How to Remove the Inspection Pop-Up in an Audi A4

You can usually remove (reset) the inspection pop-up in an Audi A4 through the car’s infotainment menu under “Service & Checks” or via a manual button/ignition sequence, but the exact method depends on your model year and whether the service was actually completed. Below is a detailed, model-specific guide, plus when you should (and shouldn’t) reset the reminder.

What the Inspection Pop-Up Means

The inspection pop-up in an Audi A4 is a maintenance reminder tied to mileage and time. It is designed to alert you that scheduled service is due or overdue, not to report a fault or emergency. It typically appears as “Inspection due” or “Service due” in the instrument cluster and often on the MMI screen.

Why the Warning Appears

The pop-up is triggered by Audi’s service interval system, which tracks:

This list explains the main parameters Audi’s system uses to decide when to show the inspection reminder.

• Mileage (for example, every 10,000–15,000 km or 10,000 miles, depending on market)
• Time since last service (often 12–24 months)
• Oil quality and driving conditions (on LongLife/flexible service schedules)

Together, these factors determine when the inspection reminder appears, helping you keep to the recommended maintenance schedule even if you drive less or more than average.

In most cases, the reminder should be reset by the workshop that performs the service. If it was not reset, or if you perform your own maintenance, you can usually clear it yourself using the procedures below.

Important Warning Before You Reset

Resetting the inspection pop-up without doing the actual maintenance can lead to missed services, increased wear, and potential warranty or resale issues. If any of the following apply, have the car properly inspected before clearing the reminder:

This list outlines situations where you should not simply dismiss the inspection pop-up but instead get the car checked.

• The car is still under manufacturer or extended warranty
• You see additional warning lights (check engine, oil pressure, brake, etc.)
• There is unusual noise, smell, vibration, or performance loss
• You are unsure when the last service was done

Using the reset as a substitute for service risks hiding real problems behind a “clean” dashboard, which can become more expensive and dangerous over time.

Identifying Your Audi A4 Generation

The procedure to remove the inspection pop-up differs by generation. The Audi A4 has several recent versions:

This list helps you identify your A4 generation by model code and a few visual cues.

• B7 (approx. 2005–2008): Classic red-dot radio displays, older-style center console; limited MMI.
• B8 (approx. 2008–2015): First with modern MMI screen on the dash, rotary controller near gear shifter.
• B9 (approx. 2016–2023, including facelift): Larger color MMI, some with Virtual Cockpit; more touchscreen in later years.
• B10 (2024– on, where available / markets): Latest-generation infotainment with large, tablet-style center screen and online features.

While each generation shares the same idea—a menu-based reset plus a manual backup method—the exact steps and menu names vary, so using the correct procedure for your A4 helps avoid frustration.

Resetting the Inspection Reminder on B9 (2016–2023) and Newer A4

B9 and newer A4 models typically let you reset the inspection reminder directly from the infotainment system (MMI). The wording may vary slightly depending on software version and market, but the core steps are similar.

Method 1: Using the MMI “Service & Checks” Menu

This method is the cleanest and closest to what dealers use, and it should be your first choice on newer cars.

This ordered list walks you step by step through resetting the inspection reminder via the on-screen menus.

1. Switch the ignition on (engine can be off but electronics on).
2. On the center screen, press the MENU or HOME button to open the main menu.
3. Select Car or Vehicle (icon often looks like a car silhouette).
4. Choose Service & checks (in some markets: Service or Maintenance).
5. Select Service intervals.
6. Review the displayed information (e.g., “Inspection due now” or “Oil change in XXX km / XX days”).
7. Choose Reset inspection interval or Reset service interval.
8. Confirm the reset when prompted (often: Yes or OK).
9. Turn ignition off, wait a few seconds, then turn it on again to confirm that the pop-up no longer appears.

If the reset succeeded, the inspection pop-up should no longer appear at startup, and the service interval display will show a future date/mileage when the next inspection is due.

Method 2: Via the Instrument Cluster / Steering Wheel Controls

Some B9 cars allow partial control of service resets through the instrument cluster and steering wheel buttons.

This list outlines an alternative route using the driver’s display rather than the central touchscreen.

1. Turn the ignition on but do not start the engine.
2. Use the VIEW and/or left/right arrow buttons on the steering wheel to access the main instrument cluster menu.
3. Navigate to Vehicle or Car settings, then to Service & checks or a similar entry.
4. Find the Service intervals screen.
5. Look for an option like Reset inspection or Reset service.
6. Select it and confirm the reset when asked.
7. Cycle the ignition off and back on to ensure the message has cleared.

This cluster-based method is less standardized than the MMI approach, but on some software versions it offers a quick way to reset without navigating through multiple touchscreen menus.

Method 3: If the MMI Reset Is Greyed Out or Unavailable

Occasionally, the Reset inspection option is disabled (greyed out), especially if:

This list explains common causes when the on-screen reset option won’t respond.

• The car is configured for flexible (variable) service intervals that require a diagnostic tool.
• The last reset was very recent and the system blocks immediate repeated changes.
• A fault is stored in the ECU related to oil quality or another system.

In these cases, you typically need a diagnostic tool (like the official Audi ODIS system or third-party tools such as VCDS, OBDeleven, or similar) to perform a full service reset and clear any related adaptation values.

Resetting the Inspection Reminder on B8 (2008–2015) A4

On B8 models, you often have both an MMI-based reset and a simpler manual button sequence. The exact MMI layout differs depending on whether you have MMI 3G, MMI 3G+, or basic radio with Driver Information System (DIS).

Method 1: Using the MMI System (B8 with MMI)

Most B8 models with the larger dashboard screen and rotary controller can reset the inspection reminder from the car menu.

This list gives the standard sequence through the B8’s MMI to clear the inspection indicator.

