Your vehicle will require servicing throughout its lifetime, regardless of its make or model. Over the years, manufacturers have changed how they remind vehicle owners when maintenance is due. The service centers used to put stickers on our cars’ engine bays, door jams, and windshield to let us know when we needed to get them serviced. After some time, there was a development of maintenance indicators that were going to blink every 5,000 miles or so per manufacturer.
There are a number of brands and models of cars available today, including Honda, which have their very own reminder systems. As a way of indicating when service is due on a Honda, service codes are used. It is common for the Honda maintenance A12 code to be reported as one of the most commonly encountered service codes on a vehicle. You will be notified whenever your vehicle is due for routine maintenance by the ‘service due soon A12’ code. Any Honda model that utilizes a ‘Maintenance Minder’ system will be able to set this code, so you can use it with any Honda model that does. No matter what vehicle you have, you may see A12 service codes at some point, including Civics, CR-Vs, Accords, Ridgelines, HR-Vs, Pilots, and Odysseys.
Honda maintenance code A12: what does it mean?
This system is fairly easy to understand since it is based on a unique system created by Honda. Letter designations indicate main service items, such as ‘A’ and ‘B’. A number follows each letter designation. Sub-services are represented by numbers (1 to 6).
Main Services
| Service Type | Service Description |
| A | It is recommended to replace engine oil without replacing the oil filter. |
| B | Engine oil and oil filter should be replaced. Additional services and inspections should be performed. |
Sub Services
| Service Number | Service Description |
| 1 | Inspect tire condition, rotate tires, and set tire pressures. |
| 2 | Inspect the accessory drive belt, replace the pollen/cabin air filter, and replace the engine air filter. |
| 3 | Fluid replacement is required for transmissions and transfer cases (if equipped). |
| 4 | Besides replacing spark plugs, inspecting/adjusting valve clearances (if noisy), inspecting/replacing water pumps, and replacing timing belts, make sure all other fluids are in good condition. |
| 5 | Coolant should be replaced in the engine. |
| 6 | Fluid should be replaced in the rear differential (if equipped). |
The A12 Service
Below are the steps required for the A12 service, based on Honda’s service coding system:
A – Replacement of engine oil without an oil filter.
1 – Check tire inflation, rotate tires, and adjust tire pressure.
2 – A new cabin/pollen air filter needs to be installed and the air cleaner element needs to be replaced. Inspect the drive belt as well.
You can create a service that uses any number combination, such as ‘A125’.
Engine Oil Changing
Optimum performance and efficiency are achieved through engine oil. It is possible to cause engine failure if you use old or low-grade oil in your tool. That’s why every scheduled service must include an oil change.
You should drain and clean out the oil tank thoroughly after changing the engine oil. Install a new high-quality oil filter to replace the old contaminated one. Replacing the oil filter and refilling the engine with Honda-approved oil should be done after changing the oil filter.
Tire Inspection
During the A12 service, we will inspect your tires as well. As part of this process, all four tires are typically moved separately to determine if any wear or damage is evident. By rotating your tires, you can identify areas that are damaged or need to be repaired.
As a second step, the tire pressure should be checked and adjusted. Poor road conditions and brutal weather often cause our vehicle’s tire pressure to decrease while we travel. Keeping all tires in top shape requires checking and adjusting tire pressure.
Air Cleaner Element Inspection
Keeping the air intake clean helps the engine work optimally by filtering out dust and debris.
An air cleaner element inspection is required during servicing A12 Honda Civics to determine whether a replacement is necessary. An old air cleaner can be replaced by the mechanic if it needs to be replaced.
Drive Belt Replacement
In addition to transferring power between the engine, generator, water pump, air conditioner compressor, and power steering pump, the drive belt is a rubber belt as well.
There will be visual examinations by the mechanic to look for cracks, wear, and damage. As soon as he finds damage to the drive belt, he will advise you to replace it with a new one.
Changing Dust & Pollen Filters
Cabin air filter inspection is the final step in completing the A12 service. In addition to protecting the driver and passengers from harmful particles, it also acts as a shield against dust, pollen, allergens, and smog. In addition to maintaining a comfortable indoor environment, it keeps the air clean.
Cabin air filters will be inspected by the mechanic to ensure they are functioning properly. Replacement is necessary if it becomes clogged or dirty.
There are also warning signs and other features that should be noted
During maintenance reminders like this, your dashboard may display other things besides code A12. More information can be found here.
Oil Life: A measure of how long the oil will last. You should set this figure to 100 percent when you change the oil in your vehicle. As a result, the percentage will decrease from that point forward.
When oil life is 15 percent depleted, you may notice warning signs. Your oil life is calculated based on the percentage representing how long you have left.
Wrench: A yellow wrench is also displayed on the dashboard of a Honda Civic. Service is needed as indicated by this wrench. You are not given instructions on what needs to be done, but it encourages you to visit your local dealership to obtain further information regarding the vehicle.
You have been given a code that corresponds to yours. By using that code, you may be able to perform some of the work yourself.
Honda A12 Service Cost
Depending on the dealership, geographic location, model of the vehicle, and service center, the cost of an A12 service may vary. A 12 service should cost you approximately $120 on average.
- Replacement of the engine oil and filter costs between $40 and $60
- Rotate your tires for $20 to $50
- Inspection of air cleaner elements costs between $20 and $40
- The cost of an inspection of the drive belt is $30 to $50
- Replacement of dust and pollen filters costs $30 – $50
Prior to scheduling an appointment with a dealership or independent mechanic, many people want to know the cost of maintenance services. An average 12 service costs between 150 and 250 dollars.
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What is the procedure for resetting code A12 on the Honda dashboard?
As soon as your A12 service is completed, your professional mechanic will reset the dashboard reminder code.
The steps below will show you how to remove the a12 maintenance code from your Honda dashboard if the mechanic forgot to reset the code or if you are performing maintenance yourself.
- Turn on the ignition: Turn the ignition “ON” without starting the engine, after inserting the key.
- Navigate to the maintenance minder: Press the steering wheel buttons to access the screen that displays the A12 code on the dashboard.
- Enter the reset mode: Press the “Reset” button on the steering wheel or dashboard for approximately 10 seconds, then scroll down to the “Reset” button.
- Select the maintenance item: After the maintenance minder starts blinking, release the release button. Reset the display once again by pressing and holding the reset button.
- Confirm the reset: Release the pressed button after confirmation of the reset appears on the display, and the Service A12 Honda due code is ready for accurate tracking of future maintenance.
Conclusion
It is the aim of every car service to ensure a smooth driving experience and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Keeping a strict service schedule might seem unnecessary to some, but to me, it is the single most important thing you can do to keep your car in good working order.
Oil and filter service, tire rotation, and cabin and engine filter service are the three key areas of the Honda A12.
In terms of service costs, the A12 is not too expensive, nor is it too cheap. Toyota’s main competitor, Honda’s luxury brand, Acura, offers a cheaper model compared to Honda’s.
