensures your maintenance reminders stay accurate. By following the simple button sequence outlined in this guide, you can clear the warning light and get back to enjoying your drive—without any annoying dashboard distractions.

Remember, the oil life monitor is there to help you protect your engine. Use it wisely, change your oil on time, and keep good records. Your Civic will thank you with years of reliable performance, better fuel economy, and fewer trips to the repair shop.

Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just getting started with car maintenance, mastering this small skill makes a big difference. So the next time that oil light pops up, don’t stress—just grab your keys, follow the steps, and reset with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset the oil life without changing the oil?

Technically, yes—but you shouldn’t. The oil life indicator is designed to reflect actual maintenance. Resetting it without changing the oil can lead to missed services and potential engine damage over time.

Why won’t my oil life reset?

Common reasons include having the engine running, not holding the button long enough, or using the wrong controls. Make sure the ignition is on (engine off) and follow the steps precisely.

Does the reset procedure work on all 2018 Civic trims?

Yes. Whether you have an LX, Sport, EX, or Touring model, the reset method is the same across all trims and body styles.

How often should I change the oil in my 2018 Civic?

Under normal driving conditions, every 7,500 miles or 12 months. For severe driving (city traffic, extreme temps), change it every 3,750 to 5,000 miles.

What type of oil does the 2018 Honda Civic need?

Use 0W-20 full synthetic oil that meets Honda HTO-06 specifications. Avoid conventional or incorrect viscosity oils.

Will resetting the oil life affect my warranty?

No, as long as you’re performing regular oil changes as recommended. In fact, keeping the system reset helps prove you’ve maintained the vehicle properly.