How to Clear an Audi “Inspection Due” Warning

To clear an “Inspection Due” warning on most Audi models, you either reset the service interval through the car’s settings menu (MMI/infotainment), use the instrument cluster buttons and ignition sequence, or have it reset with a diagnostic tool at a workshop—after the required inspection has actually been completed.

What the “Inspection Due” Warning Really Means

The “Inspection Due” or “Service Due” reminder on an Audi is not just an annoyance—it’s a timed or mileage-based alert that your car is due for a scheduled inspection or service. Modern Audi models calculate service intervals either by fixed distances/time or by flexible (variable) service intervals, depending on the market and how the car is driven.

While it is technically possible to clear the warning yourself, Audi and safety experts strongly advise that you only reset it once the inspection or service has been properly completed, as the reminder is a critical part of tracking maintenance and preserving reliability, safety, and resale value.

Key Ways to Clear the “Inspection Due” Message

There are several common methods to clear the inspection warning, depending on your Audi’s age and equipment. This section outlines the main approaches from using in-car menus to professional diagnostic tools.

1. Clearing the Inspection Reminder via Audi MMI (Most Newer Models)

On many newer Audi models (roughly mid-2010s onward, depending on market and model), the maintenance reminder can be reset directly from the infotainment system (MMI). The steps below offer a general guide; exact wording and menu layout may vary slightly by model year and region.

1. Start the car or switch on ignition:
   

   • Press the Start/Stop button without pressing the brake (or turn the key to ignition ON, engine off).
   • Ensure the infotainment screen is powered on.

2. Open the CAR or Vehicle menu:
   

   • Press the physical CAR button next to the MMI dial (if present), or
   • On touchscreen models, select Vehicle from the home screen.

3. Go to service and maintenance:
   

   • Look for Service & checks, Service & control, or Settings & service.
   • Select Service intervals or Service schedule.

4. Select “Reset oil change interval” or “Reset inspection”:
   

   • On some models you’ll see both Oil change service and Inspection service listed separately.
   • Highlight Reset inspection (or similar wording) and press the MMI dial or touchscreen confirmation.

5. Confirm the reset:
   

   • The system will usually ask “Do you really want to reset the inspection interval?”
   • Select Yes or Confirm.

6. Verify the reset:
   

   • Turn the ignition off, then back on.
   • The “Inspection Due” message should no longer appear, and the service interval in the menu should show a new mileage/time countdown.

Using the MMI is often the cleanest and most accurate method because it communicates directly with the vehicle’s service interval management system, ensuring the new interval is stored correctly.

2. Using Instrument Cluster Buttons (Common on Older Audi Models)

Many older Audis without advanced MMI—or with a basic radio display—use the instrument cluster buttons to reset service and inspection reminders. The exact combination varies between model lines (A3, A4, A6, Q5, etc.) and generations (B7, B8, etc.), but the pattern below covers the most typical procedure used on pre‑MMI or early MMI-era vehicles.

1. Turn ignition off:
   

   • Make sure the engine is off and key is in the “Off” position.

2. Locate the trip/reset buttons:
   

   • Most clusters have two small buttons: one for trip odometer (0.0) and one for clock or service (SET or a wrench icon).

3. Press and hold the trip reset button:
   

   • Press and hold the 0.0 or left-hand button.

4. Switch ignition to ON:
   

   • While still holding the trip button, turn the key to ignition ON (engine not running), or press the Start/Stop button without the brake.
   • Hold for several seconds until a service/inspection message appears or begins to flash.

5. Use the other button to confirm:
   

   • Release the trip button.
   • Press the SET or right-hand button once (sometimes labelled with a spanner icon) to confirm the reset.
   • The display should briefly show a new interval or revert to the odometer.

6. Check if the warning is gone:
   

   • Turn ignition off, then back on.
   • The “Inspection Due” or service warning should no longer appear.

Because the exact button sequence can differ, it is wise to check your specific Audi owner’s manual, especially for models around generation changes where the cluster design was updated.

