What is the tool light on the Honda HRV?
The tool light on the HR-V is the Maintenance Minder wrench indicator, signaling that routine service is due or overdue (oil change, filters, and other scheduled maintenance).
In this article, we break down what the light looks like, when it appears, what it means for your vehicle, and how to reset it after service. We’ll also cover what to do if the light stays on or reappears and how the Maintenance Minder codes work.
What the light looks like and why it appears
The indicator appears as a small wrench icon on the instrument cluster. It lights up when Honda’s Maintenance Minder system determines that preventive maintenance is due based on time, mileage, and driving conditions. The wrench is often accompanied by maintenance codes (such as A or B) and the current oil-life percentage shown on the display. It is a reminder to service the vehicle rather than a sign of an immediate mechanical failure.
Below are key aspects of the wrench light and its triggers:
- It is the Maintenance Minder wrench icon, sometimes simply labeled as a tool icon.
- It signals that scheduled maintenance is due according to the vehicle’s personal maintenance history.
- It commonly appears with an oil-life readout and a code (A or B) indicating which maintenance items are due.
- It does not indicate an urgent engine fault; rather, it prompts timely service to preserve reliability.
When you see this light, it’s a prompt to plan service with your dealer or a trusted shop, depending on your maintenance schedule and driving conditions.
Maintenance Minder codes: What A/B means
Honda uses a Maintenance Minder system that uses codes such as A and B to indicate different service items due at the next interval. The exact items can vary by year and trim, but the codes generally reflect combinations of routine maintenance tasks rather than a single fixed action.
- A: Typically indicates an oil and filter change at the next service interval, with standard inspections.
- B: Usually includes oil and filter change plus additional checks or tasks such as tire rotation and more thorough inspections; other items may also be included depending on year/model.
- In some models, additional codes beyond A/B (like 1, 2, or M1/M2) denote expanded maintenance sets. Always confirm with your owner’s manual for your specific HR-V year.
Understanding these codes helps you anticipate what service is due and prepare accordingly. For exact tasks and intervals, consult the HR-V owner’s manual for your year and trim.
Resetting the maintenance Minder after service
Before resetting, ensure the scheduled maintenance has been performed. Here are the general steps you’ll typically follow on many HR-V models:
- Turn the ignition to ON with the engine off.
- Navigate to the maintenance minder display using the information selector or steering-wheel controls.
- Press and hold the SEL/RESET button until the oil life resets to 100% (the display may confirm the reset).
- Turn the ignition off, then start the engine to verify the light has cleared.
Note: Exact button names and steps can vary by model year and trim. If your HR-V uses a different reset method, refer to the owner’s manual or contact a dealer for year-specific instructions.
What to do if the light stays on or reappears
If the wrench icon remains after you’ve completed service and reset steps, or it comes back soon after a reset, there may be an issue with the maintenance minder system itself or another pending maintenance item.
- Double-check that the service was completed and that you performed the reset correctly.
- Verify the oil-life readout resets to 100% after the reset process.
- If the light reappears, schedule a diagnostic with a dealer or qualified shop to check for sensor faults or calendar-based maintenance requirements.
In some cases, a dealer can run a system diagnostic to ensure the Maintenance Minder memory is functioning properly and that no outstanding service items remain.
Related warnings and how they differ
The wrench light is a maintenance reminder, not a fault warning. It is distinct from warnings such as the check engine light, brake system alerts, or tire pressure warnings, which indicate potential safety or mechanical issues requiring immediate attention.
Summary
The tool light on the Honda HR‑V is the Maintenance Minder wrench icon that signals scheduled maintenance is due. It helps owners stay on top of oil changes and other preventive tasks, with A/B codes showing which items are due. Reset the indicator after service and verify that it clears; if it reappears, consult your owner’s manual or a dealer for year-specific guidance. Keeping up with Maintenance Minder reminders supports long-term reliability and performance of your HR‑V.
