How To Reset The Volvo Service Light

If you're looking to learn how to reset a Volvo service light, you're in the right place. Most people panic when the "service now" light appears on their dashboard. However, this light is not always a bad omen. If the light stays on after a recent service, driving a few miles can sometimes cause the light to reset itself.

Auto service professionals often use diagnostic tools to reset the Volvo service light, such as a fault code reader. There are also various reasons why your Volvo service light might be on, which is why there are multiple ways to turn it off.

Sometimes the issue has to do with wiring; sometimes the light is indicative of an underlying mechanical problem. Luckily, for European manufacturers, there are specific things you can do to reset a service light. If you're tired of diving through your Volvo service manual, read on.

Reasons Why Your Volvo Service Light Might Be On

Before you embark on a deep dive to remove the service indicator from your dashboard, first examine the common reasons for the Volvo service light turning on. As we previously mentioned, your Volvo service light can turn on due to faulty spark plugs or other mechanical issues.

It is also possible that a component needs to be replaced, such as the catalytic converter. If you follow our steps to turn off the service light on your Volvo vehicle, and it appears again, then you might want to book an appointment with your local service center.

How To Reset a Volvo Service Light

To reset the Volvo maintenance message without a fault code reader and a service reset tool, do the following:

1. Put your key in the ignition and turn it to position one.
2. Next, turn your trip computer to trip one.
3. Press and hold the trip computer while turning your key to position two.
4. The center arrow will flash red three times.
5. On the third flash, you will let go and an alert will note that you just reset your service light.

If the instructions above do not work for you, then you should consider using a service reset tool and a car code reader.

You can purchase a car code reader online, or you can look for maintenance reset services at your Volvo dealership. There are various car code readers available online, some of which can even plug into your phone.

However, when it comes to resetting a specific Volvo service indicator, like the check engine light, a tool like the OBD-II reader can work.

Use the OBD-II Code Reader to Decipher Codes:

How to reset a check engine light with the OBD-II reader:

1. Locate the OBD-II port on your Volvo, which is typically behind the passenger headlights. On models made in the '90s, there will be two boxes. Lift the cap with the A symbol on it.
2. Unplug the jump wire from beneath the cap.
3. The code will depend on what port you will plug the jump wire into. You can research codes online or refer to our list above.
4. Plug in the OBD reader under the hood of the vehicle and go through all of the codes.
5. Once you know what code you're plugging the reader into, you'll want to turn the ignition to position one.
6. Press down on the code reader button for about a second, then release it. If there is an error code in the port you've chosen, the box light will populate in a series of three flashes. A code example might be 443, meaning that it first flashes once, then twice, then three times. So, your error code would be 443. If there are no available codes (meaning nothing is wrong with this component), the lights may flash once each time, leaving a code of 111.
7. You can then use the code reader service manual to decipher the code.
8. Once you've gone through all of the codes in the port, the first code may repeat. After filtering through the codes, hold the button on the A box down for 10 seconds and release. Then a light should flash.
9. Hold down the button for 10 additional seconds, and all of the codes should clear.
10. Turn the ignition off, wait three seconds and turn the ignition back to position one.
11. Use the code reader once more and if the code is 111, you have successfully reset the error codes with the diagnostic tool on your Volvo car.

Using the list above, you should now know how to reset a Volvo car check engine light without a problem, along with other models. Once you get a feel for the procedure, you'll be able to perform it as quickly as a standard oil change. If you own a car code reader, you'll find that it's easier to navigate this tool than to search for an affordable range of synthetic oil online⁠ - it's all about perspective.

When It's Time to Schedule Volvo Service

If a specific light continues populating on your dashboard after you reset the Volvo service light, you may need to bring your Volvo vehicle in for servicing. If your service light is indicative of something, the professionals at Gunther Volvo Cars Delray Beach offer plenty of service and parts specials.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you reset the Volvo S60 service light?

First, bring your vehicle to a service center. Driving normally for a few miles after the service should cause the light to reset. Volvo S60 maintenance light illumination may continue. In such cases, you can perform the following procedure:

• Turn your Volvo S60 key to the first position or quickly press the START/STOP button.
• Press and hold the OK/Reset button. It will be found on the stalk to the left of your steering wheel.
• Turn your key to the second position or press the START/STOP button again. Keep holding the OK/Reset button.
• When the info light blinks, stop holding the OK/Reset button.
• Turn the key to the "off" position and wait at least three minutes.
• You should hear a beep, meaning that the reset is complete.

How can you reset the Volvo XC60 service light?

For a Volvo XC60 service reset, the first step would be to bring the vehicle into a service center. The light should turn off when driving after the service is complete. If it doesn't turn off, perform the following procedure:

• Turn the Volvo XC60 key to the first position or quickly press the START/STOP button.
• Set your trip computer to "trip one."
• Press and hold the trip computer.
• Turn your key to the second position or press the START/STOP button. Keep holding the trip computer.
• The center arrow in your dashboard should flash red three times.
• Release the trip computer on the third flash. An alert confirms that the service light has been reset.

How to reset the service light in a Volvo XC90?

As with a Volvo XC90 check engine light reset, you'll want to bring your vehicle into a service center first. If the light is still on after your service appointment, follow these instructions to perform a Volvo XC90 service reset:

• Turn your Volvo XC90 key to the first position or quickly press your START/STOP button.
• Press and hold the "-" button on your steering wheel (used for decreasing cruise control speed).
• Keep the "-" button held and start your vehicle.
• Keep holding the "-" button until the "i" symbol appears on your dashboard.
• Release the "-" button. An alert should appear to confirm that the service light has been reset.

How can you reset the service light in a Volvo V70?

Like with the other Volvo models, a Volvo V70 service reset will require you to first bring your vehicle to a service center, as the light may indicate that service or maintenance is required. If the light stays on after you have left the service center, you can perform the following procedure:

• Insert your key and turn it to the first position.
• Change the trip computer to the "trip one" setting.
• Press and hold the trip computer.
• Turn your key to the second position with the trip computer still held.
• The center arrow in your dashboard should flash red three times.
• Release the trip computer when the third flash occurs. An alert will confirm that the reset is complete.

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