If your VW Golf service light has appeared on the dashboard, it is simply reminding you that your car is due for a scheduled service. It is not necessarily a sign of a fault. Once the service has been completed, the light should be reset so the system can accurately track future intervals. In this guide, we explain how to reset the service light on your VW Golf, covering both older and newer models.
At Bosch Service Brisbane, we service and reset every generation of VW Golf, from the early Mk4s through to the latest Mk8. Here is what you need to know.
What Does the VW Golf Service Light Mean?
The service light (often displayed as “Service Now” or a spanner symbol) appears on your Golf’s dashboard when the onboard computer detects that the mileage or time interval for scheduled maintenance has been reached.
It is part of Volkswagen’s Digital Service Interval Display, which helps keep your car running at its best. Depending on your model, you may see:
- “Service Now” – routine maintenance is due
- “Service in X km or X days” – your next service interval is approaching
If the service light has appeared and your car has already been serviced, it simply needs to be reset.
How to Reset the Service Light on a VW Golf Mk4 and Mk5 (1998–2008)
- Turn the ignition off.
- Press and hold the trip reset button on the instrument cluster.
- While holding the button, turn the ignition on (but do not start the engine).
- Continue holding until “Service” or “Service Reset” appears.
- Release the button, then turn the ignition off and back on to confirm.
Your service light should now be cleared.
How to Reset the Service Light on a VW Golf Mk6 (2009–2012)
- With the ignition off, press and hold the 0.0 / SET button on the right side of the dash.
- Turn the ignition on (without starting the engine).
- Release the button when the service message appears.
- Press the OK or menu button on your steering wheel to confirm.
This will reset both the oil and inspection service intervals to zero.
How to Reset the Service Light on a VW Golf Mk7 (2013–2020)
- Turn on the ignition without starting the engine.
- Use the steering wheel controls to navigate to “Settings” > “Service”.
- Select “Reset Oil Service” and confirm when prompted.
- If your car has a digital cockpit, follow the same path within the Vehicle menu.
For models with a Start/Stop button, make sure the ignition is on but the engine is off when you do this.
How to Reset the Service Light on a VW Golf Mk8 (2020–present)
The Mk8 uses Volkswagen’s newer infotainment system, and the reset is done through the touchscreen:
- Switch the ignition on.
- On the touchscreen, select “Vehicle” > “Settings” > “Service”.
- Tap “Reset Oil Change Interval”.
- Confirm the reset when prompted.
After you have completed the reset, restart your Golf to confirm that the service message has cleared.
Why It Is Important to Reset the Service Light Properly
Resetting the service reminder ensures that your VW Golf’s onboard maintenance schedule stays accurate. If it is not reset correctly, your car may:
- Show incorrect service intervals
- Miss important maintenance reminders
- Trigger dashboard warnings earlier than it should
At Bosch Service Brisbane, our technicians use factory-grade diagnostic tools to reset all service indicators, including flexible interval systems found on newer VW Golfs.
Need Help Resetting Your VW Golf Service Light?
If your service light will not reset or it keeps coming back, it could mean that a fault code or overdue inspection is still active in the system. Our team can quickly diagnose and reset it using genuine Volkswagen diagnostic software.
Book your VW Golf in at your nearest Bosch Service Brisbane Volkswagen Service Centre.
You can also read our detailed guide on VW Golf Maintenance Schedule: What to Expect at Each Service Interval to learn more about what is included at each mileage milestone.
Final Tip
Your VW Golf’s service light is there to help you, not to annoy you. Keeping your servicing up to date and resetting the reminder after each visit ensures your Golf remains reliable, efficient, and holds its resale value. Whether you drive a Mk4 classic or the latest Mk8 GTI, Bosch Service Brisbane has the knowledge and equipment to keep your Volkswagen running perfectly.
