In today’s modern vehicles, we get thrown all sorts of codes left and right, and while they may do the bare minimum of telling us what to do, they sometimes still leave a lot to be desired in terms of “why” or for “what reason”?
Thus, if you received a seemingly random combination of letters and numbers such as “A127” on your Honda maintenance minder, then you’ve come to the right place. A place where no codes are left undeciphered.
For the sake of preparing you and your wallet, let’s help you figure out all the services and costs included in the Honda A127 code with this solid guide!
What does the A127 service code mean on a Honda?
The A127 service code is a maintenance minder code for Hondas that means your vehicle is due for an oil and filter change (A), a tire rotation procedure (1), an engine and cabin air filter change (2), and a brake fluid replacement (7).
There are several different ways car manufacturers and service centers can go about reminding owners that they’re due for maintenance, and in Honda’s case, this can be achieved by flashing a service code on the gauge.
Service codes, otherwise known as “maintenance minder codes”, notify Honda owners that their vehicle is already due for a specific type of service when they hit a certain mileage point or length of time.
Now as for what these codes mean, each letter and/or number on the code corresponds to a certain service task currently required for your Honda.
Honda has assigned two “main codes” for more general tasks, namely “A” and “B”, whereas more specific or additional tasks are assigned a “sub-code” from 0 to 7.
For this article, we’ll be focusing more on one particular combination, the A127 Honda maintenance code. Let’s break down what tasks are part of this code below!
| Honda A127 Service Code | |
| Code | Service/Task |
| A (Main Code) | Oil ChangeOil Filter Change |
| 1 (Sub-Code) | Tire Rotation Tire Pressure Check |
| 2 (Sub-Code) | Engine Air Filter Change Cabin Air Filter ChangeDrive Belt Inspection |
| 7 (Sub-Code) | Brake Fluid Replacement |
By simply reading the Honda maintenance code A127, we can already see that it’s made up of one main code or task (A), and then followed by three sub-codes (1,2,7).
If ever you get an “A” in your Honda maintenance minder code, then it simply means your car needs an oil change and potentially even an oil filter change if you’ve already gone more than 20,000 miles since the last one.
Now with the main code out of the way, we move on to the first sub-code, 1, which means that your vehicle’s tires need to be rotated to ensure that all of them wear out evenly and last longer.
A tire pressure check is also performed alongside a tire rotation procedure to make sure they are not overinflated or underinflated. Following the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure (psi) is key for optimum handling and comfort.
Next up is the “2” sub-code, which tells you that both your cabin air filter and engine air filter need to be replaced so that both your interior cabin and engine get supplied with fresh clean air.
The remaining sub-code on the A127 service code is “7”, which refers to a brake fluid replacement. This procedure will involve “bleeding” the brakes of any old fluid and then “flushing” them with fresh fluid.
So as you can see, maintenance minder codes appearing on your Honda’s dash are just a combination of different service tasks that your car all coincidentally needs at the moment.
Some other common codes that Honda owners get include A17 (a17 honda code), B12 (honda b12 service), 125 (125 honda), and a lot more.
What’s included in the Honda A127 service?
The Honda A127 service includes maintenance tasks such as an oil and filter change (A), a tire procedure (1), an engine and cabin air filter change (2), and a brake fluid replacement.
In addition, tire pressure checks are also typically performed during the tire rotation procedure.
Oil and Filter Change (A)
A big part of the Honda maintenance code A127 or any other code that includes an “A” is the oil change and oil filter change.
If you get the “A” code on your Honda maintenance minder, then it means that your old engine oil already needs to be drained and replaced with fresh oil.
Even without the minder code in place, it’s still good to know that the recommended oil change interval for Honda vehicles is about 7,500 miles on average.
However, this interval can also depend on the type of fuel you use, the specific model of your Honda, and the age of the engine.
Hondas that are filled up with fully synthetic motor oil can last a bit longer, usually between 7,500 to 10,000 miles. This is thanks to it being more refined and having fewer impurities than conventional mineral oil.
This means that when we go over the recommended interval for conventional oil, it’s significantly shorter at every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
But in addition to the recommended mileage intervals stated above, the recommended duration in between oil changes should also be considered, which is 6 to 12 months.
Since we’re dealing with two different intervals here (one distance-based and one time-based), the general rule of thumb is to follow which of the two comes first.
This means you should get an oil change if you’ve already crossed the 10,000-mile mark (if using synthetic oil) even if you’re still not on your 6th month since the last change.
The oil filter can also be replaced during an oil change, but it also depends on its condition, which also correlates to how fast you rack up miles on your car.
In some cases, the oil filter is swapped out after every single oil change, while for others, it can be after every other oil change, which is usually around the 20,000-mile mark.