1. Switch ignition to ON (engine off is fine).
2. Press the physical CAR button next to the MMI control knob.
3. Select Service & control (or Service & checks, depending on market).
4. Choose Service intervals.
5. Review current status (“Inspection in XXX km/XX days” or “Inspection due”).
6. Scroll to and select Reset inspection interval.
7. Confirm your choice when the system asks if you really want to reset.
8. Turn the ignition off, wait a moment, and then restart to confirm the inspection pop-up has disappeared.

After this reset, the system will calculate the next service due date and distance, reflecting the type of schedule (fixed vs flexible) that your car is configured for.

Method 2: Manual Button / Ignition Sequence (B8 and Some B7)

If your A4 has a basic DIS without full MMI, or if the menu option is not present, a manual sequence using the cluster buttons is often available. The exact sequence may vary slightly by year and market, but a common pattern is:

This ordered list outlines a frequently used manual reset approach using dashboard buttons only.

1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Press and hold the 0.0 / SET or trip reset button on the instrument cluster.
3. While holding the button, switch the ignition to ON (do not start the engine).
4. Wait for the service/inspection message to appear on the display.
5. Release the trip reset button.
6. Within a few seconds, press either:
   

   This nested list shows the possible follow-up actions, depending on the labeling of your buttons.

   • The 0.0 / SET button again, or
   • The second button labeled OK or with a spanner/wrench icon

7. Watch for the display to change to something like “Service reset” or for the inspection distance/time to jump to a high value (e.g., 15,000 km / 365 days).
8. Switch the ignition off and back on to verify that the pop-up no longer appears.

If the sequence is performed correctly, the service interval data will be updated and the inspection alert will no longer show at start-up, though the exact wording of the confirmation message can differ between early and late B8 clusters.

Resetting on Older A4 (B7 and Earlier)

On older A4 models (B7 and before), you usually do not have a full MMI system, and the reset is almost entirely handled via the instrument cluster buttons.

Common Manual Reset Procedure (B7-era A4)

The process typically involves the trip reset button and a seconds/clock button. A widely used method is:

This list describes a typical manual reset pattern for earlier-generation A4s without modern infotainment.

1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Press and hold the trip odometer reset button.
3. Turn the ignition to ON while still holding the button.
4. Release the trip reset button when “Service!” or similar appears in the display.
5. Within a few seconds, press and hold the clock adjustment / minutes button (often a separate button on the cluster) until the display changes or resets.
6. Check that the “Service” message has disappeared or that the service interval has been updated when you cycle the ignition again.

When a Diagnostic Tool Is Required

Even if the dashboard methods work for basic reminders, there are situations where only a diagnostic tool can fully reset or configure the service system.

This list covers the main scenarios where DIY menu methods are not enough and a scan tool is needed.

• Flexible (LongLife) service: To properly reset oil quality and inspection counters on cars with variable intervals.
• Incorrect or inconsistent interval data: When the car shows impossible due dates after a manual reset.
• Fault codes stored in control units: Especially in the engine or instrument cluster ECU that block resets.
• Changing from “flexible” to “fixed” intervals: A parameter that must be altered in adaptation/channels.

In these cases, visiting a dealer, a trusted independent workshop, or using advanced DIY tools such as VCDS or OBDeleven allows you to perform the same type of service reset procedures used in professional environments.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Sometimes, even after following the procedures, the inspection pop-up persists. The cause is usually one of a few recurring issues.

Inspection Message Returns After Reset

Possible reasons for the pop-up returning immediately or shortly after include:

This list highlights typical causes if the message reappears soon after you think you’ve cleared it.

• The reset was applied only to the oil change but not the inspection interval (they can be separate).
• The service is overdue by a large margin, causing the system to re-trigger quickly.
• A fault code (for example, oil level sensor, brake wear sensor) is keeping a related warning active.
• The wrong menu item was selected (e.g., resetting “Check tire pressure” rather than “Inspection interval”).

To resolve this, double-check that you chose the correct interval to reset, and if the car still shows additional warning icons or error messages, have it scanned for fault codes.

No Reset Option Visible in the Menus

Depending on software and region, some A4s hide the reset option from the end user.

This list describes why the reset entry might not appear and what you can do about it.

• The car is locked to workshop-only resets to protect warranty and interval accuracy.
• The MMI or cluster firmware is an early or restricted version that does not expose service reset to drivers.
• The car’s service schedule is set by the importer/dealer network and is managed mostly via diagnostic tools.

If your menus lack any “Reset service” or “Reset inspection” options, the only reliable solution is to have the reset performed with a scan tool by a dealer or competent independent garage.

Good Practice After Resetting the Inspection Reminder

Once the inspection pop-up is cleared, maintaining a record of actual service performed is as important as removing the warning.

This list offers simple best practices to keep your maintenance history organized after performing the reset.

1. Record the date, mileage, and work done in the service booklet or digital log.
2. Keep receipts for oil, filters, and parts used, especially if you self-service.
3. Check that the new next-service date/mileage shown in the display matches your expectations.
4. Set a separate reminder in your phone or calendar as a backup to the car’s system.

These steps help ensure future owners, workshops, or warranty evaluators can see that the reset corresponds to real maintenance, protecting both the vehicle’s longevity and its value.

Summary

To remove the inspection pop-up in an Audi A4, you typically use the car’s menus—Car/Vehicle → Service & checks → Service intervals → Reset inspection—on B8, B9, and newer models, or a manual button and ignition sequence on older A4s. If the menu option is missing or disabled, or if the message returns immediately, a proper reset with a diagnostic tool (dealer or specialist) is often required. Always ensure the actual inspection or service has been carried out before clearing the reminder, and keep a clear record of maintenance for reliability, safety, and resale value.