Audi vehicles can display separate reminders for an oil change and a scheduled inspection. On some models, the oil-change reminder can be reset through the MMI, but the main inspection reminder requires a diagnostic tool such as VCDS.
This guide explains how to use the VCDS SRI Reset function to reset a supported Audi service interval. It also explains the difference between resetting a completed service and changing the configured interval.
Before resetting the service interval
Reset the service reminder only after the required maintenance has been completed.
A service reminder is not a fault code. It is a maintenance counter based on time, mileage or both. Clearing it does not perform the required oil change, inspection or mechanical work.
Before making changes:
- confirm which service has been completed,
- note the currently displayed mileage and time remaining,
- connect a battery charger if diagnostic work may take an extended time,
- save a complete VCDS Auto-Scan,
- do not alter unidentified adaptation channels.
Service configurations differ between Audi models, instrument clusters and model years.
Oil service and inspection service are different
Depending on the vehicle, the service display may contain separate counters for:
- oil-change service,
- time-based inspection,
- distance-based inspection,
- flexible LongLife service,
- fixed service intervals.
Resetting the oil-change reminder does not always reset the inspection reminder.
The MMI may provide an option for resetting the oil-change interval under the vehicle service settings. The main inspection counter may remain unchanged and require VCDS.
Video: Audi service interval reset
The video demonstrates the original VCDS procedure using the SRI function.
Connect VCDS to the Audi
Connect the diagnostic interface to the vehicle’s OBD-II port and to the computer.
Switch the ignition on and open VCDS. Confirm that the software can communicate with the vehicle.
Running and saving an Auto-Scan before changing the service configuration is recommended.
Open the SRI Reset function
From the main VCDS screen, select:
SRI Reset
SRI stands for Service Reminder Indicator.
VCDS will read the service-related values stored in the instrument cluster. Allow the scan to finish before selecting an operation.
Review the current service values
Check the values displayed by VCDS before resetting anything.
Depending on the vehicle, the screen may show information such as:
- distance since the previous service,
- time since the previous service,
- minimum and maximum distance to service,
- minimum and maximum time to service,
- oil quality or service type,
- inspection distance,
- inspection time.
The available fields depend on the instrument cluster. Not every Audi displays the same channels.
Save or take a screenshot of the original values before continuing.
Select the correct service operation
Open the operation list in the SRI Reset window and select the option appropriate for the maintenance that has actually been completed.
The available options can differ between vehicles and VCDS versions. They may include operations for:
- oil-service reset,
- inspection-service reset,
- fixed service intervals,
- flexible or LongLife service intervals,
- region-specific service configurations.
Do not select an operation only because it produces the longest interval. The selected configuration should match the vehicle’s maintenance schedule, oil specification and operating conditions.
Perform the service reset
After selecting the appropriate operation:
- Review the proposed changes shown by VCDS.
- Confirm that the operation corresponds to the completed service.
- Select Perform SRI.
- Wait until VCDS finishes writing the new values.
- Check for a confirmation or error message.
Do not switch off the ignition or disconnect the diagnostic interface while VCDS is saving the changes.
Verify the new service interval
When the operation is complete:
- Close the SRI Reset window.
- Switch the ignition off.
- Wait briefly and switch the ignition back on.
- Open the service interval display in the instrument cluster or MMI.
- Confirm that the correct reminder was reset.
- Check that the displayed time and distance are reasonable.
If the oil reminder resets but the inspection warning remains, the vehicle probably stores them as separate service counters. Return to VCDS and verify which operation is required for the completed maintenance.
Resetting versus changing a service interval
A service reset starts a new maintenance cycle using the configured values.
Changing the service interval modifies the time or distance assigned to that cycle. These are not necessarily the same operation.
On vehicles supported by the VCDS SRI function, predefined operations are safer than manually editing individual adaptation channels. Manual changes should be made only when the exact channel definitions and correct values for the instrument cluster are known.
Do not copy adaptation values from a different Audi model or instrument-cluster generation.
Why the service reminder may not reset
Possible causes include:
- the wrong SRI operation was selected,
- the oil and inspection counters are stored separately,
- the instrument cluster uses a different adaptation layout,
- one service value was reset while another remained due,
- the diagnostic interface lost communication,
- the cluster rejected an unsupported value,
- the ignition cycle was not completed,
- the maintenance reminder is being confused with an actual fault warning.
Read the values again after any unsuccessful attempt. Do not repeatedly write random adaptation values.
Can the oil service be reset through the MMI?
Some Audi models allow the oil-change interval to be reset through the MMI:
CAR → Service & checks → Service intervals → Reset oil change interval
Menu wording varies between MMI versions.
This normally applies only to the oil-change reminder. The inspection reminder may still require VCDS or another compatible diagnostic system.
Restore the original values if necessary
If the service display becomes incorrect after the change, use the original values or screenshots saved before the procedure.
When the correct configuration is uncertain, stop and verify the maintenance specification for the exact vehicle, engine, instrument cluster and service regime.