Tire Rotation (1)
The “1” in the Honda A127 maintenance code stands for tire rotation, meaning that it’s just about time to get all of your tires rotated to promote even wear and extend their lifespan.
But what does it even mean to rotate tires? It’s the act of swapping the position of your tires with each other regularly so that the treads of all four tires are subject to as equal wear as possible.
By not rotating your tires at the right interval, you’ll risk one pair of tires wearing out a lot faster than the other, which will affect your car’s overall handling and even compromise safety.
This is especially the case for FWD (front-wheel-drive) cars, where the front tires are subject to a lot more load compared to the rear tires since they handle both acceleration and steering input.
But now the question is how do you actually rotate tires on a Honda? Well, since most Hondas are FWD (though this applies to RWD models too), then either a forward cross or an X-pattern rotation will be most suitable.
For the forward cross rotation pattern, the two front tires are swapped directly with the rears, while the rear tires are moved and “crossed” toward the front, hence the name of the pattern.
The X-pattern is very similar in this concept, except that both front and rear tires are crossed with each other so that all tires end up on the opposite side from where they were before.
However, it’s important to note that the patterns above assume that you have non-directional tires, or simply put, tires that have treads that can optimally perform or roll in either direction.
If you have directional (unidirectional) tires, then you need to keep the treads pointing forward for them to perform the best. This is where the “straight” rotation pattern is utilized.
Unlike the first two patterns discussed, a straight tire rotation doesn’t involve any crossing of tires, but rather simply swaps the front and rear tires with each other.
This is why this works best with directional tires since it keeps the treads pointed in the same direction.
Last but not least, we can’t forget about the tire rotation interval. It’s recommended to rotate your Honda’s tires every 5,000 to 7,500 for FWD and RWD models, and every 3,000 to 5,000 for AWD models.
Cabin and Engine Air Filter Replacement (2)
Another essential part of the A127 service is having your air filters replaced. Once you see your maintenance minder code include a “2”, then this means both your cabin air filter and engine air filter need to be swapped out for fresh clean ones.
It’s pretty straightforward to differentiate the two air filters from each other just by their name alone. For instance, the engine air filter attaches to your air intake and helps protect the engine from sucking dirt or any foreign particles.
The cabin air filter acts in a very similar way in that it protects the interior cabin of the vehicle from any pollutant from the outside, essentially cleaning and keeping the air fresh inside. It’s usually located behind the glove box.
With how easy it is to access the air filters, you can even buy just the parts and install them yourself at home to save on additional labor costs.
The typical intervals for replacing Honda air filters are between 15,000 and 30,000 miles depending on road conditions, the level of pollution in your area, and how often you drive.
If your vehicle is often subject to dusty roads or higher air pollution levels, then you may need to get your air filters replaced even earlier than 15,000 miles.
As an additional part of the “2” sub-code, the drive belt may also be inspected and replaced when deemed necessary.
Brake Fluid Replacement (7)
When the time eventually comes that your brakes need to get their fluid replaced, you’ll get a “7” sub-code on your Honda maintenance minder, like in the case of the A127 minder code.
Compared to the other services we already went over, brake fluid replacements are a lot less frequent, meaning you would seldom see the number 7 code flash on your gauge.
When we talk about getting a brake fluid replacement, it involves first draining/flushing the old fluid from your braking system, bleeding the brake lines to free them of any trapped air, and then filling up the system with new fluid.
Since brake fluid slowly degrades and gets contaminated over time and use, replacing it will keep your braking system components free of any corrosion and maintain optimal stopping performance.
Honda generally recommends getting your brake fluid replaced every 30,000 miles or 3 years (36 months), whichever of the two intervals comes first.
However, the exact interval can also be dependent on your particular model and even your driving habits. Assuming you don’t constantly slam on the brakes daily, then you can expect the average intervals above to apply.
Why is it important to get an A127 service for your Honda?
It’s important to have your Honda undergo the A127 service on time since it includes several maintenance tasks essential for getting optimal performance out of your vehicle.
Such tasks include an oil and filter change, tire rotation, cabin and air filter change, and brake fluid replacement.
Several different maintenance tasks make up the Honda A127 service, so not undergoing the service in time can put you at risk of developing issues with the components involved.
The oil change procedure (1) alone is already a major one that you shouldn’t leave on the back burner for too long, since the longer your engine runs on dirty oil, the more likely you’ll end up with sludge buildup that can damage it.
Cabin air filters that are way past their recommended change intervals can get clogged, block the passage of air through the HVAC system, and decrease air quality.
The same goes for the engine air filter, wherein if it gets too dirty and clogged, it can restrict the air flowing into the engine, leading to a decrease in engine performance and even a check engine light (CEL).
