What Your Honda’s Service Codes Mean
Decoding Your Honda’s Message -- Dave’s Ultimate Automotive
Hondas are known as one of the most reliable modern cars. Part of their longevity, of course, is because they're well made, but perhaps another factor is their ability to let you know when they need service. A well-maintained auto almost always runs longer and better than one that suffers from a haphazard schedule. Even so, your Honda can't perform the needed preventive services on itself, so it's up to you to take notice of the codes and ensure that your car gets the TLC that it deserves. To make it easier, rely on the ASE certified technicians at Dave's Ultimate Automotive in North Austin, Texas.
Universal Trouble CodesBeginning in 1996, all vehicles sold in the United States have the advantage of the OBD-II 1980s Dashboard Diagnostic System. This triggers a universal trouble code for various problems that applies to all makes. When you notice an illuminated dashboard light, a service technician can connect your auto to an OBD-II reader to obtain the trouble code to point them in the right direction.
Honda Maintenance Minder Codes
Different from the universal trouble, Honda Maintenance Minder codes are brand specific and designed to help you remember to perform preventive services--before there is a problem. In fact, it takes away the burden of keeping up with mileage and schedules. The Maintenance Minder performs tasks such as calculating the engine oil's usable life for you based on mileage and driving conditions. It provides a running display, counting you down from 100% usable life when the oil is new to the point where it is no longer fresh and should be replaced.
To keep messages short, the manufacturer gives drivers service information with two main codes. "A" indicates a need to change the oil and filter. "B" tells you that it's time to change the oil and filter and perform multiple brake services. Additionally, there are numbered sub-codes indicating the following:
- 0=multi-point inspection needed
- 1=tire rotation needed
- 2=air filter (engine and cabin) replacement needed
- 3=transmission fluid change required
- 4=spark plug and timing belt replacement as well as valve adjustment needed
- 5=engine coolant exchange required
- 6=rear differential fluid exchange warranted
- 7=brake fluid replacement needed.
What could be easier? Your car basically "talks," telling you what it needs.
No Code Needed
As helpful as these codes are for drivers, obtaining service at Dave's Ultimate Automotive is even easier. You don't even need a code!
