in my 98 civic ex on my gauge cluster we have that little box at the bottom where it saysmaintance requiredwell the color is orange when i turn my lights on at night. is this a major problam??

 

It is just a friendly "time to change the engine oil" reminder at each 7.5k mile interval.

 

Is it only when you turn your lights on at night? Or is that the time you notice it. That light means maintenance is required on your car...Is there anything noticeably wrong with the car that you notice?

 

no the car runs fine...i mean i do have a little hole in my exhaust but its not like a loud crazy noise...my car is in excellent condition for a 98 civic with just breaking 79,000 miles other then that. its fine...i just worry haha i love my honda overall

 

maybe time for a coolant flush
the 'maintanece required' light is not just there about your oil
check your book and see what maintanece you need to do, such as coolant flush, replace belts, etc.
The book will also tell you how to reset the light

 

The "maintenance required" in the cluster is ONLY FOR OIL changes it changes from green to orange at 7000mi and to red at 10000mi.. To reset it just insert your key into the slot next to the "maintenance required". This should be done at every oil change. If youchange your oil and reset it before you hit 7000mi it will always be green.

 

correct, it's only an oil change reminder, every other type of maintenance is something you have to keep up with yourself.

 

dont forget about time for a timing belt. dont put it off. if it breaks your f-ed along w/ your motor.