3. Resetting via OBD Diagnostic Tool (Dealers and Independent Garages)

For precise control, particularly on newer or high-end models (and where flexible service intervals are used), workshops often reset the inspection reminder using a diagnostic tool connected to the OBD-II port. This method also allows checking for any underlying fault codes before clearing the warning.

1. Connect an OBD-II diagnostic device:
   

   • Plug a compatible tool (Audi dealer system, VCDS/VAG-COM, ODIS, or a high-quality aftermarket scanner) into the OBD-II port, usually found under the dashboard near the driver’s knees.

2. Switch ignition to ON:
   

   • Power the car’s electronics without starting the engine.

3. Access the service or instrument cluster module:
   

   • On VAG-specific tools this is often 17 – Instruments or 17 – Dashboard, or Service Interval function.

4. Navigate to service interval reset:
   

   • Use the software’s guided functions to choose Reset inspection or Reset service interval.
   • On flexible service systems, you may be prompted to set new parameters (oil quality, mileage/time limits).

5. Apply and save the changes:
   

   • Confirm the reset command and wait for the tool to complete the adaptation.
   • Some tools may require cycling the ignition.

6. Verify on cluster/MMI:
   

   • Check the car’s service/inspection menu to ensure a fresh interval is displayed.
   • Start the car and confirm that the “Inspection Due” message no longer appears.

Using an OBD diagnostic tool is the most accurate method, particularly when you need to ensure that long-life or flexible service intervals are configured correctly according to manufacturer specifications.

Common Audi Model Examples and Variations

Different Audi models and generations handle inspection reminders slightly differently. While the core logic is similar, the menus and buttons can vary. Below are typical patterns for popular model lines, with the caveat that exact steps depend on model year and market.

Audi A3, A4, A5, A6, Q3, Q5, Q7 (Mid-2010s Onward)

For many A3 (8V), A4 (B8/B9), A5, A6 (C7/C8), Q3, Q5, and Q7 models, the process usually runs through the MMI.

• MMI-based reset: Access CAR/Vehicle > Service & checks > Service intervals and choose Reset inspection.
• Dual reminders: Often you’ll see separate lines for Oil change service and Inspection service.
• Virtual Cockpit models: On newer cars with a digital instrument cluster, similar options appear in the steering wheel-controlled menus under Vehicle > Service.

These models tend to make the process relatively intuitive, but the wording and menu paths may slightly differ by model year, so referring to the digital owner’s manual in the MMI can be helpful.

Older Models (Early 2000s and Earlier)

Older Audi models such as early A4 (B5/B6), A6 (C5), and early TT usually rely more heavily on manual button combinations on the cluster.

• Two-button reset: Most use some variation of holding the 0.0 trip button, turning ignition on, then pressing a separate button to confirm.
• Limited display: The cluster may show basic “SERVICE” or “INSP” text without detailed mileage readouts.
• Workshop tools: In some cases, a full reset of flexible intervals or certain configurations still requires a diagnostic tool.

With these cars, finding the precise sequence for your exact dashboard type is important, since even small design updates can change the button logic.

Why the Inspection Reminder Matters

Understanding what the “Inspection Due” alert represents helps you decide when and how to clear it responsibly. Ignoring or prematurely clearing the reminder can have consequences beyond just an illuminated message.

What Is Included in an Audi Inspection?

An Audi inspection is usually more comprehensive than an oil change alone, especially at major intervals (e.g., 30,000 km / 20,000 miles, 60,000 km / 40,000 miles, etc.). While exact content depends on model, age, and region, inspections typically include checks across the vehicle’s key systems.

• Fluids and filters: Engine oil, oil filter, air filter, cabin/pollen filter, and sometimes fuel filter and brake fluid checks or replacements.
• Brakes and suspension: Pad and disc wear, brake line condition, suspension components, steering joints, and underbody inspection.
• Safety systems: Lights, horn, wipers, tires (wear and pressure), seatbelts, and sometimes ADAS calibration checks on newer cars.
• Software and diagnostics: Reading fault codes, updating control unit software where needed, and verifying proper operation of electronic systems.
• Corrosion and bodywork: Visual checks for rust, leaks, or structural issues, especially important in regions using road salt.

