Audi Q5: How to Reset ‘Service Due’ Notification

Your Audi Q5 will notify you when you need to change the oil but will also display a “Service Due” message upon starting the car due to other issues, such as low brake fluid or general inspections.

In more modern vehicles, the system displays separate messages for “Service Due” and “Change Oil.” Read on to find out how to reset them.

How to Reset Service Due – Oil Change Alert

One of the most common reasons the “Service Due” notification will stay on the screen when you turn on the ignition is the need for a timely oil change. Even if you change the oil in your car yourself, the system needs to be reset.

Here’s how you can do that on a newer vehicle (2015+):

1. Plug the key into the socket or turn on the ignition (depending on your model). Don’t turn on the engine just yet.
2. Press the “CAR” button on the central control column. It is located next to the control dial.
3. Select “Service and Control Checks.” Use the rotating dial to scroll between options and press it to select.
4. Go to “Service Intervals” and press the dial.
5. Turn the dial counterclockwise to see the “Reset Oil Change Interval” option and select it.
6. Scroll to “Yes” and confirm.

If you have an older vehicle, here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Insert the key and turn on the ignition without starting the engine.
2. Hit the “CAR” button below the center vents. It’s also next to the navigational dial.
3. Use the dial to scroll down to “Service Interval Display.”
4. Press “Enter.”
5. Scroll down and press “Enter” again.
6. When prompted with “Do you want to reset the oil change interval?” select “Yes” and press “Enter.”

How to Reset All Service Due Alerts

If you’ve already changed your oil and reset the oil life reminder, but your Q5 is still displaying a “Service Due” alert, then it needs to be professionally inspected to ensure the brakes, antifreeze, and other vital parts are still good to go.

You might be able to remove the alert in a few ways by following the user manual, but they can heavily differ based on when your vehicle was produced. The most reliable DIY solution is to use a dedicated diagnostic tool.

Buy a VCDS from Ross-Tech

The VCDS tool is a complete diagnostic tool for Volkswagen cars (VW, Audi, Porche, Lamborghini, SEAT, Škoda, and others). It comes with a VAG-COM interface that inserts into your car’s OBD port (commonly used for inspections).

The interface connects via USB to a PC, where you can use VCDS software to access the car’s system, check for fault codes, and perform indicator resets.

Use VCDS

The first thing you have to do is insert the provided VAG-COM interface into the console, connect it via USB to your PC, and turn on the ignition. Then, the software will populate with the basic information on your car. Select “SRI Reset” and note the “Protocol” in the upper left corner.

If the listed protocol is not “UDS,” go to the “Please Select an Operation” dropdown and choose “Service Reset.” You may have additional options to pick from, including setting the notification to a specific odometer reading or interval. If you don’t want the basic option, choose one of those. Select the “Perform SRI” button on the bottom, then wait until the process is complete. When done, press “OK” then “Go Back” on the bottom right, and restart the car to verify that the notification is gone.

If the protocol is “UDS,” you must select one of two available options on the dropdown menu. If the table contains values for data containing “FIX” in its name, select “Reset FIX&ESI / INSP… .” Otherwise, select “Reset ESI / OIL… .” Then, press the “Perform SRI” button at the bottom. After the process completes, select “OK” to confirm, go back to the previous menu, and power cycle the car to check whether the notification is gone.

Use a Different Diagnostic Tool or Go to a Professional

You can use other diagnostic and OBDII tools to reset the “Service Due” notification. Check whether the manufacturer allows you to reset SRI in its list of options.

Alternatively, you can contact a mechanic or service technician. While this is the priciest option, you are more likely to miss some important diagnostic steps and inspections that a more comprehensive service will cover. After that, the technicians will reset the notification system and get rid of the alert for a while.