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How to Reset the Service Due Reminder on an Audi A4 2018

To reset the “Service Due” reminder on a 2018 Audi A4, you typically use the car’s MMI (infotainment) and instrument cluster menu to navigate to the service interval settings and confirm a reset—no tools are needed if the car has already been serviced, but more advanced resets (like oil change intervals in some markets) may require a diagnostic tool or Audi dealer equipment.

Understanding the Service Reminder on the Audi A4 2018

The 2018 Audi A4 uses onboard sensors and time/mileage counters to warn when maintenance is due. The “Service Due” or “Oil Change Due” message is a reminder based on the manufacturer’s schedule, not a fault code. Resetting this reminder correctly helps you track future maintenance dates accurately and avoid confusion about whether service is overdue.

Before You Reset: Key Precautions

Resetting the service indicator is straightforward, but there are important points to understand so you don’t accidentally mask overdue maintenance or interfere with flexible service intervals.

  • Only reset the reminder after the relevant service (oil change, inspection) has actually been performed.
  • If your car is on a flexible (LongLife) service schedule, incorrect manual resets can interfere with the algorithm that adjusts service intervals based on driving style and oil condition.
  • Some markets or trims allow full reset from the driver menus; others only allow partial reset (e.g., inspection only), leaving oil service reset to a workshop via OBD.
  • For cars under warranty, Audi generally recommends that resets be done by an authorized dealer so digital service records stay accurate.
  • If you’re unsure which service has been completed (oil service vs. inspection), check the invoice or service booklet before choosing which item to reset.

Keeping these precautions in mind ensures the reset supports proper maintenance tracking instead of creating a misleading impression that everything is up to date.

Step‑by‑Step: Resetting Service Due via the MMI / Instrument Cluster

Most 2018 Audi A4 models allow basic service interval reset using the steering‑wheel controls and the central display. The exact wording may vary slightly by region and software version, but the navigation path is broadly similar.

1. Prepare the Vehicle

Before entering the menus, make sure the car is safe and ready for you to operate the controls without distraction.

  1. Park the car on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
  2. Make sure the transmission is in “P” (for automatic) or neutral (for manual) with clutch released.
  3. Switch the ignition on without starting the engine (press the start/stop button without pressing the brake, or turn the key to the ignition position if equipped).
  4. Wait a few seconds for the instrument cluster and MMI to fully boot up.

Completing this preparation ensures all menus are available and you can navigate through the system without interruption or safety concerns.

2. Access the Service & Checks Menu (MMI-Based Navigation)

If your 2018 Audi A4’s main interaction is via the central MMI screen and console rotary controller/touchpad, you’ll typically reset through “Car” or “Vehicle” settings.

  1. Press the MENU or Home button on the MMI control panel.
  2. Select Car or Vehicle (wording may differ slightly by software version).
  3. In the Car/Vehicle submenu, choose Service & checks (or similar: sometimes “Service & inspection”).
  4. Select Service intervals to display remaining mileage/time until the next oil change and inspection.

Once in the “Service intervals” screen, you should see both the current status and, in many variants, an option to reset certain intervals after performing maintenance.

3. Reset the Oil Change or Inspection Interval

Within the service menu, you can usually reset the service interval that corresponds to the work you’ve just completed—oil change, inspection, or both, depending on the configuration.

  1. With Service intervals highlighted, look for an option such as Reset oil change interval or Reset service interval. The exact wording may be:

    • “Reset oil change interval”
    • “Reset inspection interval”
    • “Reset service due”

  2. Select the appropriate reset option using the MMI control knob or touch function.
  3. Confirm your choice when the system asks, typically with a message like “Do you really want to reset the oil change interval?” Select Yes or Confirm.
  4. Wait for a confirmation on the screen indicating that the interval has been reset. In many cases, the display will update to show new values, for example, “Next oil change: 9,300 mi / 15,000 km or 365 days.”

After this process, the service reminder in the instrument cluster should disappear the next time you start the vehicle, reflecting that a fresh interval has begun.

4. Using the Steering-Wheel Buttons on the Instrument Cluster (If Equipped)

Some A4 2018 configurations emphasize the driver’s instrument screen—especially with the Audi Virtual Cockpit—allowing you to access service settings directly through steering‑wheel buttons.

  1. With ignition on and engine off, locate the left‑side steering‑wheel controls (typically an up/down rocker or scroll wheel plus a “View” or “OK” button).
  2. Press the Menu or equivalent button to bring up the main instrument cluster menu.
  3. Scroll to Car or Vehicle and select it with “OK.”
  4. Navigate to Service & checks or Service intervals.
  5. Select the Reset oil change interval or Reset service option and confirm when prompted.

If your specific trim and software support this method, the cluster will confirm the reset and the countdown/mileage for the next service will update accordingly.

When a Diagnostic Tool or Dealer Visit Is Required

While many owners can perform a basic reset themselves, certain scenarios demand the use of a professional scan tool or Audi’s official diagnostic system (ODIS).

