Honda Service Code B123: Meaning, Importance & Service Cost

When your Honda displays the B123 service code, it signals that your vehicle is due for essential maintenance tasks such as an oil change, tire rotation, brake system inspection, cabin air filter replacement, drive belt check, and transmission fluid replacement. 

The Honda code B123 service is a built-in reminder designed to help you stay ahead of wear and tear, ensuring your car runs reliably, efficiently, and safely for the long haul. Stay on top of basics like oil, brakes, tires, and filters to keep your Honda running strong and trouble-free.

What Does Honda B123 Service Mean?

The Honda B123 Maintenance Minder Code is a built-in function in your vehicle that identifies when specific maintenance is due and shows a reminder on the dash. It works through an electric system designed by Honda Motor Company to help you track your car performance, detect problems, and know when improvement is required.

This system uses the code B123 to indicate certain regular activities like replacing engine oil, inspecting fluid levels, or rotating tires, based on your model—Civic, Accord, CR V, or Odyssey—and driving patterns (E.g., city or highway).

Honda B123 Service Checklist

Code B – General Maintenance

• Replace engine oil and oil filter
• Inspect the brake system (front, rear, emergency brake)
• Check steering, suspension, and driveshaft boots
• Top off or inspect all fluid levels (brake fluid, coolant, etc).
• Examine exhaust system and fuel lines
  

Code 1 – Tires

• Rotate tires (front and rear)
• Check tire pressure
• Inspecting tire condition and tread depth
  

Code 2 – Filters & Belt

• Replace engine air filter
• Replace cabin air filter
• Inspect the drive belt for cracks or wear
  

Code 3 – Transmission

• Replace transmission fluid
• Replace transfer case fluid (if applicable)

What Is the Importance of Honda B123 Service?

The Honda B123 service is more than just routine maintenance—it’s a complete care package that helps keep your vehicle running safely, efficiently, and for a longer time. It covers essential tasks like engine oil and filter change, tire rotation, brake inspection, cabin and engine air filter replacement, drive belt check, and transmission fluid change. 

Each task in the B123 service focuses on a specific system in your car, helping to avoid unexpected problems, boost mileage, and lessen strain on key components. Skipping the B123 service can cause bigger issues over time, so staying on schedule helps you avoid costly repairs and keeps your car running strong for longer.

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How to Fix a Honda B 123 Service Code?

1. Change Engine Oil and Oil Filter

   Your Honda gives a maintenance minder warning when oil life hits 15%, especially in models like the Honda Civic and Honda Accord. Replacing the engine oil and oil filter keeps the motor oil flowing, prevents clogged parts, and avoids overheating or damage. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and aim for an oil change every year or 5,000–7,500 miles to keep the vehicle lubricated and extend its durability.

2. Rotate Tires and Maintain Pressure
   

   Regular tire rotation improves tread depth, avoids bent rims, and keeps the tires usable for longer. It’s a crucial part of maintenance that helps preserve functioning and overall vehicle capability. Experts say you should rotate the front and rear wheels every 5,000–7,500 miles and check air pressure often.
   

   

3. Replace Air and Cabin Filters
   

   Replace dirty air filters and cabin filters to help your engine and breathe freely. A clogged air cleaner limits performance and increases fuel economy problems. Dust, debris, and insects block airflow, while poor airflow can also cause an unpleasant smell in the heating or cooling system. Change filters every 15,000–30,000 miles or once a year, depending on car and driving habits.

4. Inspect the Drive Belt for Wear
   

   The drive belt transfers power from the engine to key components like the alternator, water pump, air conditioner, and hydraulic power steering. If worn out, it can lead to unexpected breakdowns. Always check and inspect it during routine service to avoid surprises.

5. Change Transmission Fluid and Transfer Case Fluid
   

   Change the transmission fluid as per the B123 Service when sub-code 3 appears. Over time, it gets contaminated with dirt, losing lubricating effectiveness and risking clutches, brake bands, or worse. Whether automatic or manual, stick to 30,000–100,000 miles based on manufacturers’ values, and note that early replacement prevents breakdowns, cooling issues, and other problems.

When to Get a Honda B123 Service?

It’s important to know when to get your Honda B123 serviced to keep your vehicle running smoothly and avoid unexpected issues.

• Your Honda shows a dashboard warning message when B123 service is due, but it’s better to follow recommended schedules proactively to avoid delays.
• Do an oil and oil filter change with tire rotation every 5,000–7,500 miles; replace engine and cabin air filters around 15,000–30,000 miles.
• Transmission fluid should be changed between 50,000–100,000 miles based on driving habits; service time and duration vary by manual or automatic and include both front and rear wheels.

Honda B123 Service Time & Schedule

Code	Task	Time Duration
B	Oil & Oil Filter Change	30–50 minutes (average)
1	Tire Rotation (Front & Rear Wheels)	15–25 minutes (only)
2	Engine & Cabin Air Filter Replacement	Around 45–60 minutes
3	Transmission Fluid Change	Typically 30 min–1 hour

Cost Overview for Honda B123 Service

The average cost of a B123 service typically ranges between $200 and $400, but the exact prices can vary depending on multiple factors like the dealer, your location, or if you’re in Canada, where the price list is based on local standards. 

It’s smart to check your service cost if you own a Honda Civic, just as Honda Accord or Accord owners should review their quotes. The same method applies for Pilot, Odyssey, Fit, and Clarity—though the service is the same, the actual cost may differ slightly for each model and place.

How Can I Reset the B123 Service Light on a Honda?

Step-by-Step Light Reset Process

• Once the B123 service is delivered, the service light on your Honda is usually reset by the mechanic or dealer after the job. But if not, you can do it yourself.
• Follow these easy steps:
  1. Hold the reset button until the oil indicator light comes up.
  2. Release the button for a few seconds, then push it again.
  3. Press the button continuously until the oil indicator reaches 100%.
• Once done, the panel should clear, and you won’t see the light anymore—just remember these steps for next time.

FAQS

1. What is the service code B123?
   

   B123 is a maintenance code on Honda vehicles that includes an oil and filter change, tire rotation, brake inspection, air filter and cabin filter replacement, drive belt check, and transmission fluid change.

2. How much is a B123 service for a Honda?
   

   The B123 service usually costs between $200 and $400, depending on the dealer, location, and vehicle model.

3. What is the B123 service on a Honda HR-V?
   

   For the Honda HR-V, the B123 service includes engine oil and filter replacement, tire rotation, brake inspection, air and cabin filter replacement, drive belt inspection, and transmission fluid change.

4. What is Honda Type B service?
   

   Type B service in Honda’s maintenance system includes an oil and filter change along with inspections of brakes, fluid levels, steering, suspension, and other key components.