Many drivers are faced with a mysterious inscription Trip B on the dashboard, but not everyone understands its purpose. This indicator is not just decoration, but a useful tool for monitoring mileage and fuel consumption. Unlike the main odometer, which records the total mileage of the vehicle, Trip B (like its "brother" Trip A) allows you to track partial miles - for example, per trip, day or week.

However sometimes Trip B starts to behave strangely: does not reset, blinks or is constantly on. This can be either a harmless glitch or a signal of hidden problems in the car’s electronics. In this article we will look at all the nuances of working with Trip B - from basic functions to fault diagnosis.

We will pay special attention to the differences between car models: if Toyota Corolla the reset is completed in two seconds, then the owners Volkswagen Passat B6 will have to dig into the menu. And on some KIA/Hyundai The indicator may generally be blocked due to errors in the CAN bus. But first things first.

Let us warn you right away: if Trip B lights up red or is accompanied by other signals (for example, CHECK ENGINE), this is almost always a sign of a problem. In such cases, resetting will not help - diagnostics are needed.

What are Trip A and Trip B: key differences

On most modern cars, the dashboard is equipped with two partial mileage counters - Trip A and Trip B. Their main purpose is to help the driver monitor fuel consumption, plan maintenance, or record mileage for certain periods (for example, a business trip).

The main differences between them:

  • πŸ”„ Independence of meters: Trip A and Trip B work independently. You can reset one without affecting the other. This is convenient for parallel tracking of different indicators - for example, Trip A for the urban cycle, and Trip B for the highway.
  • πŸ“Š Flexibility of use: On some models (eg Mazda 3 or Ford Focus) counters can be reassigned for specific tasks via the on-board computer.
  • ⚠️ Different reactions to failures: Trip A often resets automatically when the battery is disconnected, but Trip B can save data longer (depending on car model).

On premium cars (for example, BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class) Trip counters are integrated into the system iDrive or MBUX, where they can be configured to specific parameters - for example, track fuel consumption in liters per 100 km or average speed.

Interesting fact: on some Japanese cars (for example, Subaru Outback) Trip B can be automatically reset when refueling if the machine is equipped with the system Fuel Economy Monitor. This is useful for accurately calculating fuel consumption between fill-ups.

πŸ“Š How often do you reset Trip counters?
Every trip
Once a week
Only before maintenance
I never use it

How to reset Trip B: step-by-step instructions for different cars

The procedure for resetting the counter depends on the make and model of the car. Below are universal methods and features for popular brands.

Universal method (works on 80% of cars):

  1. Press and hold the trip mileage reset button (usually located next to the odometer or on the steering column switch).
  2. Hold for 2-5 seconds until the reading goes to zero. On some machines you need to press twice at 1 second intervals.

For specific brands:

  • πŸš— Toyota, Lexus, Honda: Button TRIP next to the speedometer. Press and hold until zero appears. On hybrids (for example, Toyota Prius) you may need to select a counter using buttons ↑/↓ on the steering wheel.
  • 🚘 Volkswagen, Audi, Ε koda: In the on-board computer menu (MENU β†’ Trip β†’ Reset). On models before 2015 there is a button on the panel under the glass.
  • πŸš™ KIA, Hyundai: Button RESET at the end of the steering column switch. On new models (for example, KIA Sportage 4) - via the touch menu.
  • πŸš› Ford, Mazda: Button OK/RESET on the steering wheel. On Ford Transit - hold for 3 seconds.

On vehicles with a digital instrument cluster (e.g. Tesla Model 3 or Volvo XC60) reset is performed via the touch screen in the section Trip Meter.

β˜‘οΈPreparing to reset Trip B

Done: 0 / 4
⚠️ Attention: On some vehicles (for example, Renault Duster or Nissan Qashqai) Holding the reset button for more than 10 seconds may activate the dashboard self-diagnosis mode. This is not dangerous, but it may mess up your settings.

Why Trip B won't reset: common reasons

If the counter Trip B is not reset in the standard way, the problem may lie in the following:

Reason Signs Solution
Stuck reset button The button does not click, the reset works every other time Clean the button with alcohol or replace it
Error in CAN bus Trip B flashes, other indicators on the panel are lit (for example, ESP) Diagnostics with a scanner (for example, Launch X431)
Dashboard firmware failure The counter shows incorrect values (for example, 999999 km) Flashing or resetting via the service menu
Body Control Module (BCM) Problems Other functions do not work (for example, panel backlight) Checking BCM power and ground, replacing the unit

By car Volkswagen Group (for example, Audi A4 B8) a common cause is oxidation of the contacts in the dashboard connector (T32). This causes Trip counters to reset randomly or not respond to buttons at all.

One more nuance: on some French cars (Peugeot, CitroΓ«n, Renault) Trip counters are blocked when the anti-theft mode is activated. To unlock, you need to enter a PIN code or complete the key synchronization procedure.

πŸ’‘

If Trip B resets on its own when driving over bumps, check the instrument panel mounting - the connector may have come loose or the screws may have become loose.

Trip B is constantly on: when there is a fault

If the indicator Trip B lights continuously (especially red or orange), this may indicate the following problems:

  • πŸ”‹ Low voltage on-board network: For example, a dead battery or a faulty alternator. In this case, Trip B is often accompanied by an indicator BATTERY.
  • 🚨 Error in Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): On some cars (for example, Chevrolet Cruze) Trip B flashes when the pressure sensors are faulty.
  • πŸ”Œ Immobilizer problems: If Trip B lights up along with the key icon, this may indicate a malfunction in the immo system (common on Opel Astra H).
  • πŸ“‘ Communication failure with the engine control unit (ECU): In this case, Trip B may burn together with CHECK ENGINE.

