These instructions apply to the Subaru BRZ Mk1 (ZC6) 2012-2019.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
After an oil change or service on your Subaru BRZ (2012–2019) — the ZC6 — the maintenance reminder stays on until you tell the car the work is done. It is a mileage-and-time counter that Subaru sets to prompt the next service; it is not a fault and it does not mean anything is wrong with the engine right now. You can clear it yourself with the trip button on the instrument cluster, and no diagnostic tool is needed.
What the Maintenance Reminder Means
The BRZ’s reminder works on a fixed schedule rather than by sensing oil condition. When a service is done and the counter is reset, it begins tracking distance and elapsed time again toward the next planned point. When that point is reached, the cluster shows the reminder to nudge you to book the next service. Because it is a counter, changing the oil on its own will not switch it off — the reset sequence is what restarts the clock.
It is worth keeping the reminder separate in your mind from the car’s warning lights. The maintenance reminder is a scheduling prompt; a red or amber warning symbol signals a fault that needs looking at. The trip-button sequence below only clears the reminder and has no effect on a genuine warning.
Before You Start
Only reset after the service is done. You’ll use the ‘TRIP’ (trip recorder) button on the instrument cluster. A few things to line up first so the sequence runs cleanly:
- Park on level ground, apply the handbrake and leave the car in neutral or park.
- You will be switching the ignition on and off during this, so have the key or start button ready and keep the engine off throughout.
- Locate the TRIP button and make sure you can hold it while reaching the ignition — the two actions overlap in the sequence.
- No tools are needed; this is done entirely from the driver’s seat.
Resetting the Maintenance Reminder
- Turn the ignition on (engine off) and press the ‘TRIP’ button to select ‘TRIP A’.
- Turn the ignition off.
- Press and hold the ‘TRIP’ button, and at the same time turn the ignition on.
- Keep the button held for a few seconds, then turn the ignition off — the service indicator is reset.
If the Reminder Won’t Clear
The most common reason the sequence fails is the setup step or the timing of the hold. Work through these before trying again:
- Start from ‘TRIP A’ before the hold step — if the display is showing the odometer or TRIP B, the sequence may not register.
- Keep the TRIP button held while switching on, and stay on it for the few seconds that follow rather than tapping it.
- Get the order right — the button must already be pressed as you turn the ignition on, not pressed afterwards.
- A separate warning light? A fault stores a code — look it up on autodtcs.com.
If nothing changes, switch the ignition fully off, pause for a moment and run the whole sequence again from selecting TRIP A.
What to Expect After Resetting
When the sequence completes and you switch the ignition off, the maintenance reminder should be gone the next time you start the car, and the cluster returns to its normal display. Internally the counter has restarted and begins tracking toward the next service. If the reminder is still showing at the next start-up, the reset did not take — repeat the sequence, being careful to start from TRIP A and to hold the button through the ignition-on step.
How Often to Reset It
Reset the reminder each time the BRZ has its scheduled service and the oil is changed. The correct interval depends on model year and how the car is driven, and a BRZ that sees track days or spirited use may be serviced more often than one used gently on the road — so follow the schedule in your owner’s handbook rather than a fixed figure. Noting the mileage at each reset makes it easy to see when the next one is due.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset the maintenance light on a Subaru BRZ?
Ignition on, TRIP to TRIP A, switch off, then hold TRIP while switching on for a few seconds, then switch off.
Do I need a diagnostic tool?
No — the trip-button sequence is owner-doable with nothing plugged in.
Is the Toyota GT86 the same?
It’s the mechanical twin, but follow your own car’s handbook; this method is for the Subaru BRZ.
It didn’t work — what went wrong?
Usually TRIP A wasn’t selected first, or the button was released too early; repeat carefully.
Does the engine need to be running?
No — the whole sequence is done with the engine off, switching the ignition on and off as described.
Will this clear a warning light on the dash?
No. It only clears the maintenance reminder. A genuine warning symbol points to a fault and needs diagnosing, not resetting.
If another warning light appeared with the service message, our sister site autodtcs.com can help you decode it.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Subaru. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.