Question: A 13 Code Honda: Meaning and What to Do

If you’re new to Honda vehicles, the A 13 code may leave you worried and distracted. This code appears on the vehicle information display (VID), indicating the need for maintenance service.

Like other vehicles, your Honda car can act up if you neglect its routine maintenance. If you see the A 13 service code on the dash, it’s good to take your Honda for maintenance service. But what exactly does this code mean, and how can you address it?

I discuss the A 13 code Honda, its causes, and how to resolve it.

Question: What Does A 13 Honda Code Mean?

The A 13 code means your Honda is due for a particular maintenance service. This service includes changing oil, rotating tires, and changing transmission fluid. Every Honda owner should adhere to this service maintenance every 10,000 to 20,000 miles.

The code is part of the Honda Maintenance Minder System that helps users know the maintenance service needed. The letter (A) and the two numbers (1 and 3) represent different items. Below is a breakdown of this Honda service code:

CodeMeaning
AChange Engine Oil
1Rotate Tires
3Change Transmission Fluid

You’ll need to conduct the above maintenance services when this code occurs. Neglecting these services can trigger several problems, including decreased fuel efficiency, loss of power, and engine damage.

Besides this code, the Maintenance Minder System has other codes and sub-codes. Here is what these codes and sub-codes indicate:

Main Codes

A – Engine oil change needed.

B – Engine oil and filter need replacing.

Sub-Codes 

1 – Rotate tires, check tire pressure & condition.

2 – Inspect the drive belt, change the air cleaner element, and replace the dust and pollen filter.

3 – Change transmission fluid (and transfer fluid if equipped).

4 – Replace spark plugs and the timing belt (if applicable). Then, inspect the water pump and valve clearance.

5 – Change the engine coolant.

6 – Change rear differential fluid (if applicable).

Answer: How to Address the A 13 Code Honda

Unlike fault codes, you don’t need an OBD-II scanner to diagnose the A 13 Honda service code. However, you must clear this code to ensure your Honda performs at its best.

The best way to clear this code is to repair or replace the affected parts. You can take your car to a local Honda dealer to get the vehicle inspected and fixed. Below are the maintenance services the A 13 code requires:

Replacing Engine Oil     

Engine oil plays several vital roles to ensure your Honda performs optimally. One of the most significant roles of engine oil is lubricating the engine’s moving parts. Proper lubrication of these parts reduces friction that might cause excessive wear and tear.

Moreover, oil acts as a cooling agent in the engine. It transfers heat from various heated components to protect them from overheating and getting damaged.

Oil cleans any accumulated dirt in the engine. As oil flows through the engine, it sweeps the particles or grime that may block the system and hamper the engine’s performance.

Over time, engine oil loses its effectiveness due to contamination or aging. Your Honda Maintenance Minder System can display engine oil life to notify you when the oil change is due. The engine oil life starts at 100% and gradually decreases to 0%.

Here is a list of messages you can see regarding engine oil life:

  • Oil life 15%: Maintenance service is due soon.
  • Oil life 5%: Maintenance service is due now.
  • Oil life 0%: Maintenance service is past due.

So, replace the engine oil if you see the A 13 code Honda or the above oil life percentages. Drain the old oil and add fresh, high-quality engine oil. You’ll also need to examine and replace the oil filter.

Rotation of Tires

Tire rotation is a crucial maintenance practice that helps minimize tire wear and tear. If you fail to rotate tires regularly, they wear out unevenly, compromising the driving experience. Note that your Honda’s tires determine how effective the steering, braking, handling, and acceleration will be.

If you have unevenly worn or misaligned tires, you’ll experience poor ride quality and increase the chances of accidents. The A 13 service code will cover tire rotation to maintain even tire treads and extend their life.

Inspect your tires for cracks, punctures, or damage when rotating them. Replace the tires that appear worn or damaged. Then, ensure they’re properly aligned and balanced to prevent uneven wear. Regular tire rotation has the following benefits:

  • It reduces vibrations at higher speeds.
  • It extends tire life.
  • Allows the vehicle to accelerate and maintain its top speed.
  • It helps the vehicle reduce fuel consumption.
  • Improves tire grip

Changing Transmission Fluid

The A 13 service code covers Honda transmission fluid change to ensure the transmission system runs smoothly. Transmission fluid helps lubricate moving parts and cools the system. Moreover, the fluid allows proper shifting of gears while driving.

Over time, transmission fluid becomes dirty/contaminated and breaks down, losing its efficiency. Old transmission fluid will also reduce efficiency and fail to lubricate or cool the system. Dirty or old transmission fluid will cause parts to wear out or break down.

Failure to address this problem can result in costly repairs or complete damage to the transmission system.

Checking and changing the fluid is part of your vehicle’s routine maintenance. When you see the A 13 Honda code, check the transmission fluid and replace it.

Driving at low speeds, especially in mountainous areas, causes the transmission to overheat. If you regularly drive your Honda under such conditions, the transmission fluid will degrade faster. You’ll need to replace the fluid more often to keep the transmission in good condition.

Answer: How to Clear the A 13 Code Honda

The first step to clearing the A 13 Honda service code is addressing the root cause. Replace the engine oil, rotate the tires, and change the transmission fluid.

If you can’t conduct the maintenance service, take your Honda to a local dealership for professional help.

After addressing the root cause, you can drive a few miles and wait for the A 13 code to disappear. If the code remains on your Honda’s VID, manually reset the Honda Maintenance Minder.

Question: How Much Does the A 13 Honda Code Service Cost?

If you take your Honda to a dealership, expect to pay between $250 and $300 for the A 13 service. This cost covers parts and labor. It includes replacing oil, changing transmission fluid, tire rotation, and other necessary maintenance tasks.

Some dealerships may allow you to bring parts, thus charging you for the labor. In this case, the labor cost may range from $130 to $170.

Alternatively, you can do the maintenance service at home if you’re a DIYer. If you do the work yourself, expect to spend between $50 and $100, depending on what you need to buy.

Question: How Long Does the A 13 Service Take?

  • Replacing engine oil: The service takes 15-30 minutes to drain the old oil, install a new filter, and refill with fresh oil.
  • Rotating tires: This service takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how many tires are rotated.
  • Changing transmission fluid: This service can take about one hour to 180 minutes.

Final Thoughts

The A 13 code Honda is a maintenance service indicating your vehicle needs an engine oil change, tire rotation, and transmission fluid change. If you see this service code on the VID, address the root cause ASAP to maintain your Honda’s performance and reliability.

Ignoring this service code can result in severe damage and costly repairs. If you can’t address the A 13 code yourself, take the car to a Honda service center or contact your local dealership for help.

Leave a Comment