Honda A12 Service: Cost, Meaning And Checklist 2025

Does your Honda vehicle display the service minder code “Honda A12 Service”? In order to fix the minder code, you need to know what it means, what to do, and how much it will cost for professional service.

If you have a service or system issue code, I will assist you in understanding it so that you have time to address the problem before it becomes a costly repair. To fix the blinking code, you or your mechanic must follow these steps. Taking a closer look at the A12 service code will help us understand the process.

Understanding Honda A12 Service

Honda A12 Service

Known for their advanced technology and advanced features, Honda vehicles are world-renowned. After covering a certain distance, Honda vehicles have a maintenance reminder system that notifies the owner when the vehicle needs maintenance. 

During service, this system will flash the service due message on the dashboard to alert drivers when any service is due.

When a Honda A12 service is required, the maintenance minder system will alert the driver based on measurements and readings received from various sensors at various time intervals. You can, however, gain a deeper understanding of the Maintenance Minder through this video.

What does the Honda A12 maintenance code mean?

There are usually one or more subcodes associated with every Honda service code. Below are specific digits that represent a service task.

  • A: A main code always denotes a primary function, which in this case is oil replacement.
  • 1: This sun code indicates tyre inspection, rotation, pressure adjustments, and condition checks.
  • 2: Replace dust and pollen filters, inspect air cleaner elements, and inspect drive belts.

Important Note: Although the A12 code generally consists of the above tasks, other components such as the injection system, coolant level topping up, battery health, and sensors should be checked as well.

What’s Included In The Honda A12 Service Checklist?

The following is a list of services typically included in A12.

  • Oil change for engines
  • Inspecting the tires
  • Inspecting the air cleaner element
  • Replacement of the drive belt
  • Changing dust and pollen filters

Engine Oil Changing

Optimising performance and increasing efficiency are key functions of engine oil. Low-quality or old oil can harm engine conditions, resulting in engine failure. As a result, it’s mandatory to change the oil every time a service is scheduled. 

Clean the oil tank thoroughly after draining the old oil that cannot be used to change engine oil anymore. Install a new high-quality oil filter in place of the old, contaminated one that no longer functions. Replacing the oil filter and refueling the engine with Honda-approved oil is the next step.

It is always a good idea to use high quality oil and filters, no matter how expensive they are, because they will ultimately increase the power of your engine.

Tyre Inspection

The second step in completing the A12 service is to inspect the tyres. Checking for wear and damage usually involves moving all four tyres individually. Rotating the tyres helps identify areas that need repair or that are damaged. 

It is also important to check the tyre pressure and adjust it if necessary. Poor road conditions and brutal weather often cause our vehicle’s tyre pressure to drop while we are traveling. Keep all tires in top condition by checking and adjusting tire pressure.

Air Cleaner Element Inspection

In order to ensure efficient engine performance, the air cleaner filters dust and debris from the air entering the engine.

The air cleaner element must be inspected during the service of the A12 Honda Civic to determine whether it needs to be replaced. A new air cleaner will be installed if the old one needs to be replaced.

Drive Belt Replacement

Rubber drive belts transfer power from an engine to various components such as a generator, water pump, air conditioner compressor, and power steering pump.

It will be visually inspected by the mechanic for cracks, wear, and damage. If damage is found, he will recommend replacing the old drive belt.

Dust And Pollen Filter Changing

Last but not least, we inspect the cabin air filter as part of the A12 service. Drivers and passengers are protected from dust, pollen, allergens, smog, and harmful particles outside by it. Maintaining a comfortable environment depends on keeping the interior air clean. 

Cabin air filters will be inspected by the mechanic to ensure they are working properly. Clogged or dirty filters need to be replaced. 

Honda A12 Service Cost

Honda A12 Service

It depends on the dealership shop, the geographic location, the model of the vehicle, and the service center how much an A12 service will cost. As a general guideline, the following is what you can expect to pay for a dozen services.

  • Engine Oil and Filter replacement: $40 – $60
  • Tire Rotation: $20 – $50
  • Air Cleaner Element inspection: $20 – $40
  • Drive Belt Inspection: $30 – $50
  • Dust and Pollen Filter replacement: $30 – $50

Prior to booking an appointment with a dealership or independent mechanic, many people want to know the price of maintenance service. A 12 service costs between 150 and 250 dollars.

Advantages of A12 Maintenance Service

There are many benefits to following the routine schedule services; some of these benefits are listed below:

  1. Improve the performance of the engine
  2. Extend the life of tires
  3. Repair costs can be reduced
  4. Air quality is improved
  5. Retain resale value

Enhanced Engine Performance

Engines run smoothly and consume less fuel when old oil is changed and new oil is put in. The fresh oil also improves the engine’s ability to perform smoothly by maintaining lubrication.

