Reminders are always good, whether it concerns your Honda being due for service or you and your significant other’s anniversary coming up. The problem is if it’s in the form of a code that’s pretty vague in what it’s supposed to remind you of.
Such is the case for the 125 Honda code and many others. Luckily, you don’t have to be a Honda employee or an expert cryptologist to decode these series of numbers.
What you do have to be, however, is aware and prepared to have your Honda undergo the services included in the 125 code, and we’ll be helping you exactly with that in this guide!
What does the 125 service code mean on a Honda?
The Honda 125 service code means that your Honda is due for a tire rotation procedure (1), engine and cabin air filter replacement (2), and coolant replacement (5).
There are many different codes that can comprise a single Honda service code or light on your dashboard, and one good example is the 125 Honda code.
The 125 service code can be easily divided into three different “sub-codes”, and each of these sub-codes corresponds to a particular maintenance task that your car needs.
In the table below, you will see what these three sub-codes mean on a Honda 125 service code notification.
| Honda 125 Service Code | |
| Code | Service/Task |
| 1 (Sub-Code) | Tire Rotation Tire Pressure Check |
| 2 (Sub-Code) | Engine Air Filter Replacement Cabin Air Filter Replacement |
| 5 (Sub-Code) | Engine Coolant Replacement |
The “1” in the code means that your car now requires a tire rotation procedure to prolong your tires’ tread life. A tire pressure check is also performed to make sure that all the tires are properly inflated to the correct PSI.
Now, when you get a “2” included in the service code, you’ll have to get your engine air filter and cabin air filter replaced since they’re most likely already very dirty or even clogged.
Last but not least, the “5” means that you’ll also be needing an engine coolant replacement, which involves draining or flushing the old coolant from the system, and then refilling it with fresh fluid.
What is included in the Honda 125 service?
The Honda 125 service includes a tire rotation procedure (1), an engine and cabin air filter replacement (2), and a coolant replacement (5).
The 125 service code can also be combined with an oil and filter change (A125), and an oil and filter change plus several brake maintenance tasks (B125).
Tire Rotation (1)
A tire rotation is essential in making sure that your tires wear out evenly and last longer before they eventually need to be swapped out for a fresh set.
Depending on your Honda’s particular drivetrain or type of tire, there are specific tire rotation patterns that should be considered.
For instance, Hondas with FWD (front-wheel drive) systems have two optimal tire rotation patterns for them, namely the “forward cross” and the “X-Pattern”.
The forward cross pattern puts the two front tires directly to the rear, while the rear tires are crossed toward the front.
In comparison, the X-pattern simply crosses both front and rear tires with each other, ensuring all four tires end up on the opposite sides from where they were.
The two patterns above will apply to non-directional tires. Directional (unidirectional) tires, on the other hand, will require a “straight” tire rotation, where the front and rear tires are swapped without crossing sides.
A straight tire rotation works for directional tires since it keeps the unidirectional tire treads facing the same forward direction, which is essential for optimum handling and grip performance.
Honda recommends a tire rotation interval of every 5,000 to 7,500 miles for both its FWD and RWD (rear-wheel-drive) vehicle models.
Engine and Cabin Air Filter Replacement (2)
Once your service code includes a “2”, such as the 125 Honda code, then it means that you need to get both your engine air filter and cabin air filter replaced.
The engine air filter keeps the air coming into your intake free of any foreign particles that may get sucked into the engine, while the cabin air filter also operates the same way except it’s for filtering the air in the interior cabin.
The recommended service intervals for Honda engine air filters and cabin air filters are between 15,000 and 30,000 miles. However, this can be done sooner if your vehicle is frequently exposed to dust and pollution.
Buying a Honda engine air filter usually costs around $20 to $45 depending on the brand, while cabin air filters will cost a bit cheaper at about $15 to $35.
Coolant Replacement
The final piece of a Honda 125 service can be found in the “5” sub-code, which means that your vehicle needs to have its coolant replaced.
Engine coolant is one of the most essential fluids you can have on your car, as it’s responsible for cooling the different components of the engine to prevent them from overheating.
It’s recommended to use Honda genuine coolant when getting your old coolant flushed and replaced, which costs an average of $175 to $250 depending on the shop or mechanic.
The interval for replacing the coolant can vary depending on the model year and age of your Honda vehicle, but it’s typically around every 30,000 miles or 2 years on average, whichever comes first.
