What does Honda Service Code B12 Mean?

If you own a Honda car, you have probably seen the Honda B12 service code or other codes, such as A1, B1, A2, B2, etc, pop on your dashboard. The Honda maintenance minder uses these codes to remind drivers that certain components are due for maintenance. This prompts drivers to keep up with maintenance to let their cars run smoothly and with a great life span.

However, while several codes might pop up at certain times, we are particularly concerned about the Honda B12 service code. So in this article, I will explain in detail what the Honda B12 service code is and what to do when you see it.

What is Honda B12 Service for Honda?

The Honda B12 service is a maintenance service required by Honda cars which includes changing the engine oil and oil filter, air and cabin filter, and doing tire rotation.

The Honda maintenance minder helps notify drivers about this maintenance by throwing the B12 service code to the dashboard.

So when you see it, know it’s time to act as proper maintenance is key to having a smooth-running vehicle and the expected life span.

Read Also: Honda HRV vs. CRV: A Comparative Review Of Features

What is the Honda B12 Maintenance Code?

The Honda B12 maintenance code is a maintenance task required by Honda cars, usually initiated by the Honda maintenance minder. However, since there are other relatable codes such as B1, B2, B3, B4, B6, B7, etc., let’s break down the B12 service code, to help you understand better.

Basically, the Honda B12 maintenance code stands for three services your Honda needs. While B stands for oil and filter change, 1 stand for tire rotation, and 2 signifies air and cabin air filter change.

So when you see the Honda B12 service code, it means it’s time to change your engine oil and filter, rotate your tire, and replace the air and cabin air filter. Aside from these services, some other services are still required, which are listed in your owner’s manual. I will also highlight these extra services contained in the Honda B12 service in subsequent sections.

This Honda B12 service code is universal for all Honda models. So whether the code pops in your Honda Accord, Ridgeline, or any other Honda, it means the same thing. So for those asking what does B12 mean in a Honda Civic or any other Honda, now you know.

It’s worth noting that while there are other relatable codes, such as the B1, B3, B7, etc, they are not essentially the same. While the B refers to the same thing across all B codes – changing engine oil and oil filter, the number in front tells what other services are needed.

For example, the B3 code suggests changing the oil and filter with the transmission fluid. Whereas B12 requires you to replace the engine oil and oil filter, do a tire rotation and replace the cabin and air filter.

Read Also: Honda B2 Service

What is included in the Honda B12 service?

The things included in the Honda HRV b12 service, Honda ridgeline b12 service

or any Honda models with the B12 code, includes

When do you require the Honda B12 service?

The Honda maintenance minder should alert you when it’s time for a B12 service by throwing the B12 code on your dashboard. Usually, the B12 code should pop around every 5000-7500 miles, depending on how much you use your car.

But don’t always rely on it because the system can malfunction and refuse to notify you. Moreover, the time required for a B12 service is also stated in your owner’s manual. So whether the maintenance minder reminds you or not, you can follow what is recommended by your user’s manual.

A list of all Honda service codes, meaning and when their service is needed, is stated in your manual.  For example, while an oil change is required every 5000-7500 miles, a brake pad job is required every 6000 miles.

Also Read: When Does My Car Require Honda B13 Service?

Important tips to get the Honda B12 service

The following are helpful tips to help you carry out the Honda B12 service for CRV or any other Honda B12 service successfully.

Harness the usefulness of the Honda maintenance minder

The Honda maintenance minder has made it easier to remember when it’s time for maintenance. So when it alerts you of Honda b12 service for your Pilot or any other Honda, ensure you carry out the required service. This will keep your car running smoothly and attain its lifespan.

However, there are other Honda service codes, such as A2, B2, A6, B7, etc. So if you must act on the codes on your dashboard, you must also understand what these Honda service codes mean.

Thankfully, these codes and their meanings are listed in your user manual. You can study them to quickly know what maintenance is needed when specific codes pop up. If learning them seems challenging, consult your manual whenever these codes pop up.

Routine maintenance is key.

Getting reminded by the maintenance minder or knowing when your manual suggests this service is vital. However, doing what is required is the most important. So ensure you do your maintenance as and when needed, whether the minder reminds you or not.

Make good use of your dealership.

While dealerships are known for selling cars, they also carry out repairs. So when it’s time for your B12 Honda Odyssey service or any other Honda model, reach out to them. Dealerships have the right tools and expertise to carry out these services.

Moreover, if your car is still under warranty, it’s your gain since you pay little or nothing for these services. And even if your vehicle isn’t under warranty, some Honda service centers offer Honda b12 service coupons that help slash prices for their services.

Here is a link to different Honda service centers in the US, or you can locate yourself by typing Honda service centers near me.

Ask necessary questions and seek advice.

While the Honda B12 service code indicates only changing and inspecting certain items, ask professionals for advice.  Ask your dealership or mechanic to check and fix other things that may need fixing and fix them simultaneously. This is a great way to save not only time but money.

How do you reset the B12 service light on a Honda?

After doing all the Honda B12 service entails, chances are your dashboard light will still be on. Don’t panic; it’s completely normal, as the light doesn’t always turn off automatically after the Honda B12 service is completed.

So if the light doesn’t turn off automatically or your mechanic forgot to put it off, here is how to perform a Honda Pilot b12 service reset or any Honda b12 service reset yourself.

How much does it cost the Honda B12 service?

The Honda B12 service cost ranges from $80-$200 depending on your model and who is carrying out the job. Typically, the parts for this job costs around $80 with a labor fee of $120 for an hour job.

However, you can do some of this job yourself with the right tools and experience. Good examples of B12 service you can do include fluid change or topping, axle boot inspection, and filter change.

For the more challenging ones, such as inspection of brake shoes, you can leave it to your mechanic or dealer. But if you can do some or all yourself, you are definitely cutting down labor costs. If, however, you’re not confident enough to do any, leave everything to experts to handle.

Another factor that influences the Honda B12 service cost is your model. While the same manufacturer builds all Honda models, they cost differently, and so are their parts. So you may notice that the Honda Odyssey b12 service cost differs from the Honda CRV b12 service cost.

Final Words

The Honda B12 service code, just like other Honda maintenance codes, is an excellent way of reminding Honda owners to keep up with specific maintenance when needed. So if the Honda B12 service code pops on your dashboard, it’s time to do the needful.

This includes changing the engine oil and oil filter, rotating your tires, replacing the air and cabin air filter together, with inspecting some components listed in your owner’s manual. And more importantly, don’t just know what is required; act on it so you can have a seamless ride and increased lifespan.