Honda A17 Service (Checklist, Cost and What’s Included)

If you have a Honda, you are living an easy life and it’s a car that usually doesn’t cause too many problems for the owner. However, to keep your car running longer, following the manufacturer’s service codes is important. The Honda A17 service code is one of the most comprehensive reminders you’ll see on your dashboard. It indicates a set of essential maintenance actions designed to keep your vehicle running at its best.

In this guide, I will break down the meaning of the Honda A17 service code, what it includes, the checklist, average costs, and frequently asked questions so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.

What Does the Honda A17 Service Code Mean?

The A17 service code appears on your Honda’s dashboard when a combination of services is due. Each letter and the number corresponds to a specific maintenance item:

• A – Engine oil change
• 1 – Tire rotation
• 7 – Brake fluid replacement

Together, the A17 code means your car needs:

• Engine oil and filter change
• Tire rotation
• Brake fluid replacement

Honda A17 Service Checklist

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s typically done during the Honda A17 maintenance:

1. Oil Change & Oil Filter Change

The most important service in the Honda A17 maintenance is changing the engine oil and oil filter. The change of oil is important since it makes the engine run smoothly by reducing friction, preventing its wear, and cooling the engine’s internal components.

Over time, the oil becomes contaminated and loses its ability to lubricate and cool effectively. Therefore, both the oil and filter should be replaced at regular intervals. Typically, oil should be replaced at about 7,500 miles or every 6 months. With synthetic oil, the interval may extend to nearly 10,000 miles, whereas conventional oil might need changing as frequently as every 5,000 miles.

The oil filter keeps dirt and debris out of the oil and helps preserve the engine from unnecessary wear. 

2. Tire Rotation

Tire rotation is a critical component of the Honda A17 service because it helps ensure even tire wear and optimal performance. Different driving habits, road conditions, and drivetrain configurations (such as FWD, RWD, or AWD) result in varied tire-wear patterns. Regular tire rotation helps to even out wear and extend tire life.

• For FWD vehicles: To balance uneven wear, the front tires—which tend to wear more—are rotated to the rear, typically using an X-pattern or forward cross pattern.
• For RWD or AWD vehicles: The rotation pattern may differ, sometimes requiring the rear tires to be moved forward in a pattern that differs from the standard front cross.

If you have directional tires, follow the appropriate rotation procedure to maintain peak performance. Tire rotation is generally recommended at intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

An expert check to ensure that the service is carried out properly while incorporating opportunities for damage to be avoided.

3. Brake Fluid Replacement

In any vehicle, the replacement of brake fluid is necessary for its proper functions and the safety of braking. Moisture gradually infiltrates the brake fluid, causing corrosion on internal components of the brake system, including the braking elements and pads. Brake fluid contamination subsequently reduces the effectiveness of your braking system and consequently results in hazardous performance. 

The fluid change involves draining the dirty fluid, flushing the old fluid out from the system to eliminate possible entrapment of air, and refilling the system with new, clean brake fluid, which helps prevent corrosion within the brake system.

Brake fluid replacement is typically recommended every 30,000 miles or every 3 years, although this may vary based on driving habits. The need for brake fluid replacement is indicated by the ‘7’ in the A17 service code. Keeping brake fluid young allows the brakes to remain in good condition for safety and reliability.

Additional Visual Inspections

Though not explicitly listed, most service centers also check:

• Battery condition and terminals
• Air filter and cabin filter (often available as optional upsells)
• Belts and hoses
• Lights and wipers
• Coolant levels
• Transmission fluid (if applicable)

What’s Included in the Honda A17 Service Package

The Honda A17 service is more than just a quick oil change.

Here’s what a dealership or certified mechanic typically includes:

Honda A17 Service Cost (By Vehicle and Location)

Several factors affect the cost of the Honda A17 service: model, year, location, and dealership vs. independent shop work.

Estimated costs for the United States are as follows:

Important. Remember, OEM parts and labor come at a cost to a dealership, but they often include much more detailed inspections and factory-grade fluids.

How Often Should A17 Service Be Done?

The Honda Maintenance Minder system triggers the A17 service code based on factors such as driving habits, engine load, mileage, and time.

