Have you ever been cruising your Nissan confidently only for one of the dashboard warning lights to suddenly light up? It might even continue until you figure out the car’s needs. In this guide, I’ll cover one of the warning lights you might encounter, “Service Due Now.” I’ll also walk you through what it means, the causes and how to reset.
Apart from the faulty crankshaft, fuel pump failures, and ignition issues, Nissan models can pose more severe threats. But that happens if you don’t give it the needed service and maintenance. And if you love your car, why won’t you care for it?
What does the “Service Due Now” Message mean?
The “Service Due Now” message serves as a reminder from your vehicle’s onboard computer system that it’s time for scheduled maintenance. This message is actually programmed into your vehicle to show after you’ve covered a certain distance or mileage.
Nissan vehicles are equipped with advanced sensors and monitoring systems that track various components’ performance. The engine oil life, tire pressure, fluid levels, and more are under the watchful eyes of these sensors. When these systems detect that specific maintenance tasks are due, they trigger the message to signal you that it’s time to bring your vehicle in for servicing.
If you own a Nissan brand and sub-brand, you should know when something is wrong. Especially if a warning light suddenly appears on the dash, you may second-guess the issue. How can you make sure that your Nissan car performs at its best and lasts as long as possible? One way is learning warning messages, their causes and the best possible ways to fix them.
Let me do a quick highlight of what factors are the likely triggers of the annoying “Service Due Now” warning message.
“Service Due Now Message:” What’s Behind Warning?
Before I go on, let me make a few comments. The “Service Due Now” light differs from the common Check engine light. If the check engine light illuminates, it denotes that the computer has identified a problem with the car. The code that is set will allow the mechanic or you to read it and will provide information about the potential nature of the issue.
The Service Due light comes on for everything that undergoes regular servicing or maintenance like the timing belt, spark plugs and cabin air filter. Other factors that could trigger the signal are:
Regular maintenance mileage
Nissan automobiles come with suggested maintenance plans depending on mileage intervals. Specific maintenance activities become necessary when your vehicle logs more miles or attains the fixed milestone. The message could mean that your car is at a point or milestone where these actions are necessary.
Oil Changes
The requirement for an oil change is one of the most frequent causes of the “Nissan Service Due Now” notice. Engine oil is essential for cooling and lubricating the engine’s internal parts. Oil degrades and loses its usefulness over time. The message serves as an alert that your car’s engine needs new oil to keep running at its best.
Fluid Changes
For the systems in your Nissan car to function properly, no doubt fluid levels and quality are important. The “Service Due Now” message may inform the user that particular fluids, such as coolant, brake or transmission require testing, topping off, or replacement.
The Tires
Tire rotation times and pressure are under monitoring on some Nissan models. The warning can come up if your tires need rotation or alignment, or if your tire pressure is too high or too low. Proper tire upkeep guarantees uniform tire wear and ideal handling.
“Service Due Now”: How To Reset
First off, to be sure your car needs this reset, you must look out for two indicators. There will be yellow triangular service indicator lights and the “Service Due Now” message.
You may want to engage a certified professional to assist with the reset procedure. It’s all good, and I will gladly recommend it. However, below is a DIY guide on how to reset “Service Due Now.” Depending on your Nissan’s model and year, a few indicators may slightly vary. In this reset guide, I work on a 2010 Nissan Rogue Special edition.
- Turn off the ignition before you begin by making sure it is off in the car.
- Turn the ignition to the “On” position in the ignition without starting the engine. Avoid starting the car.
- Access the trip computer display. Depending on your model, this trip display button is located on the dashboard, just rightward of another trip computer button.
- Keep tapping the button until it displays “Settings”.
- Once it pops up, push and hold. It’ll display a few menu options.
- Find the option linked to “Maintenance or Service” by turning the button clockwise
- On the “Maintenance or Service” option, push the display button and select “Service”
- Hit Reset to turn off the Service Due Now display.
- Turn off the ignition and then restart the engine.
Let me say here that after this reset and regular maintenance, these two indicator lights shouldn’t pop up. However, if they keep coming up each time you switch your car engine end, do not panic. Contact a Nissan dealership or a certified service facility for help.
A Wrap
In sum, the “Service Due Now” message is an invaluable heads-up to help preserve your vehicle’s peak performance and longevity. You’ll need to read through and follow Nissan’s recommended maintenance schedule. This way, you can prevent certain performance anomalies. Perhaps I should remind you that cure is costlier than prevention.
It doesn’t matter if you drive Altima, Rogue, Sentra, LEAF, Maxima, Kicks or Juke. The procedure to reset the ‘Nissan Service Due Now’ message is the same. You may only need a few brand guidelines. Wouldn’t you want to extend the lifespan of your Nissan vehicle and enjoy a safe and smooth ride?