Because the inspection is a safety and reliability measure, simply clearing the warning without ensuring these checks have been done can hide emerging issues that may become costly or dangerous later.

Fixed vs Flexible Service Intervals

Many Audis, particularly in Europe and some other markets, offer two types of service intervals: fixed (time/mileage based) and flexible (condition-based). The type configured affects how the “Inspection Due” reminder behaves.

• Fixed intervals: Service due at pre-set mileage and time (e.g., every 15,000 km or 10,000 miles, or every 12 months) regardless of driving style.
• Flexible (LongLife) intervals: The car’s sensors and algorithms monitor driving patterns, oil condition, and usage to vary service intervals up to a maximum limit.
• Inspection vs oil service: On flexible systems, inspection and oil change reminders may be separate; both must be correctly reset to avoid confusion.

When using diagnostic tools or certain MMI settings, you may need to specify which system your car is using to ensure the reminder resets sensibly for your driving and regional requirements.

When You Should Not Just Clear the Warning

Although it’s technically easy to clear the “Inspection Due” message, doing so without the actual inspection carries risks that go beyond a simple maintenance oversight.

Risks of Skipping or Faking an Inspection Reset

Bypassing the intended maintenance schedule can have financial, mechanical, and safety consequences. Owners sometimes consider clearing the warning to sell a car or to avoid an immediate service bill, but this can backfire.

• Warranty and goodwill: If your car is within warranty or under an extended service plan, incomplete or undocumented services may limit coverage or goodwill repairs from Audi.
• Engine and component wear: Delayed oil changes and inspections can accelerate wear on engines, turbochargers, transmission components, and suspension parts.
• Safety issues: Unchecked brakes, tires, and suspension increase the risk of accidents or critical failures, especially at motorway speeds.
• Resale value and trust: Service history gaps can significantly reduce resale value and buyer confidence, especially on premium vehicles where full service records are expected.

For these reasons, your priority should be to complete the required inspection first and then clear the warning, rather than the other way around.

Best Practices Before and After Clearing the Warning

To handle the “Inspection Due” reminder responsibly—and avoid it reappearing prematurely—there are a few practical steps you can take around each service.

Before You Reset

It helps to treat each inspection as an opportunity to document and plan your car’s maintenance. A little preparation can improve both reliability and record-keeping.

• Confirm what service is due: Check the MMI/service booklet to know whether a minor or major service is required and which items are scheduled.
• Record mileage and date: Note these in a logbook or digital app; this is useful even if the car’s system is reset correctly.
• Address any warnings: If other lights (e.g., check engine, brake wear) are on, have them diagnosed during the same visit.

Doing these preparatory steps helps ensure each reset corresponds to real work done and improves the long-term health and traceability of your Audi’s maintenance.

After You Reset

Once the inspection has been completed and the warning has been cleared, there are still a few quick checks and habits that make future maintenance smoother and more predictable.

• Verify the new interval: After reset, reopen the service menu to ensure the next inspection and oil service distances/times look correct.
• Keep invoices and reports: Save workshop invoices, inspection sheets, and any diagnostic printouts to build a full service history.
• Monitor for recurring messages: If “Inspection Due” or other service messages reappear quickly, it may indicate the reset was not performed correctly or the service schedule is misconfigured.

Following up in this way closes the loop on each service event, reducing the chance of confusion or missed maintenance down the line.

Summary

Clearing an Audi “Inspection Due” warning can be done in several ways: via the MMI/Vehicle menu on newer models, using specific button sequences on the instrument cluster in older cars, or through an OBD diagnostic tool at a dealer or independent garage. While the process itself is relatively straightforward, it should only be carried out after the proper inspection has been completed, since the reminder is part of Audi’s maintenance strategy to protect safety, reliability, and resale value. Understanding your specific model’s menus, interval type (fixed or flexible), and recommended inspection content will help you reset the system correctly and keep your Audi in good long-term condition.