Your 2007 Honda Accord comes with a Maintenance Minder System designed to alert you when an oil change or maintenance is due. After every maintenance or oil change, the oil life indicator needs to be reset. This reset will allow the system to properly track when your next oil change will be due.
If you don’t reset the oil like on your Honda Accord 2007 model, it will remain in the previous status, which is just confusing… so after changing your Honda’s oil, how do you reset your Honda’s oil life?
How to reset oil like on a 2007 Honda Accord? On the dash is a reset knob. Press it multiple times till it displays the ‘engine oil life’ option. You will then press the knob for 10 seconds to activate the indicator. Then, press the knob for another 5 seconds to reset the oil life to 100%.
There’s a little more to it than that, so below you can read a step-by-step guide on how to reset your 2007 Honda Accord’s engine oil life after changing the oil. I will also explain what the oil life percentages say about your oil.
Resetting the oil life indicator on your Honda Accord 2007
Aside from the normal oil changes you do at 3,000 to 5,000 mile intervals, there will be times when you need to change the oil in your Accord. When the oil in your engine is no longer suitable for use, the oil life indicator will illuminate.
The Honda Accord oil life indicator was created to alert drivers when it is time to replace the oil in their car.
So, anytime you replace the oil in your Honda Accord, you should reset the oil life indicator. This will keep track of the oil’s life.
Here is a step-by-step guide to resetting the oil life indicator in your Honda Accord 2007.
- Step 1: Insert the key and turn the ignition to the ‘on’ position, just before starting the engine.
- Step 2: Press the reset knob on your dashboard multiple times till it displays the ‘engine oil life’.
- Step 3: Long-press the reset knob for 10 seconds. This will cause the engine oil life indicator to begin to flicker.
- Step 4: This is the final step. Long-press the knob for another 5 seconds. This will reset the oil life back to 100%
After taking these steps, do another check to ensure that the oil life reset is properly done.
You can also watch this video if you prefer seeing the reset oil life procedure being performed in real life.
How the Honda Accord oil life indicator works
The Honda oil life indicator is a device that alerts you when it’s time to replace the oil in your car. It provides exact information about the durability of the engine oil in your car.
Your vehicle may not require an oil change every 3,000 or 5,000 miles. The oil could wear out before it runs out. The oil life indicator doesn’t just measure the amount of oil in the tank. Instead, it shows the oil’s ability to lubricate the engine adequately. If it becomes clogged with dirt and other impurities, it will not lubricate effectively.
The monitoring systems receive data from the main onboard computer, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This technology continuously monitors the engine and ambient outdoor temperatures, the number of starts and stops, the engine load, the number of kilometers traveled, and the running time of your Honda.
The algorithm-based oil indicator takes these aspects into account and then enters the results into the formula. This is what decides when your engine oil needs to be replaced.
To avoid engine failure, you must reset the oil life indicator so that it continues to provide accurate data. Otherwise, it will display inaccurate information, potentially resulting in costly mechanical issues and repairs.
What does the oil life percentage say?
After putting new engine oil, the oil life percentage is reset to 100%. Your Honda Powertrain Control Module will then automatically monitor engine running conditions to determine the lubricating capabilities of your engine oil.
Your engine oil is still in good condition at 40% above, but you should start keeping an eye on it. When the oil life indicator reaches 15%, the yellow wrench icon on your Honda Maintenance Minder System will appear.
This does not imply that the vehicle is unsafe to drive. Rather, it indicates that the oil has degraded, and a replacement is required.
As you log more kilometers, the percentage will continue to fall. At 5%, the oil in your engine has grown so bad that it must be replaced promptly before it decreases any further.
At ‘0%’, the service is past due, and anything can go wrong at this stage. The oil will most likely cause more harm than good to your engine.
Other signs your Honda Accord needs an oil change
There are other signs that can alert you when your vehicle needs an oil change besides the indicators on your Honda’s Maintenance Minder System.
Here are some signs that can determine when an oil change is due.
Dark and dirty oil
This is a clear indication that your vehicle requires an oil change. When your oil appears dark and unclean, it is time to change it. This oil will cause your engine to run rough.
Smell of oil
When you smell oil in your Honda, it could be a clue that there is an oil leak in your engine. It’s also possible that your engine is burning oil quicker than it should be.
Unusual sounds
When your engine sounds louder than usual, or you hear a loud knocking sound coming from under your hood. It could indicate that your oil level is low and your engine isn’t running smoothly.
Smoke
This is a sign that can be easily noticed. Any smoke emitted from your vehicle’s tailpipe is typically a bad sign. When it’s a blue or gray smoke, it could indicate that there’s an oil leak in your engine.
Handy Hint: If you ever need to know how much your Accord weighs, we’ve got you covered.
Related questions
How often does a Honda Accord need an oil change?
Honda owners once had to get their oil changed every 3,000 miles. However, with the advancement of synthetic oil technologies, this has changed.
Synthetic oils are intended to last for longer periods before needing to be changed. They have a mileage range of 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes.
What kind of oil does a Honda Accord take?
Prior to 2011, Honda advised owners to use 5W-20 oil in their Accords. This guideline was modified from 5W-20 to 0W-20 in 2011.
This is due to finer tolerances in engine production processes and improved fuel economy.
Why does my oil light keep coming on when my oil isn’t low?
Your oil indicator may illuminate even though you are not running short on oil. If your oil has lost its viscosity, the indicator will indicate that it should be changed. It may also illuminate if there is a leak in your engine that is causing oil loss.
How much is a Honda Accord oil change?
To find out how much a Honda Accord oil change costs, I called 3 different Honda dealers.
They explained how an oil change price will depend on the year of your Accord, the type of oil required, where you get your oil changed, and other factors.
But they were able to give me a price in order to come up with an average price for the work and it came out as between $100 and $120 to change the oil in an Accord.
How many miles can a Honda Accord go without an oil change?
The number of miles your Honda Accord can go without an oil change depends on your manufacturer’s specification for your model.
Time and technology have trumped the popular 3,000-mile-mark for Honda vehicles. Most Hondas can now go 5,000-10,000 miles without an oil change.
Your oil life indicator is another tool to pay close attention to when it comes to oil changes. The indicator will read a lower percentage when you are due for an oil change.
Conclusion
Your 2007 Honda Accord, like any other vehicle, requires routine oil changes for smooth operation and engine durability.
However, keeping track of oil change intervals on your own can be challenging. The oil life indicator is a vital component of your Honda’s maintenance reminder system that tells when it is time for an oil change.
