I'm certain I've done it with the door both open and closed at different times (see my answer to the other suggestion about disconnecting the battery, I've randomly tried it over the last few months during the maintenance I was doing). But I will go try that as well tomorrow when the weather is drier.

What exactly is your meaning with the "turning the headlights from auto to off"? (BTW, this 2007 Accord Hybrid doesn't have an Auto tho) I have seen some things regarding hidden control combinations involving the light setting, so I get what you're driving at, but when should I switch it? Before, during? Last night when I made the video, I actually DID try it with the lights in different settings, although I didn't take video of it (because it wouldn't have shown much) - it didn't do anything.

It has been my suspicion that there's some sort of “Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start” cheat code (video game reference) that has to be employed once the negative mileage comes up that's different than the basic reset.

 

Like the contra reference.

On newer cars, you can set the lights to auto, where they turn on automatically when the outside is dark enough. You would just switch the headlights to off before attempting the procedure.

I just did a quick web search for any ideas, because I'm not sure what the issue is. This may need solved by the dealership, because I know know why this isn't working. The only possible item could be the **** you are pushing is getting stuck? So the release isn't detected by the cluster? Definitely a long shot.

 

Trying out some suggestions for how to reset the maintenance minder:
1) disconnect the battery for 5 minutes, reconnect and then try the reset procedure
Result: didn't work
2) try doing the reset procedure with the driver's door open
Result: didn't work
3) there was some suggestion the state of the headlight switch may affect it, so after trying it multiple times with the headlights OFF (the attempts in Parts 1 & 2 were with the headlights off), I tried the headlights in other states
Result: didn't work
4) I also got the idea to try rotating the trip odometer reset **** at different points in the procedure
Result: didn't work

Thus far, nothing I've tried has worked. I have variously, in the past, tried combining the reset procedure with holding other buttons on the steering wheel and center panel with no luck. Here's a video summarizing what I did, in case there are any questions:

 

Additionally, I HAVE tried resetting this with my HDS HIM with no luck, it appears it doesn't support doing this, unfortunately.

I'm also looking into whether it could be reset thru the Multiplex Integrated Control System in diagnostic mode 1. This involves shorting a socket with an MPCS service connector. Of course I'd like to see if this can be done with jumpers, but I lack detailed information.

By the way, I have no fear of diagnosing electrical/computer systems as I have experience with doing so, just with aircraft. I just lack specific knowledge and tools for a Honda.

 

The MICU diagnostic mode can be done with a jumper, as the MPCS service connector is just a jumper with the proper sized plastic connector. A jumper wire will do the same thing.

 

Is it just the outside pins as it appears to be (1 to 3)?

 

Update on the saga of resetting the maintenance minder with the flashing negative oil mileage...

So I finally got an appointment with a local Honda dealer and asked them to reset the maintenance minder for me.

Their response? They told me I have to replace the Gauge Control Module, which they say is P/N 78120-SDR-A11 (however, I see it being listed as 78100-SDR-A000 - anyone know for sure? - looks to me like the P/N they gave me was just the meter assembly, PART of the whole Module) - their quote was $1270.74!!

I've seen prices for certified functional, used OEM gauge clusters (for the Hybrid) online from ~$68 to ~$140!

The only issue is, I really question whether they're correct. They have not told me how they determined it was "bad", only that they couldn't reset it, and I think they're using THAT as their reason it was bad. I think it's because they don't know what they're doing (based on the other stuff I asked them to look at, the answers to those questions were similarly vague and unhelpful, and went against information I know to be true about the 2007 Accord Hybrid)

Using the part number they gave me, I was actually able to find a thread in a car maintenance group that seems to indicate the Gauge Control Module can be reset using the proper diagnostic tool, that there is a BINARY code in the module that stores the maintenance minder info, and that can be reset using a diagnostic tool. I have not yet uncovered which tool they were using, as the thread was from 8 years ago. I'm going to try to uncover how that was done, but getting people to answer 8 year old threads is difficult.

 

Have you been able to solve this issue? I'm running into a similar issue. Even the local Honda shop can't reset the -9999 message.

 

The MM problem must be endemic. I have a brand-new 23 Accord Hybrid EX-L, and when the oil got to 90%, I got the A code. No problem, I figured, I’ll reset it when I get my first oil change. That was today … and it was replaced by a B code. I reset that and now it says A again. At least it’s back to 100%.

I’ve scanned the web and this issue has popped up on Civics, Ridgelines, and Accords going back to 2004, from what I can tell.

I’m going to try to clear the A based on some of what I’ve read, but I’m not hopeful.

 

Did you ever figure out how to fix the Maintenance minder and the -9999 reading on oil life? I have an 07 Hybrid with same issue.