Whether you’ve just changed the oil yourself or had a service done at an independent garage, chances are the service reminder light (sometimes displayed as “Inspection” or a wrench icon) is still appearing every time you start your Golf. The good news is: resetting it is simple, and you can do it at home, without any tools or scan tools.
This guide walks you through how to reset the service or inspection reminder across VW Golf Mk5, Mk6, Mk7 and Mk8 models – including TDI, TSI, GTI, and R variants.
What does the VW Golf service light mean?
Volkswagen Golfs display two types of maintenance reminders:
- Oil service due – triggered every 10,000 miles or 1 year
- Inspection due – a broader check-up reminder every 20,000 miles or 2 years
The dashboard may show:
“Service now” or “Oil change due”
“Inspection due”
A spanner icon or “Wrench symbol”
“Reset oil change interval” (on digital dashboards)
These are time/mileage-based reminders, not error codes — so unless the check engine light is also on, you can safely reset them once the service has been done.
VW Golf Mk5 (2004–2009) reset procedure
Works for petrol and diesel models like the 1.9 TDI, 2.0 GTI, and 1.6 FSI.
Steps:
Turn the ignition off.
Press and hold the trip reset button (next to the speedometer).
While holding the button, turn the ignition on (but don’t start the engine).
After a few seconds, you’ll see “Service” or “OIL” on the display.
Release the trip button, then press the clock adjust button or twist the dial on the right side of the dash to confirm the reset.
Turn off the ignition and restart — the light should be gone.
VW Golf Mk6 (2009–2012) reset guide
Applies to common engines like the 1.6 TDI, 2.0 TDI, 1.4 TSI, and 2.0 GTI.
Steps:
Turn the ignition off.
Press and hold the trip reset button.
Turn the ignition on, but don’t start the engine.
Wait for the “Service now” message to appear.
Release the button, then press it again to confirm the reset.
The service indicator should now be cleared.
Note: Some models will also show “Inspection due”. This is a separate interval — see above for more info.
VW Golf Mk7 (2013–2019) reset method
Covers the entire Mk7 range including BlueMotion, GTD, GTI, and R trims.
For cars without a touchscreen:
With the ignition off, press and hold the 0.0 / SET button (lower right of the instrument cluster).
While holding, turn on the ignition (engine off).
Release the button when “Reset oil change interval?” appears.
Press the OK button on the steering wheel or instrument panel to confirm.
For cars with infotainment touchscreen:
Switch on the ignition (engine off).
Use the infotainment screen to navigate:
Vehicle > Settings > Service > Reset oil change interval
Confirm the reset.
Repeat the process for the Inspection interval if needed.
VW Golf Mk8 (2020–2024) reset instructions
This includes hybrid, petrol, and diesel models including the 1.5 eTSI, GTE, GTI, and R variants.
Via touchscreen:
Switch on the ignition (leave engine off).
Go to the central touchscreen and navigate to:
Vehicle > Service > Reset oil change interval
OR: Settings > Service > Reset inspection interval
Tap “Reset”, then confirm.
You may also be able to reset it using the digital cockpit display via the steering wheel buttons:
Navigate to Vehicle Status > Service, then follow prompts to reset.
If your Golf was serviced at a VW dealer, they’ll usually reset both intervals for you. But for home servicing or independent garages, it often needs doing manually.
What if the service light doesn’t go away?
If the light reappears after a reset:
You might have only cleared the oil service, but not the inspection
Your Golf could be set to flexible service intervals (depending on long-life oil usage)
Some versions require both the infotainment reset and the dashboard reset
A battery disconnect or software bug might cause the system to “forget” the reset
Still not working? You may need to perform a complete reset using a VCDS (VAG-COM) tool or consult your service manual for model-specific quirks.
Final word
Resetting the service light on your Volkswagen Golf is a quick but vital step in staying on top of your maintenance, especially if you’re performing your own oil changes or using a local mechanic. From the classic Mk5 diesels to the high-tech Mk8 hybrids, most models allow you to reset them directly from the dashboard or touchscreen in under 30 seconds.
