2016 Haval H8 Pricing and Specs

This message flashes up when the car is due for a service or other maintenance. The problem is that just because the work gets carried out, the message continues to flash up every time you start the car, unless the reminder has been reset.

While some makes and models have simple methods of resetting the reminder (and making the message go away) usually through the menus on the info-screen, the Haval range is not among them. In the Haval's case, it appears the only way to reset the reminder is via the diagnostic port that gives you access to the car's on-board computer. Not all workshops have the equipment to tap into this port and while a Haval dealer will have the gear, such dealerships can be pretty scarce in remote and regional parts of Australia.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with having a non-Haval workshop service your vehicle and, provided the workshop is qualified, there will be no problems with any warranty claims down the track. In fact, the relative scarcity of Haval dealers in Australia means that many owners living in regional or remote areas have very little choice but to use a non-Haval service centre.

As far as the service reminder message goes, the solution is not so simple. While many makes and models have a simple method of cancelling this reminder (usually via the infotainment system and a series of menus) it appears the Haval H2 requires the Haval factory computer to achieve this. The message cancellation appears to be performed via the car's diagnostic port, rather than any simple method you could do at home. So, next time you're near a Haval dealer, drop in and have the message erased.

While some makes and models have a simple, DIY method for cancelling this reminder, it seems these late-model Havals do not, and the service indicator needs to be cancelled via the diagnostic port and a laptop with the correct, Haval-specific software. Which could mean a trip to your nearest dealer.

Did you have the vehicle serviced at a non-Haval workshop? Given the relative scarcity of Haval dealerships, that’s the reality for a lot of owners, but not every non-Haval workshop has the software to cancel the reminder. One option is to phone around local workshops to see if they have the software to perform this task. The other is to put up with the service indicator beaming at you constantly and remembering when the next service is due. A lot of old-school workshops put a little sticker at the top of your windscreen listing the date and mileage that the next service is due. It’s a nice touch.