The situations below outline when you’re more likely to need a workshop or OBD2 scan tool to handle service interval resets on a 2018 Audi A4.

  • LongLife / Flexible Service Regime: Cars set to variable intervals (using oil quality and driving data) often require a diagnostic tool to properly reset or change the logic, especially if converting from fixed to flexible intervals or vice versa.
  • Oil Type or Interval Changes: If you’ve changed from LongLife oil to fixed-interval oil, or changed the recommended mileage/time interval, a technician should re-code the service settings using diagnostic software.
  • Service Reminder Won’t Reset via MMI: If the service due message remains after following menu steps, there may be a configuration lockout or software issue that needs deeper access.
  • Brake Fluid, Inspection II, or Special Services: Some specific reminders (e.g., brake fluid change) may be tied to separate channels that are only resettable through the diagnostic interface.
  • Warranty & Digital Service History: During warranty, Audi dealers update your digital service record when resetting intervals, which can be important for resale value and future claims.

In these cases, visiting an Audi dealer or a qualified independent workshop with VCDS, ODIS, or similar tools is usually the safest and most reliable approach to keep the car’s digital maintenance log coherent.

Troubleshooting: If the Service Due Warning Persists

Sometimes the “Service Due” message does not clear as expected after a reset attempt. A few straightforward checks can help you understand what’s happening before assuming a deeper fault.

The following points explain common causes and checks you can perform if the reminder won’t go away.

  • Verify the Correct Interval Was Reset: Ensure you reset the oil change interval if an oil service was done, or the inspection interval if that was the scheduled service. Resetting the wrong category can leave one warning active.
  • Cycling the Ignition: Turn the ignition off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on or start the car. Some messages clear only after a full off/on cycle.
  • Check for Separate Messages: A “Service due” notice can coexist with an “Oil change due” or specific fault notification. Confirm the text carefully; a fault or overdue item won’t clear with a simple interval reset.
  • Software Variation by Region: In some regions (especially where service is tightly integrated with dealer systems), customer-level resets are limited. The menu may show info but not allow a proper reset without dealer equipment.
  • Instrument Cluster or MMI Fault: Very rarely, a software glitch or failing module causes the reminder to persist. In this case, a diagnostic scan for stored error codes is the next step.

If the warning continues to appear after these checks and a confirmed completed service, a diagnostic session at a workshop is recommended to avoid ignoring a genuinely overdue or incorrectly logged maintenance item.

Best Practices for Future Services

Using the service reminder system correctly over the life of the car can help maintain reliability, preserve resale value, and simplify maintenance tracking.

The practical habits below can help you make the most of your 2018 Audi A4’s maintenance reminder system.

  • Log Every Service: Keep invoices or digital notes with dates, mileage, and what was done. This helps verify that intervals match the car’s service reminders.
  • Reset Immediately After Service: Perform (or confirm the workshop performs) the reset as soon as maintenance is completed so future reminders are accurate.
  • Stay Consistent with Interval Type: If your car is configured for fixed intervals (e.g., every 10,000 miles / 1 year) or LongLife/flexible intervals, stick to that pattern unless intentionally changed by a technician.
  • Use Correct Oil and Parts: Especially for LongLife intervals, ensure the oil meets Audi’s VW 504.00/507.00 or other approved specifications and filters meet OEM standards.
  • Monitor for Early Warnings: If the system calls for service earlier than expected, it may reflect harsh driving conditions or underlying issues—don’t just reset without investigating.

By pairing the electronic reminder system with good record‑keeping and correct parts, you preserve both mechanical health and traceable service history for your A4.

Summary

Resetting the “Service Due” reminder on a 2018 Audi A4 is usually done through the MMI or instrument cluster menus, under Car/Vehicle → Service & checks → Service intervals, where you select and confirm a reset for the oil change or inspection interval after the relevant service is completed. If the reset option is limited or the message persists, or if your car uses flexible LongLife intervals, a dealer or workshop with proper diagnostic tools may be required to perform a full and accurate reset. Handling the reset carefully—only after real maintenance, and with consistent interval settings—keeps the car’s maintenance schedule reliable and its digital history coherent.

How do I clear my Audi service due?

And then we’ll go to vehicle. We’ll go to settings and service intervals and here you’ll see oil change is due we just hit reset. Yes we want to reset. And it’s been reset.

How to reset Audi A4 after service?

Okay what you’re going to do is you’re going to press down and it’ll say reset oil change interval. Hit okay it’ll say do you really want to reset the service interval go to yes press okay.

How to reset service light on Audi A4 2018?

And we’re going to press reset all interval. And then we’re going to select yes. Okay that has been reset.

How to reset inspection due on 2018 Audi?

So you’re going to scroll. And look for service interval reset we’re going to click yes on that. Click yes again. Oh by the way you want to make sure your car is on you don’t have to have it have it

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