If you’ve just changed the oil or had a basic service done on your Volvo XC40 and the maintenance light or service reminder is still showing, don’t worry — you can reset it yourself in under a minute. Whether it’s a T3 petrol, B4 mild hybrid, or Recharge plug-in, the process is mostly the same.
Below is your step-by-step guide to resetting the service light, also known as the “time for regular maintenance” message, across all XC40 trims
What the maintenance light on a Volvo XC40 means
Your XC40 displays a routine service reminder based on mileage or time intervals. The message might appear as:
Before diving into the reset process, it’s worth understanding what the maintenance light means. Unlike warning lights that indicate faults, the “Time for regular maintenance” message is part of Volvo’s onboard service schedule. It’s designed to help you stay on top of oil changes, inspections, and key wear-and-tear items based on time or mileage — whichever comes first.
Depending on your model year and fuel type, the reminder may pop up as:
“Time for regular maintenance”
“Maintenance overdue”
A wrench/spanner icon
A brief message that flashes on startup, then disappears
These are gentle reminders — not signs of anything broken — but they can be annoying if left unchecked after you’ve already serviced the car.
Tools you’ll need
Before you begin, ensure that you’ve got everything in place to complete the reset smoothly. No tools are needed, but you’ll need access to the ignition system and a few seconds of patience. The car doesn’t have to be started — and in fact, shouldn’t be.
Here’s what you’ll need:
The car key
A working dashboard (don’t do this with a flat battery)
A low battery or faulty key fob might prevent the dashboard from entering the correct mode — if that’s the case, sort those issues first before trying again.
XC40 service light reset steps (2018–2024)
Volvo maintained consistency across the XC40 lineup, which means this reset method applies to nearly every model year and engine configuration. Whether you’re driving a petrol T3, a B4 mild hybrid, or a Recharge plug-in, the same button sequence will usually clear the service alert. That said, it’s essential to know what variants this guide applies to, just to be safe.
It covers:
Petrol models (T2, T3, T4, T5)
Diesel variants (D3, D4)
Mild hybrids (B3, B4, B5)
Plug-in hybrids (T4 Recharge, T5 Recharge)
Fully electric XC40 Recharge (with adjusted message)
Resetting the service reminder in the XC40 isn’t hard, but it does require a bit of timing, especially since Volvo’s system doesn’t use traditional key turns. Instead, you’ll be using the start/stop button and a dash button in a specific sequence. Make sure you’re sitting in the driver’s seat with everything off and no foot on the brake before you start.
Step-by-step reset process
Sit in the car with all doors closed. Don’t press the brake pedal.
Press the start button once to turn on the ignition (dash lights should come on, but the engine must stay off).
Immediately press and hold the rear fog light button on the dashboard (lower-left side of the steering wheel, near the headlight controls).
While still holding the fog light button, press and hold the start button again for about 10 seconds.
Keep holding both buttons until the service reminder light starts flashing or disappears from the display.
Release both buttons. The reset is complete.
If the light doesn’t reset the first time, don’t worry — switch everything off and try again. It sometimes takes a couple of goes to get the timing right, especially on newer Recharge models or mild hybrids. If it still doesn’t clear, check your battery voltage or try the sequence again with a fresh key fob.
Additional tips by variant
Volvo’s technology is pretty uniform across trim levels, but there are some minor quirks depending on whether you’re driving a mild hybrid, plug-in, or fully electric XC40. Here are a few additional options that may save you time if the basic reset method doesn’t seem to work.
Mild hybrid (B3/B4/B5): Same procedure, but be sure the car is entirely in ignition mode (not Accessory mode). You may need to hold the start button a fraction of a second longer.
XC40 Recharge (pure electric): Electric versions rarely display traditional oil-based reminders, but if a scheduled maintenance alert appears, it typically needs to be reset via the infotainment system or by a Volvo technician.
If in doubt, consult the owner’s manual — or check for updates, as Volvo occasionally tweaks how these systems behave with software revisions.
When you shouldn’t reset the light
While it’s tempting to clear the message and move on, there are times when resetting the reminder isn’t the right move. If you haven’t had the vehicle serviced yet, clearing the message can lead to confusion later on, or worse, missed maintenance.
Here’s when you should wait:
If you haven’t done the oil change or service yet, wait until it’s completed.
If the check engine light is also on — that’s a different issue.
If the reminder appears shortly after service, check if the garage forgot to reset it.
Ignoring proper service can lead to performance issues or even warranty concerns, especially with hybrid and electric variants that require more specialised attention.
Final word
Resetting the service light on your Volvo XC40 is a quick task that saves you hassle and keeps your dash tidy. It’s a handy trick if you service your car yourself or if your garage forgets to clear the reminder. Most models from 2018 to 2024 follow the same sequence — ignition on, press and hold the start button + rear fog light.
Looking for more Volvo XC40 help? We’re working on more DIY guides for filter changes, dash warnings, and service schedules — keep an eye on themaintenance hub here at Cars for Beginners.
