Reset the oil life monitor after every oil change
The 2009 Honda Accord displays an oil life percentage on your dashboard that counts down as you drive. After you change the oil, this monitor needs to be reset to 100% — it does not reset itself. The process takes about 30 seconds and requires only the ignition key; no tools or dealer visit needed.
Honda's system monitors engine wear based on driving patterns, not just mileage, so the percentage drops faster or slower depending on how you drive. Resetting it tells the car's computer that fresh oil is now in the engine and the countdown should start over.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the ignition to the "On" position without starting the engine, then press the select button on the steering wheel until "Oil Life" appears on the dashboard display.
- Once "Oil Life" is shown, hold down the select button for about three seconds until the percentage resets to 100%.
- If you see a wrench icon on the dashboard after resetting, turn the engine off and on again to clear it.
- The reset procedure is the same whether you change the oil yourself or have it done at a shop — you perform the reset after the oil is already changed.
Locate the select button on your steering wheel
On the 2009 Accord, the select button is a small thumb-operated dial or button on the left side of the steering wheel, below the turn signal lever. It controls the information displayed on your dashboard screen. You will use this button to navigate to the oil life menu and trigger the reset.
If your Accord has a different steering wheel design or aftermarket controls, the button may be in a slightly different location, but it will still be on the left side of the wheel and labeled "Select" or marked with a similar symbol.
Turn on the ignition without starting the engine
Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position — the position where the dashboard lights come on but the engine does not start. Do not turn the key all the way to start the engine. You should see the oil life percentage displayed on your dashboard screen, usually shown as a number like "15%" or "8%".
If the screen is blank or showing a different menu, you may need to press the select button a few times to cycle through the available displays until you reach the oil life screen.
Press select until "Oil Life" appears on the display
With the ignition in the "On" position, press the select button repeatedly. Each press cycles through different dashboard information — fuel economy, distance to empty, clock, and other data. Keep pressing until you see "Oil Life" or "Oil Life Remaining" displayed on the screen along with the percentage.
This usually takes two to four button presses. Once you see "Oil Life" on the display, stop pressing and move to the next step.
Hold the select button for three seconds to reset
Once "Oil Life" is showing on your dashboard, press and hold the select button down for approximately three seconds. The percentage should change to "100%" on the display. You may hear a beep or see the display flash briefly — this confirms the reset was successful.
Release the button after the reset completes. The oil life monitor is now reset and will begin counting down again as you drive. Turn off the ignition and you are finished.
Clear the wrench icon if it remains on the dashboard
Some 2009 Accords display a wrench maintenance icon on the dashboard after an oil change. If this icon stays on after you reset the oil life percentage, turn the engine off completely, wait a few seconds, then turn the ignition back to "On" without starting the engine. The wrench icon should disappear.
If the wrench icon persists after this step, it may indicate a different maintenance need — such as a transmission fluid service or air filter replacement — rather than an oil change issue. Consult your owner's manual or a Honda dealer for guidance on what the icon is signaling.
What to do if the reset does not work
If the oil life percentage does not change to 100% after holding the select button, try the process again from the beginning. Make sure the ignition is in the "On" position and not in "Start" or "Off". Some owners find that turning the ignition completely off, waiting 10 seconds, and then repeating the steps resolves the issue.
If the reset still fails after a second attempt, the display or select button may have a malfunction. A Honda dealer can reset the oil life monitor using their diagnostic computer, though this is rarely necessary on a 2009 model with a functioning button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reset the oil life if I did not actually change the oil?
Yes, the button will reset the monitor regardless of whether oil was actually changed. However, resetting it without changing the oil defeats the purpose of the system — the monitor tracks when your engine actually needs service. Resetting it falsely will cause you to miss the real oil change interval.
Does the oil life percentage mean I can drive longer between changes?
The oil life monitor on your 2009 Accord is designed to tell you when to change the oil based on your driving habits. If it reaches 0%, you should change the oil soon, but you do not have to wait until it hits zero. Many owners change oil when the monitor reaches 10% to 15% remaining.
What if my dashboard screen does not show oil life information?
Some 2009 Accords have a simpler dashboard display that does not show oil life percentage. If your screen only shows the time or fuel economy, your model may use a different maintenance reminder system. Check your owner's manual to see what type of oil change reminder your specific Accord uses.
Do I need to reset the oil life at the dealership or can I do it myself?
You can reset it yourself using the steering wheel button — no special equipment or dealer visit is required. Whether you change the oil at home or at a shop, the reset process is identical and takes less than a minute.