The brake fluid replacement is also something you don’t want to ignore since dirty brake fluid can decrease your braking system’s stopping performance, which is a pretty big safety hazard while driving.
What are the recommended service intervals for the Honda A127 service?
Honda A127 tasks such as oil changes (A) and tire rotations (1) are done every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, while oil filter changes are every 20,000 miles or 6 to 12 months.
Air filter changes are every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, while brake fluid replacements are every 30,000 miles or 3 years.
| Honda A127 Service Intervals | ||
| Code | Service/Task | Recommended Mileage/Interval |
| A | Oil Change | Every 5,000 to 7,500 Miles or 6 Months (Conventional Oil)Every 7,500 to 10,000 Miles or 6 to 12 Months (Synthetic Oil) |
| A | Oil Filter Change | Every 20,000 Miles or 6 to 12 Months |
| 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 |
| 7 | Brake Fluid Replacement | Every 30,000 Miles or 3 Years (if minder code “7” has not yet appeared) |
How much does a Honda A127 service cost?
The total cost of the Honda A127 service is about $290 to $465, which includes an oil and filter change for $70, a tire rotation for $30 to $45, a cabin and engine air filter change for $100 to $150, and a brake fluid replacement for $90 to $200.
The cost breakdown for the A127 service can vary depending on the exact dealership or mechanic that you go to, your specific Honda vehicle, and the parts that you choose to use.
But on average, you’re looking at about $377 ($290 to $465) to undergo all the services included in an A127 service, namely an oil and filter change, a tire rotation, a cabin and air filter change, and a brake fluid replacement.
Oil and Filter Change Cost (A)
It costs an average of $70 to get an oil change for a Honda, which also includes getting its oil filter replaced with a new one.
Several factors can affect the exact price of an oil change, one of which is whether you’re using synthetic (more expensive) or non-synthetic (cheaper) motor oil.
Of course, you can end up saving a lot more in the long run if you can learn how to do the oil change yourself and invest in necessary tools like an oil drain pan, some sockets and wrenches, a hydraulic jack, and some jack stands.
Tire Rotation Cost (1)
Tire rotation procedures cost an average of $30 to $45, but then again, it’s one of those services in which the area or shop that you go to really matters a lot.
A tire rotation alone is a cheaper and easier task to do and takes about 15 minutes on average, but things like tire pressure checks and even wheel balancing can slightly add to the cost and duration to get it done.
Again, if you’re able to perform a tire rotation in your own garage and have the right equipment with you, then it basically won’t cost you anything at all.
Since you need to swap the tires (wheels) with each other, you will need a hydraulic jack, some jack stands, a torque wrench for tightening, and a lug wrench for loosening. Be sure to use the correct torque specs when tightening the lug nuts.
Cabin and Air Filter Change Cost (2)
Considering you’re getting two seemingly similar yet separate parts replaced, it costs quite a bit more to change both your cabin air filter and engine air filter at about $100 to $150.
Luckily, it’s pretty easy to change your air filters yourself and you’ll be saving a lot on labor costs just by buying the filters separately. Cabin air filters can be had for about $15 to $35, whereas engine air filters are about $20 to $45 apiece.
Brake Fluid Replacement (7)
The brake fluid replacement is the most expensive part of the Honda A127 service on average due to the different procedures involved, ranging from $90 to $200 depending on your particular vehicle model.
Performing a brake fluid replacement (or brake flush) requires draining the entire braking system of the old fluid, bleeding the brake lines so that any trapped air can be released, and then pouring in new brake fluid.
How do you reset a service light/notification on a Honda?
You can reset a Honda service light by first pressing the info button (i) on the steering wheel, pressing the menu button, selecting “vehicle information”, selecting “maintenance info”, and then pressing the middle button to reset.
Do take note that the procedure to reset a Honda service light or notification can vary depending on your specific Honda model and year.
