These instructions apply to the Audi Q3 Mk2 (F3) 2018-Present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
A “Service” or “Inspection” message on your Audi Q3 Mk2 (F3, 2018–present) means a maintenance interval is up. The quickest DIY route is the trip-reset button. Do the oil and filter change before you reset it.
What the Service Message Means on the Q3 Mk2
The “Service” or “Inspection” prompt on a second-generation Q3 is the car’s service-interval reminder, not a fault. The instrument cluster counts down toward the next scheduled maintenance and, when the limit is reached, shows the message on start-up along with the driver-information display. It is a scheduling reminder, so it tells you a service is planned rather than that anything has broken.
Audi tracks two things separately on this car. The oil-change service covers the oil and filter, while the Inspection service covers the wider list of checks. Depending on how the car was set up, the servicing may run to fixed intervals or to a longer, usage-based (“flexible”) schedule, which is why the exact timing varies from car to car. Either way, once the work is done the relevant counter has to be reset so it starts again from full.
Before You Begin
Reset the reminder only after the service it is asking for has been carried out. The counter has no way of sensing fresh oil; clearing it early just removes the message while the oil keeps ageing, and pushes the next reminder too far out.
- Park on level ground with the parking brake applied.
- Start with the ignition off — the trip-button method below begins from off.
- No diagnostic tools are needed for the button method; if your car only allows the reset through diagnostics, that is covered further down.
- Know where your trip-reset (0.0) button is — on the wiper stalk end or on the cluster — before you begin.
Reset Only After the Service
The interval measures distance and time since the last reset, so clearing it early just hides the reminder while the oil keeps ageing.
How to Reset Using the Trip Button
- Turn the ignition off.
- Press and hold the reset (0.0) button — the trip-reset on the wiper stalk or instrument cluster.
- While holding it, switch the ignition on.
- A service-reset prompt appears — release the button, then press it again (or the OK/menu button) to confirm.
- If oil and inspection are tracked separately, repeat for the second prompt.
If the Button Method Doesn’t Offer a Reset
Some F3 cars only expose the reset through diagnostics. If the trip-button prompt doesn’t appear, the service indicator is reset with a VCDS/OBD tool or at a dealer. The MMI Vehicle → Service & checks menu still shows the remaining intervals.
If the Reminder Returns
If the message is still there or comes back on the next start, work through these:
- The prompt wasn’t confirmed — you have to press the button (or OK) again after the reset prompt appears; releasing without confirming leaves the interval unchanged.
- Only one interval was reset — if both oil and Inspection were due, each has its own prompt; repeat the sequence for the second.
- Timing of the ignition switch — the button must already be held before you switch the ignition on; if you miss the window, ignition off and try again.
- It reappears at start-up — the confirmation wasn’t completed; repeat and confirm.
- A different warning is on — that’s a fault, not the service timer.
After the Reset
The service message clears and the cluster shows the interval back at full; you can check the remaining distance and time in the MMI Vehicle → Service & checks menu. The reset only affects the service reminder — it does not change any other vehicle setting and will not clear a genuine fault light. If both oil and Inspection were reset, both should now read as fresh.
How Often You’ll Need This
Reset each interval once, after the matching service is completed — the oil counter after an oil and filter change, the Inspection counter after the wider checks. Because the Q3 can be set to fixed or flexible servicing and the limits vary by engine and market, follow the interval given in your owner’s handbook rather than a single figure, and do both resets after a full service so neither counter is left running.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the reset button on the Audi Q3?
The trip-reset (0.0) button on the wiper stalk or cluster — the one you use to zero the trip.
Can I reset the Q3 service light without a tool?
Often yes, via the trip-button method. If no prompt appears, an OBD tool or dealer is needed.
Does the engine need to run?
No — ignition on, engine off.
Why are there two messages (oil and inspection)?
Audi tracks oil-change and inspection intervals separately. Reset whichever is prompted; do both after a full service.
How do I check how long is left until the next service?
Open the MMI Vehicle → Service & checks menu, which shows the remaining distance and time for each interval.
Does resetting it record the service in the car’s history?
No — the dashboard reset and the service record are separate. Keep your own note of the work and receipts for warranty and resale.
If a warning light appeared with the service message, look it up on autodtcs.com. After battery work, see our Q3 Mk2 battery guide.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Audi. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.