Honda B3 Service – Know and enjoy it

Experts and car manufacturers have always clamored for drivers to take maintenance seriously, as this helps their cars run smoothly and live up to its shelf life. While some keep up with what’s recommended in their owners manual, others forget until the situation is messed up. However, with the advent of technology, forgetting to keep up with maintenance is an excuse that almost no longer exists.

Car owners now get alerted via fault codes on their dashboards when specific components are due for maintenance. These codes come in different letters and numbers, one of which is the Honda B3 service code. In this article, you will take an in-depth look at what the Honda B3 service is and ways to harness it.

What is the Honda B3 service?

Honda B3 service is a maintenance task required by Honda cars that includes changing the engine oil and filter, transmission fluid, and inspecting other components listed in the user manual.

Honda owners are alerted about this service by the Honda maintenance minder. This minder typically throws the code B3 to the car’s dashboard, indicating something needs repairs. However, let’s break down this code so you understand it properly, as this will also help you understand other Honda service codes.

Basically, the letter and number point to different things. The B here stands for engine oil and filter change, together with the inspection of other components included in the service manual. On the other hand, the 3 indicates transmission fluid.

Simply put, the B3 code on your dashboard indicates that you need to change the engine oil and filter, transmission fluid, and inspect other components. All of which I will highlight in the next session.

The B3 code is universal across all Hondas, so whether the B3 service appears on your Honda Civic or Accord, it points to the same issue. You can also cross-check with your service manuals.

Note that in some cases, you may see other relatable codes such as B1, B2, B5, B6, B7, etc. While the B across all these codes means the same thing—replacing engine oil and filter, the numbers in front will tell you what other service you need.

For example, in the codes B7 and B5, while both imply you change the engine oil and filter, the Honda maintenance code 7 suggests you also change the brake fluid. Whereas the Honda maintenance code 5 indicates you change the engine coolant together with the engine oil and filter.

Read Also: What Does Honda Service Code B12 Mean?

What does the Honda B3 service include

Here are things included in a Honda B3 service

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

When do you require the Honda B3 service?

The Honda B3 service is required whenever you get notified by the maintenance minder. So, forgetting your maintenance interval is something that almost wouldn’t exist since you will be alerted by the system once it’s time.

Generally, the 3, for example, which signifies changing transmission fluid, pops around 30-60k miles depending on your driving habits. You may see the B3 code around 50-60k miles for normal driving while around 30k miles for severe driving.

However, these systems can malfunction and fail to remind you, so don’t always rely on them to notify you. Alternatively, follow what’s recommended in your owner’s manual to keep up with performance. For example, an oil change is recommended every 5000-7500 miles.

Important tips to get the Honda B3 service

Following these Honda B3 service tips outlined here will enhance your driving experience.

The maintenance minder notification is an excellent place to start

Keeping up with maintenance has been made easy. Thanks to the Honda maintenance minder that notifies drivers when specific maintenance is needed. So ensure you act when alerted.

This also means that you should know and understand all Honda service codes. As this will help you quickly identify what maintenance your car needs when a specific code pops up.

For example, the Honda maintenance code A137 suggests something different from the Honda maintenance code B137. Thankfully, all Honda service codes are detailed and explained in your owner’s manual.

Regularly carry out routine maintenance.

Hondas already have manuals that specify the exact time your vehicle needs maintenance. So ensure you follow this stipulated time to carry out maintenance whether the maintenance minder notifies you or not. Remember, these systems can malfunction and fail to alert you.

Your dealership is helpful.

Aside from selling cars, dealerships also assist in making repairs and maintenance. Going to them for maintenance whenever the B3 service Honda Civic code or any Honda service code pops is highly recommended, especially if your car is still under warranty.

Aside from your dealership having the right technicians and tools for the job, you will pay little to nothing for these repairs since your car is still under warranty.

Ask questions or seek advice.

Whether the B3 service code pops up or you’re doing maintenance following your owner’s manual recommendation, always ask questions or seek advice from your dealership or mechanic.

While the B3 code popping up points to certain things requiring maintenance, ask your mechanic to inspect and fix other faulty components simultaneously. This will save you both time and money.

Final words

The Honda maintenance minder typically notifies drivers when maintenance is due by throwing specific codes consisting of letters and numbers on their dashboards. While there are a series of codes, what you get determines what needs maintenance.

For example, if the Honda B3 service code pops, you should change your engine oil and filter, transmission fluid, and inspect other components such as suspension, exhaust system, etc. All Honda service codes and their meanings are detailed in your owner’s manual. However, while knowing the purpose of these codes is essential, acting on them is more paramount.