For this reason, we recommend familiarizing yourself thoroughly with your vehicle’s menu interface as well as checking the owner’s manual for a more in-depth guide on the 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) | Oil ChangeFuel Filter InspectionFuel Filter Element ReplacementTire Rotation (Every 5,000 to 7,500 Miles) |
| 20,000 Miles (6 to 12 Months) | Oil ChangeOil Filter ChangeFuel Filter InspectionFuel Filter Element Replacement (Low Pressure)Tire RotationSuspension InspectionBrake InspectionFluid Inspection/ReplacementExhaust InspectionFuel Lines Inspection |
| 30,000 Miles (18 to 24 Months) | Oil ChangeFuel Filter InspectionFuel Filter Element Replacement (High and Low Pressure)Tire RotationEngine Air Filter ReplacementCabin Air Filter ReplacementTransmission Fluid ReplacementSpark Plug InspectionDrive Belt Inspection/AdjustmentValve Clearance InspectionFuel Tank Inspection (36,000 Miles or 3 Years) |
| 40,000 Miles (18 to 24 Months) | Oil ChangeOil Filter ChangeFuel Filter InspectionFuel Filter Element Replacement (Low Pressure)Tire RotationSuspension InspectionBrake InspectionFluid Inspection/ReplacementExhaust InspectionFuel Lines Inspection |
| 50,000 Miles (30 to 36 Months) | Oil ChangeFuel Filter InspectionFuel Filter Element ReplacementTire Rotation |
| 60,000 Miles (30 to 36 Months) | Oil ChangeOil Filter ChangeFuel Filter InspectionFuel Filter Element Replacement (High and Low Pressure)Tire RotationSuspension InspectionBrake InspectionFluid Inspection/ReplacementExhaust InspectionFuel Lines InspectionEngine Air Filter ReplacementCabin Air Filter ReplacementTransmission Fluid ReplacementSpark Plug InspectionDrive Belt Inspection/AdjustmentValve Clearance Inspection |
| 70,000 Miles (40 to 48 Months) | Oil ChangeFuel Filter InspectionFuel Filter Element ReplacementTire Rotation |
| 80,000 Miles (40 to 48 Months) | Oil ChangeOil Filter ChangeFuel Filter InspectionFuel Filter Element Replacement (Low Pressure)Tire RotationSuspension InspectionBrake InspectionFluid Inspection/ReplacementExhaust InspectionFuel Lines Inspection |
| 90,000 Miles (54 to 60 Months) | Oil ChangeFuel Filter InspectionFuel Filter Element Replacement (High and Low Pressure)Tire RotationEngine Air Filter ReplacementCabin Air Filter ReplacementSpark Plug InspectionDrive Belt Inspection/AdjustmentValve Clearance Inspection |
| 100,000 Miles (54 to 60 Months) | Oil ChangeOil Filter ChangeFuel Filter InspectionFuel Filter Element Replacement (Low Pressure)Tire RotationSuspension InspectionBrake InspectionFluid Inspection/ReplacementTransmission Fluid ReplacementExhaust InspectionFuel Lines Inspection |
| 110,000 Miles (66 to 72 Months) | Oil ChangeFuel Filter InspectionFuel Filter Element ReplacementTire RotationSpark Plug ReplacementTiming Belt ReplacementAuto-Tensioner InspectionWater Pump InspectionIdle Speed Inspection |
| 120,000 Miles (66 to 72 Months) | Oil ChangeOil Filter ChangeFuel Filter InspectionFuel Filter Element ReplacementTire RotationSuspension InspectionBrake InspectionFluid Inspection/ReplacementEngine Coolant ReplacementExhaust InspectionFuel Lines InspectionEngine Air Filter ReplacementCabin Air Filter ReplacementSpark Plug InspectionDrive Belt Inspection/AdjustmentValve Clearance Inspection |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some examples of Honda service codes?
| Honda Service Code | Service/Task |
| A (Main) | Oil and Filter Change |
| B (Main) | Oil and Filter ChangeBrake Inspection |
| 0 (Sub) | Multi-Point Inspection |
| 1 (Sub) | Tire Rotation |
| 2(Sub) | Engine Air Filter ReplacementCabin Air Filter Replacement |
| 3 (Sub) | Transmission Fluid Replacement |
| 4 (Sub) | Spark Plug ReplacementTiming Belt ReplacementValve Adjustment |
| 5 (Sub) | Coolant Replacement |
| 6 (Sub) | Differential Fluid Replacement |
| 7 (Sub) | Brake Fluid Replacement |
What does the Honda A127 Code mean?
The Honda A127 code means that your vehicle is due for an oil and filter change (A), a tire rotation procedure (1), a cabin and engine air filter change (2), and a brake fluid replacement (7).
As part of the tire rotation, in particular, a tire pressure check is also carried out to ensure that all four tires are inflated to the recommended pressure for optimum performance.
What is 7 on the Honda maintenance minder?
If you see a “7” on your Honda maintenance minder, then that is a sub-code for brake fluid replacement, which means that your vehicle’s braking system should be bled and drained of the old fluid and refilled with fresh fluid.
What is the Honda code A?
The Honda code “A” is one of the main maintenance minder codes that stands for an oil and filter change.
If you receive Honda code “A” on your dash or gauge, your vehicle is already due for an oil change, which is usually performed at around 7,500 miles on average.
Your oil filter change may also be checked and replaced depending on its condition. If you don’t drive that frequently within a year, then it can last for about 20,000 miles before needing replacement.
