Maintenance guide

Service Light On After Service

If your service light stays on after a service, the most common reason is that the reminder was not reset. In many cases it does not mean something is wrong mechanically.

Quick answer

A service light is usually a maintenance reminder rather than a fault warning. If the car was serviced recently, it may simply need resetting correctly.

Check whether any other warning lights are also present.

Is it serious?

Usually not

If only service light remains.

Other lights on?

Needs investigation sooner.

Car drives fine

Often reminder only.

Rough running

Could be unrelated fault.

Check paperwork

Confirm work completed.

Return to garage

Often quick to resolve.

Common causes

  • 1Service reminder not reset
  • 2Wrong reset procedure used
  • 3Inspection item still due
  • 4Battery disconnect reset issue
  • 5Separate fault light confused with service light

How it is usually fixed

Many cars need a button sequence through the dashboard menu, while others require diagnostic equipment.

The garage that serviced the car can often sort it quickly.