Reset the oil life monitor in three steps from the driver's seat
The 2014 Honda Accord displays an oil life percentage on your dashboard that counts down as you drive. When it reaches 15 percent or lower, the car prompts you to change the oil. After you change the oil, you need to manually reset this monitor to zero — the car does not do it automatically. You can complete the reset in about one minute without any tools, using only the buttons on your steering wheel.
The process differs slightly depending on whether your Accord has a traditional instrument cluster or the newer digital display, but both methods use the same steering wheel controls. This guide covers the most common setup in 2014 models.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the ignition to the "On" position without starting the engine, then press the select button on your steering wheel to navigate to the oil life screen.
- Once the oil life percentage appears on your dashboard display, press and hold the select button for about three seconds until the screen shows a reset confirmation.
- The oil life will return to 100 percent, and your next oil change interval will begin counting down from there.
- If you do not reset the monitor after an oil change, the car will continue to show a low oil life percentage and may trigger warning lights.
Locate the select button on your steering wheel
On the 2014 Accord, the select button is a small dial or thumbwheel located on the left side of the steering wheel, below the cruise control buttons. Some models have a button labeled "SEL" or "SELECT," while others use a small wheel you can press inward. This is the primary control for navigating your dashboard menus.
Familiarize yourself with this button before you start. You will use it to scroll through menu options and confirm selections. If you are unsure which button it is, check your owner's manual — it will have a diagram of the steering wheel controls.
Turn on the ignition without starting the engine
Sit in the driver's seat and insert your key into the ignition, or press the start button if your Accord has keyless ignition. Turn the key or press the button once to reach the "On" position — the dashboard lights will come on, but the engine will not start. Do not turn the key all the way to start the engine; you only need the electrical systems to power up.
You will see your instrument cluster light up with various gauges and information displays. The oil life percentage may already be visible, or you may need to navigate to it using the select button.
Navigate to the oil life display using the select button
Press the select button repeatedly to cycle through the available dashboard screens. You are looking for a screen that shows "Oil Life" or a percentage figure (for example, "23%"). On most 2014 Accords, this screen appears within the first two or three menu options. Each press of the button moves you to the next available screen.
If you overshoot the oil life screen, keep pressing — the menu will loop back to the beginning. Take your time and watch the display carefully. Once you see the oil life percentage, you are ready for the next step.
Press and hold the select button to reset
When the oil life percentage is displayed on your screen, press and hold the select button for approximately three seconds. Do not release it after one or two seconds — you need to hold it long enough for the system to register the reset command. After about three seconds, the display will change to show a confirmation message, often displaying "Oil Life Reset" or straightforward returning the percentage to 100%.
Some models may ask you to confirm the reset by pressing the button again. If a confirmation prompt appears, follow the on-screen instruction. Once the oil life shows 100 percent, the reset is complete.
Turn off the ignition and verify the reset
Turn the key back to the "Off" position or press the start button once to power down the electrical systems. Wait a few seconds, then turn the ignition back on to verify that the oil life has been saved at 100 percent. The display should show the reset value when you navigate back to the oil life screen.
If the oil life still shows a low percentage after you power the car back on, repeat the reset process. Occasionally the system requires a second attempt, particularly if you did not hold the select button long enough the first time.
What to do if the reset does not work
If you have followed all the steps and the oil life percentage remains low, check that you are using the correct button. Some 2014 Accords have multiple buttons on the steering wheel, and pressing the wrong one will not trigger the reset menu. Refer to your owner's manual to confirm you have identified the select button correctly.
Another common issue is releasing the button too quickly. The system needs a full three-second hold to register the reset. Try again, counting slowly to three while holding the button down. If the problem persists after multiple attempts, the instrument cluster may have a malfunction, and you should have a Honda dealer inspect it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reset the oil life while the engine is running?
No, the reset function only works when the ignition is in the "On" position with the engine off. If you try to reset while driving or with the engine running, the system will not respond to the select button command. Always turn off the engine before attempting the reset.
What happens if I forget to reset the oil life after an oil change?
The oil life percentage will continue to count down based on your driving. The car may display a warning light or message on the dashboard reminding you to change the oil, even though you just did. You can reset it at any time — it does not have to be when ready after the oil change.
Does the 2014 Accord have different reset steps if it has a touchscreen?
Most 2014 Accords use steering wheel buttons rather than a touchscreen for the oil life reset. If your model has a newer infotainment system, you may be able to reset through the main menu, but the steering wheel method remains the standard approach. Check your owner's manual if you have an unusual dashboard setup.
Will resetting the oil life affect my car's warranty or service records?
Resetting the oil life monitor only clears the dashboard display — it does not erase any service records or affect your warranty. The reset straightforward tells the car to start a new oil change countdown. Your actual maintenance history remains unchanged in the vehicle's computer.