How do I reset all warning lights on my Honda CRV?
There isn’t a single button to clear every warning light on a Honda CR-V. Light resets depend on the system. You can reset the Maintenance Minder (oil life) after an oil change, and many lights will clear only after the underlying fault is fixed or after a defined drive cycle. If a warning light stays on, have the vehicle diagnosed to determine the proper repair.
What you can reset versus what you shouldn’t try to reset
On a CR-V, some reminders are maintenance items you can reset yourself, while most warning lights indicate active faults that require service. The sections below cover the common reset procedure for maintenance reminders and what to do about other warning lights.
Resetting the Maintenance Minder / oil life
Follow these steps to reset the Oil Life indicator on most Honda CR-V models after an oil change or service. Note that steps can vary slightly by year, so consult your owner’s manual for your exact model year if needed.
Before you start, ensure the ignition is in the ON position (engine OFF) and you have access to the instrument display controls.
- Turn the ignition to ON (II) with the engine off.
- Use the display controls (often the TRIP/RESET or SEL/RESET button) to highlight the "Oil Life" or "Maintenance Minder" option on the Multi-Information Display.
- Press and hold the SEL/RESET (or SELECT/RESET) button until the indicator resets to 100% or the screen shows a confirmation (this may take about 5–10 seconds).
- Release the button, verify the Oil Life shows 100%, and turn the ignition off. You can then start the engine to confirm normal operation.
After the reset, the Oil Life should display 100% and the maintenance schedule will begin a new cycle until the next service is due.
Warning lights that usually cannot be reset by the driver
These lights reflect real conditions or faults in the vehicle. Resetting them without addressing the issue can hide a problem and may be unsafe. If you see any of these lights, have the car inspected by a technician. The following lights are among the most common you should not reset yourself:
- Check Engine / Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL): Signals an engine or emissions fault. Do not ignore; have the vehicle diagnosed with an OBD-II scanner or by a qualified shop. If flashing, stop driving and seek immediate service as it can damage the catalytic converter.
- ABS / Traction Control: Indicates an ABS or traction-control system fault. Requires professional diagnosis; braking performance may be affected.
- Airbag / SRS: Indicates a fault in the supplemental restraint or airbag system. Do not attempt DIY reset; service is required to ensure occupants’ safety.
- TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System): Usually indicates underinflated tires or a calibration issue. Inflate tires to the recommended pressures, then drive to allow the system to relearn; some models offer a manual reset in the instrument cluster or settings menu.
- Battery / Charging System: Signals charging problems or a weak battery. Diagnose electrical system components (battery, alternator, connections). If it persists after replacement, seek professional service.
- Oil pressure / Coolant: Indicates potential imminent engine damage; stop safely if warning is active and check oil level and coolant. Seek service promptly if levels are correct but the light remains.
In practice, if any light persists after performing the appropriate maintenance or diagnostic steps, schedule service rather than attempting a blind reset. A reset does not fix the underlying problem, and continuing to drive with certain warnings can cause damage or unsafe conditions.
Summary
Resetting a Honda CR-V’s warning lights is not a universal “clear all” action. The Maintenance Minder oil life can be reset after an oil change by using the instrument cluster controls, but most other warning lights signal actual faults that require diagnosis and repair. Always address the root cause, and consult your owner’s manual or a Honda technician for model-year specific procedures and cautions. Regular maintenance and prompt diagnostics help keep warning lights from reappearing unexpectedly.
