Resetting dashboard lights on a Honda Fit usually means resetting the maintenance reminder (oil life) or clearing codes from the onboard computer. The maintenance minder can be reset by the driver, while other lights (like Check Engine or TPMS) often require diagnosis or a scan tool. Here’s what you need to know and how to do it safely.
Resetting Maintenance Minder and Oil Life
Maintenance Minder or oil life is the most common reset you’ll perform after an oil change or when you want to refresh reminders. The procedure relies on the car’s instrument cluster controls, and it can vary slightly by year and trim. The steps below cover the typical method used on many Honda Fits from recent years.
- Turn the ignition to ON (II) with the engine off.
- Use the selector/reset knob or the steering wheel controls to navigate to the Oil Life display on the instrument cluster.
- Press and hold the SELECT/RESET knob (or the reset control) for about 5–10 seconds until the Oil Life reads 100%.
- Release the control and confirm that the Oil Life shows 100%, indicating the maintenance minder has been reset.
After resetting, the vehicle’s maintenance schedule will begin a new cycle based on Honda’s recommended intervals. If the display behaves differently on your exact year/model, consult the owner's manual or a dealer for the precise sequence.
Resetting TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
The TPMS light turns on when tire pressures are low or the system detects a fault. If you inflated all tires to the recommended cold pressures and the light stays on, you may need to reset the system. The exact method can vary by year, but the general approach for many Fits is as follows.
- Inflate all tires (including the spare if your model requires it) to the recommended cold tire pressures listed on the door jamb sticker.
- With the ignition ON (engine off), locate the TPMS reset button or procedure for your year/model. Common locations include under the left dash near the steering column or inside the glove box; some models use the steering wheel controls or a menu option in the driver information display.
- Press and hold the TPMS reset button (or select the TPMS reset option) until the TPMS indicator on the instrument cluster blinks once or twice, then release.
- Drive the car for about 10–20 minutes at highway speeds (roughly 50–60 mph) to relearn the sensor values. The light should go out once the system has recalibrated.
If the light remains on after following these steps, consult the owner’s manual for your specific year and trim, or visit a shop to check for faulty sensors or other issues. Some Fits may require a diagnostic scan to complete the relearn properly.
Resetting or Clearing the Check Engine Light
The Check Engine light (CEL) indicates an issue detected by the engine computer. It should not be reset casually; the underlying problem must be diagnosed and repaired. Clearing codes without addressing the root cause risks driving with an unresolved fault. If you need to clear codes after repair, you can use an OBD-II scan tool.
Typical approach after a confirmed fix:
- Connect an OBD-II scanner to the port under the driver's side dash.
- Turn the ignition to ON (engine off) and follow the scanner’s menu to read codes.
- Use the scanner’s option to clear codes or reset the CEL.
- Start the engine and verify the CEL stays off. If it reappears, the issue may still be present or reoccur under certain driving conditions.
Note: Some issues may require a drive cycle or professional maintenance to ensure the fault is truly cleared and won’t reappear.
Tips and cautions
Always refer to your specific Honda Fit year and trim, as locations and steps can vary. If you’re unsure, a dealership or qualified mechanic can perform resets and confirm the system status. Resetting a light without addressing the underlying problem can mask a fault and lead to bigger issues down the road.
Summary
For most Honda Fits, resetting the Oil Life maintenance minder is a driver-friendly process using the instrument cluster controls with the ignition ON. TPMS resets require inflating tires to spec and using the TPMS reset procedure, followed by a short drive to relearn the sensors. The Check Engine light should only be reset after the problem is diagnosed and repaired, typically using an OBD-II scanner. Always consult the owner’s manual for your exact model and year, or contact a dealer if in doubt.