In order to prevent dense and dirty oil, replace the contaminated oil filter with a new one.

Prolong Tire Life

In order to be able to drive safely and comfortably, you must maintain tire health at all times. When tires are rotated properly, wear is detected and fixed in time, extending their lifespan and making them suitable for long drives.

Reduced Repair Cost

It is not uncommon for minor issues to require costly repairs due to the need to address them as soon as possible. Component inspections prevent costly repairs and save money by identifying problems at an early stage.

Improved Air Quality

When you replace the cabin air filter in your Honda A12 after completing the maintenance, you will notice a significant improvement in your vehicle’s air quality. 

Maintain Resale Value

In order to maintain the resale value of any vehicle, it is essential to keep it in a safe driving condition and not drive too hard. Take care of your Honda vehicle and it will retain its resale value for a longer period of time.

Honda Maintenance Minder Codes

Honda A12 Service

To help you understand the meanings of the codes and the comprehensive tasks each number represents, here are the principal and sub-service codes.

Main Service CodesMeaning
AEngine oil should be replaced
BInspection and replacement of engine oil and oil filter
Sub-Service CodesMeaning
1Tire rotation
2Check drive belt and replace air cleaner element
3Fluid replacement for transmissions
4Check valve clearance and replace spark plugs
5Coolant should be replaced
6If necessary, replace the rear differential fluid
7Brake fluid should be replaced
8Timing belts and water pumps (if applicable) need to be inspected and/or replaced.

A12 Service Code After Oil Change

A12 service codes are sometimes concerning to Honda vehicle owners, even if the service was successfully conducted by a qualified mechanic. As a result, the code has not been reset manually and prepared to monitor the next routine maintenance.

Resetting it manually or consulting a mechanic is not an automated process.

How to Reset Code A12 on the Honda’s Dashboard?

When your A12 service is complete, the professional mechanic will reset the dashboard reminder code.

To clear the Honda dashboard from the a12 code, follow the steps below if the mechanic forgot to reset the code or if you are performing service yourself. 

  1. Turn on the ignition: The key needs to be inserted and the ignition set to “ON,” but the engine does not need to be started.
  2. Navigate to the maintenance minder: Use the steering wheel buttons to open the dashboard menu and display the A12 code.
  3. Enter the reset mode: Select and hold the “Reset” button for about 10 seconds on the dashboard or steering wheel.
  4. Select the maintenance item: Press the release button when the maintenance minder turns on. Press and hold the reset button again until the display indicates the reset has been completed.
  5. Confirm the reset: Release the button when the reset is confirmed and appears on the display, allowing the Honda Service A12 due code to be reset and tracked correctly in the future.

Read: What is Honda B1 Service?
Read: Honda B12 Service
Read: Honda B13 Service
Read: Honda B17 Service Code
Read: Honda B123 Service Code
Read: Honda A13 Service

Conclusion

In order to maintain your vehicle’s engine lifespan, prolong tire life, provide clean and fresh air inside the car, and provide a smooth driving experience, Service A12 Honda Civic is a must. During the service process, engine oil and filter changes are performed, tires are rotated, and air filters are replaced, which improves the vehicle’s efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Honda A12 service code mean?

You need to change the engine oil (A), rotate your tires (1), replace the air cleaner element (2), inspect your drive belt (3), and replace the dust and pollen filter (4) in your Honda car.

How often should I perform the A12 service on my Honda?

Using the maintenance minder system, you will be notified when the A12 service due code appears on your dashboard. For regular maintenance, however, you should consult a mechanic after traveling 15,000 miles or once a year.

Can I perform the A12 service, or must I visit a dealership?

It’s best to visit a dealership for comprehensive and accurate engine repair if you are unfamiliar with the engine system and its components, although you can efficiently perform some basic and critical tasks if you know how it works.

What is the cost of the Honda A12 service?

There is no warranty coverage for Honda A12 maintenance, which typically costs 150 dollars to 250 dollars.

How do I reset the A12 service reminder?

When the technician completes the maintenance, the service code will be reset. If you want to eliminate any service light in the future, you can learn how to reset the code. 

First, turn on the ignition without starting the engine, then navigate to the maintenance reminder screen. Once the reset confirmation notification appears on the dashboard, hold down the reset button for 10 seconds. Finally, the A12 service code has been reset.

Author

  • Teddy Parker

    I am Teddy Parker, the owner of CarZinity.com, where I share my passion for cars through expert guides and practical tips. With a deep love for the automotive world, I provide valuable insights to help drivers make the most of their vehicles. My goal is to offer clear and actionable advice that enhances both your driving experience and vehicle maintenance.

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