How to Reset Service Overdue or Service Required Message on a Mercedes-Benz

After routine maintenance—like Service A, Service B, or any scheduled interval—your Mercedes-Benz dashboard may still display a “Service Overdue,” “Service Due,” or “Service Required” message. This alert is part of your car’s onboard maintenance reminder system (often called ASSYST, ASSYST Plus, or Flexible Service System), which tracks time and mileage intervals for oil changes and other essential services. Resetting this message tells your car the service has been completed, clears the alert from the dash, and starts tracking until your next interval.

Most modern Mercedes models (2000s to present), including C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, GLA, GLC, GLE, and more, use a similar dashboard reset procedure. The process is simple, takes about 1-3 minutes, and requires no tools or special equipment—just the car key or start/stop button and a bit of timing. Below is a step-by-step guide to resetting the “Service Overdue” or “Service Required” message on most Mercedes-Benz vehicles, plus troubleshooting tips if the reset doesn’t work.

Why Should You Reset the Service Message?

• Confirms to the onboard computer that maintenance was performed
• Keeps your service intervals accurate and tracks the next required maintenance
• Clears nagging reminders and prevents false warnings about missed maintenance
• Essential for resale or maintenance records—shows the car is up to date

Before You Start: Important Tips

• Only reset the service message if the required maintenance (oil change, Service A/B, etc.) has truly been completed.
• For most Mercedes models, you can reset the indicator yourself at home—no diagnostic scanner or dealer visit needed.
• If you have a push-button start (“Keyless Go”), substitute the “key to position 1” step with one press of the Start button without pressing the brake (to turn on accessories, not start the engine).

Step-by-Step: How to Reset Service Overdue Message (Most Mercedes Models 2000s–Present)

1. Turn the Key to Position 1 (or Press Start Without Brake):
   
   – Insert the key and turn it to the first position (accessory mode), or press the Start/Stop button once without pressing the brake pedal.
   – Do NOT start the engine.
2. Navigate to the Mileage/Trip Screen:
   
   – Use the steering wheel controls (arrow buttons or “OK”) to display the main trip mileage or odometer screen in the instrument cluster.
3. Access the Service Menu:
   
   – On most models, press the “Phone” button and within 1 second, press the “OK” button on the steering wheel (or use the “Menu” and “OK” buttons together, depending on your model).
   – On newer models, press the Home/Menu button to enter the menu, then use arrows to find “Service” or “Assist Plus.”
4. Select “Assist Plus” or “Service” Menu:
   
   – Use the arrow buttons to scroll to “Assist Plus” or “Service” and select it by pressing “OK.”
   
   – Scroll to “Full Service” or “Service Data,” then select “Confirm Service” or “Reset Oil/Service.”
5. Confirm the Reset:
   
   – Choose “Yes” to confirm that you want to reset the service indicator.
   
   – On some models, you’ll be asked to select the type of service performed (Service A, Service B, Oil Change, etc.). Select the correct option using the arrows and confirm with “OK.”
6. Turn Off the Ignition and Restart:
   
   – Turn the key off or press the Start/Stop button to turn off the ignition.
   
   – Restart the car—the “Service Overdue” or “Service Required” message should be cleared.

Model-Specific Notes (C-Class, E-Class, GLC, S-Class, etc.)

• C-Class (W204, W205): The procedure is as above, but on some models you may need to use the “Back” button along with “OK” to access the Service menu.
• E-Class (W212, W213): Use the Home/Menu button to navigate to “Service” or “Assist Plus.” Confirmation is usually through “OK.”
• GLC, GLE, SUV models: The steps are the same, but the menu system might appear on the main infotainment screen (use steering wheel or touchpad to select “Service”).
• Older Models (pre-2005): The reset sequence may involve holding the trip reset button while turning the key—refer to the owner’s manual.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• If the reset doesn’t work, double-check the timing—press the buttons within 1 second as required.
• Some models require the driver’s door to be closed and seatbelt unfastened during reset.
• If the message remains, try repeating the steps; sometimes it takes two tries.
• For persistent problems, the indicator may need to be reset using a diagnostic tool (OBD-II scanner)—especially if maintenance items weren’t properly logged or if there’s a malfunction in the service system.
• On models with advanced features or hybrid/premium trims, resetting via the central infotainment screen may be required—follow prompts under “Vehicle” > “Service” > “Reset.”

Why Not Ignore the Service Message?

• The system won’t know your true maintenance schedule—risking late oil changes and missed critical checks.
• Resale value drops if dashboard shows overdue maintenance at time of sale.
• Some Mercedes features may be disabled or “locked out” until service is confirmed (rare, but possible on newer models).
• Dealers and independent shops rely on the system for warranty, recall, and service record tracking.

When to Use a Professional Reset

• If your model’s menus are unresponsive or malfunctioning
• If the message remains after multiple reset attempts
• If you’ve recently replaced or reset the battery and the service interval system isn’t operating normally
• If you want the service record officially logged in the digital maintenance history (especially for newer Mercedes under warranty)

In these cases, a Mercedes dealer or specialist can reset the interval with their factory scan tool.

Summary

Resetting the “Service Overdue” or “Service Required” message on a Mercedes-Benz is usually a quick, at-home procedure. It ensures your maintenance reminders are accurate, keeps your records up to date, and prevents false alerts. Most models use a combination of key position, steering wheel/menu buttons, and simple on-screen prompts to reset the interval—no special tools required. Always complete actual service before resetting the alert, and consult your owner’s manual or a specialist if you run into issues or have a unique model.

If you need a model-specific reset guide (for a particular year, trim, or Mercedes class), just let me know!