On average:

• Engine oil should be changed every 5,000 – 7,500 miles.
• Tire rotation is typically due every 7,500 miles.
• Brake fluid typically requires replacement every 3 years or 30,000 miles.

Tip: Always follow the dashboard reminders and owner’s manual. Delaying brake fluid replacement can reduce braking efficiency and increase repair costs down the line.

Can You Do the A17 Service Yourself?

Yes, you can do some maintenance on the car.

The following will be required:

Required Tools and Materials

• Engine oil and OEM oil filter
• Torque wrench and oil filter wrench
• Jack and Jack stand.
• DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
• Turkey baster or brake bleeder kit
• Funnel, drain pan, gloves

Warning: Brake fluid is highly corrosive—always wear gloves and avoid spills on painted surfaces or plastics.

What are the recommended intervals for the Honda A17 service?

Even if you don’t see the exact A17 code, you might get other codes indicating that specific tasks are due. Always keep an eye on your dashboard alerts!

Why A17 Service Is Important for Longevity

Neglecting any part of the A17 service can lead to:

• Reduced engine performance
• Uneven tire wear, risking blowouts
• Brake system failure, especially under hard braking
• Void in warranty coverage if maintenance is skipped

Keeping up with this service ensures safety, fuel efficiency, and overall vehicle reliability.

Honda A17 Tasks You Can Do Yourself

Oil Change

It is as simple as changing the oil in any other gasoline car that you can do for your Honda. Requirement of tools in order to carry out the process smoothly:

• Essential Tools: Oil Drain Pan, Funnel. Hydraulic Jack and Jack Stands for Appropriate Clearance.
• Other Tools: A Toolbox with Wrenches, Sockets, and Ratchets to Remove the Drain Plug.
• Tip: Make sure you use the correct oil grade and oil filter to ensure optimal performance for your Honda Car Model.

Tire Rotation

You can also complete tire rotation on Honda in the garage or driveway.

Here’s what you will need: 

• Tools of choice: hydraulic jack, jack stands, and a torque wrench for your lug nuts. 
• Type FWD(Ford-Wheel Drive): Generally, you swap the front two tires with the rear two and forward cross the rear two to the front. Or you may do an X-pattern with all four tires. 
• Note: If your tires are directional (meaning they are designed to roll in a single direction), you will want to switch the front tires with the rear tires without crossing or switching sides.

Brake Fluid Replacement (Not DIY)

Replacing brake fluid is usually a two-person job since flushing and bleeding the brakes can be quite a task before you remove the fluid. It’s time-consuming and usually better to have a professional do the work.

With the right tools and the understanding to do so, these tasks could save you a lot of time and money to keep your car healthy; just always remember to follow the safety precautions! 

Which Honda Models Typically Show the A17 Code?

The A17 service code is common in several models equipped with the Maintenance Minder system, including:

• Honda Accord (2013–present)
• Honda Civic (2016–present)
• Honda CR-V (2015–present)
• Honda Pilot
• Honda Odyssey
• Honda HR-V
• Honda Ridgeline

Related Post: Honda A127 Service

FAQs

Can I Drive with the A17 Code On?

You might be able to drive for a few days after the A17 code appears. However, postponing the brake fluid replacement or an overdue oil change could lead to damage to the engine and braking system.

Is Brake Fluid Really That Important?

Yes, brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which makes the braking action less effective, meaning that any component inside can be damaged. Thus, your system works fine in all respects when it is not damaged.

Does the A17 Service Include an Air Filter Change?

No, though it often advises this on observation. Check your Honda maintenance schedule to see when it is due.

How Do I Reset the A17 Service Code?

You can Manually reset the Maintenance Minder system with the buttons on your steering wheel or by touching the screen:

1. Turn on the ignition (don’t start the engine)
2. Navigate to the Maintenance Info screen.
3. Hold Enter until the codes reset

Conclusion

The Honda A17 service is focused on keeping your car safe and reliable. It ensures optimal engine lubrication, even tire wear, and properly functioning brakes. It doesn’t matter if you are taking the car to the dealer or doing it yourself; you shouldn’t skip this.