Mine always came on when it was due for an oil change. I have a 1999 ex v6 coupe with the 3.0 liter motor. I assume the maintenance light would come on at regular intervals regardless of the motor, however.
How do you reset the maintenance light on a 2001 Honda accord ex I found some options at http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/maintenance-reqd-light.html#why
With the ignition switch off, press and hold the odometer reset button in, then turn the ignition switch to the on position but do not start the engine. After around 5 seconds the maintenance required light will go out.
To reset the MAINTENANCE REQUIRED light:- Have key inserted in ignition but in the OFF or LOCKED position.- Push and hold the trip reset button on the right bottom corner of your gauge clutster. (this is the same button that you use to reset your mileage counter)- Turn key to full ON position and continue holding the button till the light goes off. (at least 10 seconds) The above is true for Honda accord models upto 2001 and possibly for newer ones too.
Check your manual.
It means that regular maintenance is due at the mileage on the car. Look in your owner's manual to see what maintenance is needed. Can be nothing more than an oil/filter change.
To reset the maintenance required light on a 2001 Honda Accord, turn the ignition key to the "ON" position without starting the engine. Press the gas pedal three times within five seconds. After the third press, the maintenance light should turn off. Turn the ignition off and then start the engine to ensure the light has reset.
There should be a small button on the instrument panel (where the gauges and speedometer are) that you press with a small screwdriver and the ignition key. That will make the green indicator return.
On the dash if the car is equipped with traction control. No all 2001's were.
From ehow:InstructionsThings You'll NeedYour car key1 Look at the speedometer in the dashboard and find the small, black peg or button near the plastic face of the gauges. This is normally used to reset the trip odometer, it may be sticking through the clear plastic.2 With the car turned off, push and hold this button in.3 While still holding the button in, insert your car key into the ignition and turn it to the "on" position. It's OK if you actually start the engine.4 With the key in the ON position, hold the button for about 10 seconds or so until the Maintenance Required light turns off.5 Turn the key off and back on. The light should stay off for several thousand miles, usually until the next designated oil change per your user's manual.Read more: How to Turn Off the Maintenance Required Light on a Honda Accord (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001)
Under the hood on the drivers side is a power distribution box. Inside is a button to depress that will turn out the light. With the key in the on position and the engine not running, Press and hold it down for 5 seconds. Turn off the ignition and then start the car. It should reset.
Turns the Tranction Control System on or off.
# Turn off the engine. # Press and hold the select/reset button in the instrument panel, then turn the ignition switch ON (II) # Hold the buttons for about tenseconds, until the indicator resets. John