Why is it important to get a 125 service for your Honda?
It’s important to have a 125 service done for your Honda, as it includes several essential service tasks such as a tire rotation, an engine and cabin air filter change, and a coolant replacement.
Getting all the Honda 125 service tasks done will ensure your vehicle functions and performs optimally.
Once you get a “125” Honda maintenance minder code on your dash, then it’s always recommended to bring your vehicle in for a service as soon as you can.
Even though you can technically still drive your car for a few weeks or a few hundred miles, doing so may raise the chances of the car developing issues that could’ve been easily avoided.
By taking a look at what’s included in the 125 Honda service, you get an array of different services that involve the tires, air filters, and coolant.
With these things considered, if you wait too long to get your car serviced after the 125 service code initially appeared, then you risk compromising your car’s handling, airflow, and cooling system performance.
What are the recommended intervals for the Honda 125 service?
The recommended intervals for the Honda 125 service depend on the specific task.
A tire rotation (1) should be performed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles for FWD/RWD models, cabin and engine air filter changes (2) every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, and coolant replacements (5) every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
The general summary above gives you a brief comparison of the different intervals for each service task included in the Honda 125 code.
Hence, if you notice the specific combination of “125” light up on your dashboard, then it means that your vehicle is already due for a service that performs all three of the tasks at once.
| Honda 125 Service Intervals | ||
| Code | Service/Task | Recommended Mileage/Interval |
1 | Tire Rotation | Every 5,000 to 7,500 Miles or 6 Months (FWD/RWD) Every 3,000 to 5,000 Miles or 6 Months (AWD) |
| 2 | Cabin Air Filter Change Engine Air Filter Change | Every 15,000 to 30,000 Miles |
| 5 | Coolant Replacement | Every 30,000 Miles or 2 Years |
How much does a Honda 125 service cost?
The total cost for a Honda 125 service is about $280 to $445 depending on your specific vehicle model and the dealership or auto repair shop you go to.
When you have your Honda undergo a 125 service, you can expect to spend anywhere between $280 and $445 ($362 on average) in total. But you might be asking “What’s the cost breakdown for the actual tasks in the 125 service?
Tire Rotation Cost (1)
First off, we’ve got the tire rotation or the “1” in the code, which costs an average of about $30 to $45 depending on where you get your tires rotated.
The tire rotation itself is a relatively cheaper and quicker task to do and only takes about 15 minutes.
However, if you start adding in other things like a tire pressure check or a wheel balancing procedure, then it’ll cost you a bit more and may take up to an hour to finish.
Cabin and Engine Air Filter Change Cost (2)
Getting both your cabin and engine air filters replaced will require you to spend a bit more since it involves two very similar yet separate components.
You can expect to spend $100 to $150 when having your air filters replaced, with the cost of parts being around $20 to $45 for an engine air filter and $15 to $35 for a cabin air filter.
Of course, given the amount that the labor costs add to the total bill, you’ll be saving a lot more if you can simply order the filters and install them yourself at home.
Coolant Replacement
The coolant replacement (5) will make up the biggest chunk of the total costs for a Honda 125 service, costing about $150 to $250 depending on your Honda model and your area.
In addition, your Honda’s coolant capacity can also affect how much it costs to drain/flush and replace the old coolant.
For example, a Honda Civic that requires 1.4 gallons of coolant will cost a bit less to replace the essential fluid compared to other Hondas that take 2 gallons.
How do you reset a service light/notification on a Honda?
A Honda service light can be reset by first pressing the “i” (info) button on the steering wheel, pressing the menu button, selecting “vehicle information”, selecting “maintenance info”, and then pressing the middle button to reset.
The service light/notification reset procedure may slightly vary depending on the model and year of your Honda vehicle.
Thus, it’s recommended to explore your vehicle’s menu interface thoroughly and check your owner’s manual for a more precise reset procedure.
