Honda Civic A12 Service Code Meaning: Maintenance Due Soon

By Dan Ross

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The A12 Honda service code is a vital indicator of routine maintenance requirements for your automobile. Understanding what this code means and the services it entails is crucial to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently.

Let’s delve into the details of the matter, discussing the specific maintenance tasks involved and why following this code is essential for the longevity and performance of your Civic.

What Is Honda A12 Service Code

The Honda A12 code refers to a specific maintenance service that is recommended at a particular mileage interval. It typically includes an oil change, ai filter change, tire rotation, and inspection of components such as the brake system, drive belts, fluid levels, filters, and more.

Honda A12 Service Code

Regular Oil And Oil Filter Change Needed

The oil and filter replacement is its most crucial part in the whole Honda A12 service. This maintenance procedure aids in purging your engine oil of impurities like dirt and debris. 

Your engine needs clean, fresh oil to work smoothly and effectively. Even more pollutants are captured by the oil filter, which also contributes to the engine oil’s longer lifespan.

oil change

When driving normally, Honda advises changing the oil and the filter every 7,500 miles or every 12 months. Meanwhile, when operating under challenging conditions, the recommended distance for oil and filter replacement is halved, or 3,750 miles, or six months.

Routine Rotation

When you rotate your tires, you also move the tires around on your car. It can also lengthen the lifespan of your tires and assist in distributing tire wear. 

Due to the owner’s inability to replace the wheels earlier than necessary, this is a common chore among all auto repair shops. Every service includes a tire rotation, which is recommended every 7,500 miles.

Routine Rotation

Engine Air Filter Check-Up

The engine air filter plays a crucial role in preventing dirt, dust, and debris from entering the engine. Over time, the filter can become clogged, reducing airflow and potentially affecting fuel efficiency and engine performance. 

Checking and replacing the engine air filter as needed ensures optimal engine operation.

Replace Cabin Filter

The Honda Civic A12 Service also involves replacing the cabin filter. This service entails changing the filter that keeps the cabin air in your car clean and pollutant-free. The Honda Service Schedule recommends changing the cabin filters every 30,000 miles or every two years.

Safety System Inspection

Some Honda dealers may additionally physically check a few of the safety features, such as the parking brake, brakes, or driving belt, depending on where you are. 

Although it’s a good idea, there are additional expenditures involved. Similar to rotating the tires, every service should include checking numerous parts of the vehicle.

Other Details Along With the A12 Code

Oil Life

Along with the A12 warning, sometimes you will notice a percentage showing up on the dashboard. This represents the percentage of the remaining oil. 

When you take an oil change in the car, the value should hit 100 percent. But the percentage will degrade right after that. When the number drops to 15%, you might spot some indicators of reduced oil life, and it’s time to change the oil. 

Wrench

Honda Civic Wrench

The Honda Civic’s dashboard also features a yellow wrench accompanying the A12 code. This wrench signals that some maintenance is required. No instructions on what should be done are provided, but you are urged to bring the car to the auto dealership so they can give you further details.

Honda Civic A12 Code Service Cost

On average, the A12 standard service for a Honda Civic can range between $200 and $250, including parts and labor. The components don’t cost much, but the labor cost is quite high, depending on which store and location you go to.

Noting that additional repairs or maintenance needs may arise during the service, which could impact the final cost. To get an accurate price quote, it’s best to contact your local Honda dealership or trusted auto service center, as they can provide specific pricing details based on your vehicle’s make, model, and any additional requirements.

How To Reset Honda Maintenance Code A12 Service Light

Resetting the A12 service light in your Honda Civic is a straightforward process. You can follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Sit in the driver’s seat and ensure all doors are closed.
  • Step 2: Put the car key into the ignition, then switch it to “ON,” but don’t start the car. The instrument panel lights should illuminate, but the machine should remain off.
  • Step 3: Find the trip meter reset button. It is typically located on the instrument panel, which is close to the speedometer and has the letters “SEL” or “RESET” next to it.
  • Step 4: Press and hold down the trip meter reset button. Keep it held down for about 10 seconds. While still holding the button, you will notice the maintenance reminder light begin to blink. 

Hold the button until the light stops blinking and turns off completely. This usually takes around 10 to 15 seconds.

  • Step 5: Release the trip meter reset button. The A12 service light should now be reset. Switch the ignition off and remove the key from the ignition switch.

Other Honda Maintenance Service Codes Explained

A Honda Maintenance Minder notifies you when and why your Honda requires maintenance.

  • A: Change engine oil only
  • 1: Rotate tires. Check tire condition and pressure
  • 2: Dust and pollen filter replacement, drive belt inspection, and air cleaner element replacement
  • 3: Replace transmission and transfer fluids.
  • 4: Change the timing belt and spark plugs. Check the valve clearance and the water pump
  • 5: Change engine coolant
  • 6: Change rear differential fluid

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Can I Drive After The A12 Maintenance Code Appears?

Although you shouldn’t put off getting the service too long, driving the vehicle for around a few hundred to 1,000 miles won’t harm the engine, particularly if you’re on the highway. You won’t have any issues delaying the servicing if the automobile is just left in the garage.

How Do I Find My Honda Code?

To find the maintenance codes for your Honda vehicle, consult the owner’s manual or check the maintenance minder system. The owner’s manual, usually found in the glove compartment, contains a section dedicated to maintenance and service intervals. 

How Do I Read My Honda Engine Code?

You will need an OBD-II scanner to read the engine codes in your Honda vehicle. First, plug the scanner into the OBD-II port. Then, turn on the ignition without starting the engine, and follow the scanner’s instructions to retrieve the codes. Cross-reference the codes with a code lookup guide and consult a mechanic or expert assistance.

How Do I Delete Fault Codes?

Firstly, plug the scanner into the OBD-II port. Turn on the ignition without starting the engine, and follow the scanner’s instructions to establish a connection with the vehicle’s computer system. Once connected, navigate and select the “Clear Codes” or “Erase Codes” option to delete the fault codes stored on the vehicle’s computer.

The Bottom Line

The Honda Civic A12 service code is a handy reminder of the maintenance tasks necessary to keep your vehicle in optimal condition. By adhering to the recommendations outlined in the code, you are ensuring the longevity and performance of your Honda Civic. 

Stay proactive in maintaining your Civic and enjoy many miles of enjoyable and safe driving.

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