These instructions apply to the Volvo S60 Mk3 (225) 2018-present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
After a service the maintenance reminder on your Volvo S60 (225, 2018–present) stays on until you clear it. It is a service-scheduling message rather than a fault: the car counts down the distance and time to the next planned service and then shows the reminder to prompt you. Clearing it is done with the cluster reset button, and no dealer tool is needed.
What the Service Reminder Means
On the third-generation S60 the reminder is driven by a counter that Volvo sets at each service. As you cover miles and time passes, the remaining allowance falls; when it runs out the car displays the service message to tell you the next service is due. It is not sensing a problem in the moment — it is a scheduling prompt. That also means changing the oil or having the work done does not switch the message off by itself; the counter has to be reset so it can start tracking toward the next interval.
Keep the reminder distinct from the car’s warning lights. The service message is routine housekeeping; a red or amber warning symbol indicates a fault and needs to be investigated. The reset described here affects only the service reminder and will not clear a warning light.
Before You Start
Only reset once the work is genuinely done — the reminder tracks when the next service is due, so clearing it early just hides useful information. A few points to set up first:
- Park on level ground, apply the parking brake and leave the car in P.
- This procedure asks you to switch the ignition on without starting the engine at first, then start it while holding the button — so keep your foot off the brake pedal at the start-up step until instructed.
- Find the reset button on the instrument cluster and make sure you can hold it comfortably for the timed sequence.
- No tools are required; everything is done from the driver’s seat.
Resetting the Reminder
- Press the start/stop button to switch the ignition on — do not press the brake pedal (so the engine doesn’t start yet).
- Press and hold the reset button on the instrument cluster.
- Start the engine while keeping the button held.
- After about 10 seconds the cluster display flashes; keep holding a further 4 seconds.
- Release the button — a confirmation message appears.
If It Won’t Clear
This sequence relies on getting the ignition state and the hold timing right. If the confirmation does not appear, check these:
- Hold through the flash — release too early and it won’t confirm. Keep the button down for the extra few seconds after the display flashes.
- Don’t touch the brake when first switching on, or the start sequence differs and the ignition-only step is skipped.
- Start the engine only after the button is held — the order of switching on, holding, then starting matters.
- The message is a warning, not the reminder — if a fault symbol is showing rather than the service message, this reset will not clear it.
If it still won’t take, switch everything off, wait a few seconds, and run the sequence again from the ignition-on step.
What to Expect After Resetting
When the confirmation message appears and you finish, the service reminder should be gone at the next start-up and the display returns to normal. The counter has restarted and begins tracking toward the next service. If the message comes straight back, the sequence did not complete — repeat it, taking care to keep the button held through the flash and for the extra seconds afterwards.
How Often to Reset It
Reset the reminder every time the S60 has its scheduled service. The exact interval depends on the model year, engine and driving conditions, so follow the schedule in your owner’s handbook rather than a remembered figure — cars used mainly for short urban trips are often serviced more frequently than those doing steady longer journeys. Making a note of the mileage at each reset keeps the timing clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset the service light on a Volvo S60?
Ignition on without the brake, hold the cluster reset button, start the engine, keep holding ~10 s until the display flashes, then 4 s more, and release.
Do I need a Volvo diagnostic tool?
No — the cluster button resets the reminder without any plug-in equipment.
Why is it still showing?
You likely released before the confirmation. Repeat, holding through the flash and for the extra few seconds.
Does this clear a warning light?
No — only the service reminder, not a fault light.
Why must I avoid the brake pedal at the start?
Pressing the brake starts the engine straight away. The sequence needs the ignition on first with the engine off, so keep off the brake until you reach the start step.
How often should I reset it?
After every scheduled service. Follow the interval in your handbook, as it varies by year, engine and use.
If a warning symbol (not the service reminder) is lit, look the code up on autodtcs.com. Changing the battery too? See our S60 battery guide.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Volvo. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.