What are the recommended service intervals for a Honda?
| Honda Maintenance Schedule (Civic) | |
| Mileage/Interval Mark | Service |
| 10,000 Miles (6 to 12 Months) | Fuel Filter Inspection Fuel Filter Element Replacement Tire Rotation (Every 5,000 to 7,500 Miles) |
| 20,000 Miles (6 to 12 Months) | Oil Change Oil Filter Change Fuel Filter Inspection Fuel Filter Element Replacement (Low Pressure) Tire Rotation Suspension Inspection Brake Inspection Fluid Inspection/Replacement Exhaust Inspection Fuel Lines Inspection |
| 30,000 Miles (18 to 24 Months) | Oil Change Fuel Filter Inspection Fuel Filter Element Replacement (High and Low Pressure) Tire Rotation Engine Air Filter Replacement Cabin Air Filter Replacement Transmission Fluid Replacement Spark Plug Inspection Drive Belt Inspection/Adjustment Valve Clearance Inspection Fuel Tank Inspection (36,000 Miles or 3 Years) |
| 40,000 Miles (18 to 24 Months) | Oil Change Oil Filter Change Fuel Filter Inspection Fuel Filter Element Replacement (Low Pressure) Tire Rotation Suspension Inspection Brake Inspection Fluid Inspection/Replacement Exhaust Inspection Fuel Lines Inspection |
| 50,000 Miles (30 to 36 Months) | Oil Change Fuel Filter Inspection Fuel Filter Element Replacement Tire Rotation |
| 60,000 Miles (30 to 36 Months) | Oil Change Oil Filter Change Fuel Filter Inspection Fuel Filter Element Replacement (High and Low Pressure) Tire Rotation Suspension Inspection Brake Inspection Fluid Inspection/Replacement Exhaust Inspection Fuel Lines Inspection Engine Air Filter Replacement Cabin Air Filter Replacement Transmission Fluid Replacement Spark Plug Inspection Drive Belt Inspection/Adjustment Valve Clearance Inspection |
| 70,000 Miles (40 to 48 Months) | Oil Change Fuel Filter Inspection Fuel Filter Element Replacement Tire Rotation |
| 80,000 Miles (40 to 48 Months) | Oil Change Oil Filter Change Fuel Filter Inspection Fuel Filter Element Replacement (Low Pressure) Tire Rotation Suspension Inspection Brake Inspection Fluid Inspection/Replacement Exhaust Inspection Fuel Lines Inspection |
| 90,000 Miles (54 to 60 Months) | Oil Change Fuel Filter Inspection Fuel Filter Element Replacement (High and Low Pressure) Tire Rotation Engine Air Filter Replacement Cabin Air Filter Replacement Spark Plug Inspection Drive Belt Inspection/Adjustment Valve Clearance Inspection |
| 100,000 Miles (54 to 60 Months) | Oil Change Oil Filter Change Fuel Filter Inspection Fuel Filter Element Replacement (Low Pressure) Tire Rotation Suspension Inspection Brake Inspection Fluid Inspection/Replacement Transmission Fluid Replacement Exhaust Inspection Fuel Lines Inspection |
| 110,000 Miles (66 to 72 Months) | Oil Change Fuel Filter Inspection Fuel Filter Element Replacement Tire Rotation Spark Plug Replacement Timing Belt Replacement Auto-Tensioner Inspection Water Pump Inspection Idle Speed Inspection |
| 120,000 Miles (66 to 72 Months) | Oil Change Oil Filter Change Fuel Filter Inspection Fuel Filter Element Replacement Tire Rotation Suspension Inspection Brake Inspection Fluid Inspection/Replacement Engine Coolant Replacement Exhaust Inspection Fuel Lines Inspection Engine Air Filter Replacement Cabin Air Filter Replacement Spark Plug Inspection Drive Belt Inspection/Adjustment Valve Clearance Inspection |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The A125 Honda code is a maintenance minder code that combines an oil and filter change (A) with a cabin and engine air filter change (1), a tire rotation procedure (2), and a coolant replacement (5).
The B125 Honda code is a maintenance minder code that includes an oil and filter change (B), a cabin and engine air filter change (1), a tire rotation procedure (2), and several brake system maintenance tasks (B).
| Honda Service Code | Service/Task |
| A (Main) | Oil and Filter Change |
| B (Main) | Oil and Filter Change Brake Inspection |
| 0 (Sub) | Multi-Point Inspection |
| 1 (Sub) | Tire Rotation |
| 2(Sub) | Engine Air Filter Replacement Cabin Air Filter Replacement |
| 3 (Sub) | Transmission Fluid Replacement |
| 4 (Sub) | Spark Plug Replacement Timing Belt Replacement Valve Adjustment |
| 5 (Sub) | Coolant Replacement |
| 6 (Sub) | Differential Fluid Replacement |
| 7 (Sub) | Brake Fluid Replacement |
