What does maintenance required light mean on an Acura?
The maintenance required light on an Acura is a reminder from the car’s Maintenance Minder system that a scheduled service is due. It is not a fault warning, but a nudge to service the vehicle according to its maintenance schedule.
How Acura's Maintenance Minder works
Many Acura models use the Maintenance Minder system to track service needs based on engine wear, oil life, and driving conditions. The system estimates when components like the engine oil will need attention and flags the dashboard when a service interval is due. Resetting the indicator after service clears the reminder and restarts the cycle.
Before you review the details below, note that the light generally appears as a wrench or spaanner icon along with a message such as “MAINT REQD” or “Maintenance Due.” It’s tied to the car’s internal clock and mileage-driven wear, so it reflects planned maintenance rather than a direct fault.
Typical services that may be included under Acura’s Maintenance Minder range from an oil change to a broader multipoint inspection. The exact items depend on model year and trim, but the system is designed to prompt you for routine upkeep to keep the vehicle running smoothly.
- Engine oil change and oil life monitoring
- Tire rotation and alignment inspection
- Brake system inspection
- Air filter (engine) and cabin air filter replacement
- Fluids check and top-off (coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, etc.)
- Multi-point inspection of belts, hoses, and overall condition
- Other model-specific maintenance tasks as scheduled
In practice, the Maintenance Minder helps owners plan service around the manufacturer’s recommended intervals, rather than waiting for a fixed mileage threshold alone. After service, the system is typically reset to begin a new maintenance cycle based on the work completed.
What the light looks like and when it comes on
The light commonly appears as a wrench or similar maintenance icon on the instrument cluster. It may be accompanied by text such as “MAINT REQD” or a message indicating that maintenance is due. In some models, the light comes on when the next service window is approaching or when the oil life percentage falls below a preset threshold. If the light is steady, service is due soon or now; if it’s flashing, there may be an urgent maintenance need or a fault in the Minder system that requires attention.
Understanding when the light triggers helps differentiate between oil-related maintenance and other services. The system uses oil life as a primary gauge, but it also tracks tire wear, brake wear, and other routine checks to present a comprehensive maintenance schedule.
What to do when the light comes on
When the maintenance required light illuminates, take the following steps to determine and address the need for service. The steps below are general guidance; consult your owner’s manual or a dealer for model-specific instructions.
- Check the oil life and maintenance minder status in the information display to see what is due (oil, tires, brakes, etc.).
- Assess whether the car is due for routine service soon and schedule an appointment with an Acura service center if necessary.
- If the vehicle is safe to drive, plan the service within the recommended window; if you notice unusual noises, performance changes, or warning lights, contact a mechanic promptly.
- After service, have the maintenance minder reset so the cycle begins anew and the light no longer shows until the next interval.
To reset the Maintenance Minder after a completed service (model-dependent), you typically turn the ignition to ON with the engine off and press and hold the reset or select knob until the oil life reads 100%. If you’re unsure of the exact procedure for your Acura model year, refer to the owner’s manual or ask a dealer technician to perform the reset.
What to know if the light behaves abnormally
If the light stays on after service or comes on unexpectedly, there may be an issue with the maintenance minder itself or a sensor. In such cases, it’s advisable to have a qualified technician diagnose the system to confirm the maintenance needs and ensure there isn’t a fault affecting the indicator.
When not to ignore the maintenance reminder
Ignoring the maintenance required light can lead to degraded performance, reduced fuel efficiency, or long-term wear. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance, safety, and resale value, and it helps prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Bottom line
The maintenance required light on an Acura is a proactive maintenance reminder tied to the Maintenance Minder system. It signals that scheduled service—often an oil change along with other routine checks—is due. By following the prompt, you keep the vehicle running smoothly and avoid avoidable wear or issues down the line.
Summary
Acura’s Maintenance Minder uses oil life and other factors to tell you when service is due. The light is a reminder, not a warning of a fault, and it typically resets after the appropriate maintenance is completed. If in doubt, consult your manual or a certified Acura technician to confirm what service is required and how to reset the indicator correctly.