Critical point: If Trip B lights up red and is accompanied by a beep, stop immediately and check the brake fluid level or engine temperature. On some cars (for example, Mitsubishi Outlander) is a sign of emergency mode.

For diagnostics, connect a scanner (for example, ELM327 or Autel MaxiCOM) and check the error codes. Often Trip B lights up due to the following errors:

  • U0100 β€” loss of communication with the ECU;
  • B1325 β€” faulty reset button;
  • P0562 β€” low voltage on-board network.
What should I do if Trip B lights up after washing?

If the indicator lights up after washing the engine compartment, water most likely got into the dashboard connector or the BCM. Immediately disconnect the battery terminals and dry the contacts with a hairdryer (cold air!). Do not turn on the ignition until it is completely dry!

How to Use Trip B to Monitor Fuel Consumption

Counter Trip B - one of the most accurate tools for calculating real fuel consumption. Here's how to use it:

  1. Reset Trip B before refueling.
  2. Fill the tank full (before firing the gun).
  3. Drive 200–300 km as usual.
  4. Refill until the tank is full and record the number of liters filled.
  5. Divide liters by kilometers from Trip B and multiply by 100 to get consumption in l/100 km.

Calculation example: 

Filled at the second filling: 28.5 l

Trip B mileage: 342 km


Consumption = (28.5 / 342) Γ— 100 β‰ˆ 8.33 l/100 km

For greater accuracy, repeat the measurements 2-3 times. Please note that consumption is affected by:

  • 🌑️ Air temperature (in winter, consumption is 10–15% higher);
  • 🚦 Driving mode (city/highway);
  • πŸ”§ Condition of filters and candles;
  • 🎈 Tire pressure (a decrease of 0.2 atm increases consumption by 1%).

On hybrid vehicles (eg Toyota RAV4 Hybrid) Trip B can be used to track mileage in electric mode. To do this, reset the counter when the battery is fully charged and monitor how many kilometers you can drive without starting the engine.

πŸ’‘

To accurately measure fuel consumption, always refuel at the same pump - different gas stations may have an error in displacement of up to 3%.

Trip B on Digital Instrument Panels: Features

Modern cars (eg. Audi Virtual Cockpit, Mercedes MBUX or Tesla Model 3) are equipped with fully digital dashboards where Trip meters are integrated into the software. There are some nuances here:

  • πŸ“± Setting the Displayed Data: On Tesla Up to 5 different Trip counters can be displayed, including average energy consumption (kWh/100 km).
  • πŸ”„ Automatic reset: On some BMW with iDrive 7.0 Trip counters are reset automatically when you change your driver profile.
  • πŸ–₯️ Navigation Integration: B Mercedes with MBUX Trip B can show your mileage until your next fill-up based on your current consumption and fuel reserves.

On digital panels, resetting Trip B is often done via the touch menu:

  1. Click on the icon Menu on the steering wheel or screen.
  2. Select section Trip Computer or Vehicle Data.
  3. Find the tab Trip B and press Reset.

On Volkswagen ID.4 and other electric vehicles, Trip B can display not only mileage, but also regenerative braking (kWh returned to the battery). This is useful for optimizing your riding style.

⚠️ Attention: On vehicles with digital instrument panels (e.g. Jaguar I-Pace) It is not recommended to reset Trip B while moving - this may cause the interface to freeze. It's better to do this in a parking lot.

Diagnostics and repair: when to contact service

If you have exhausted all reset methods Trip B, but the problem remains, it’s time to think about professional diagnostics. Here are signs that you can’t do without the service:

  • πŸ”§ Trip B is reset, but after a few kilometers it shows the old values again;
  • 🚨 The indicator is red and is accompanied by other errors (for example, ABS or AIRBAG);
  • πŸ“΅ The dashboard periodically β€œglitches” (spontaneous menu switching, backlight flickering);
  • πŸ”Œ After resetting the battery, Trip B shows incorrect data (for example, mileage 999999 km).

The cost of diagnosis and repair depends on the cause:

Problem Repair cost (RUB) Deadlines
Replacing the reset button 800–2 500 30 minutes
Cleaning/replacing dashboard connectors 1 500–4 000 1–2 hours
Reflashing the dashboard 3 000–8 000 2–4 hours
Replacing the Body Control Module (BCM) 15 000–40 000 1 day

On vehicles with the system CAN FD (for example, BMW G20 or Audi Q7 2020+) diagnostics will require specialized equipment (for example, Bosch KTS or Snap-on Zeus). Self-repair here is fraught with errors in the firmware.

If the problem is Trip B appeared after installing additional equipment (for example, an alarm system or a multimedia system), check that the connection to the CAN bus is correct. Often errors occur due to β€œoblique” immobilizer bypasses or incorrect pinouts.

πŸ’‘

Before visiting the service center, take a photo or record a video of Trip B’s behavior - this will help the technician quickly determine the cause of the malfunction.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Trip B

Is it possible to reset Trip B with the ignition off?

On most cars, no. Trip counters are reset only when the ignition is on (position ACC or ON). Exception - some models Toyota and Honda, where reset is possible within 10–15 seconds after turning off the ignition.

Why does Trip B show incorrect data after resetting the battery?

This is due to a violation of the memory of volatile modules. When the battery is disconnected, some components (such as the instrument panel or BCM) lose calibration. To restore correct readings, follow these steps:

  1. Connect the battery and turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
  2. Wait 2-3 minutes - during this time the blocks are initialized.
  3. Turn the ignition off and on again.
  4. Reset Trip B as usual.

If the problem persists, diagnostics with a scanner is required.

Is it possible to disable Trip B if it is disturbing?

On most vehicles, Trip meters are part of the dashboard firmware and cannot be disabled without reprogramming the unit. However, on some models (for example, Volkswagen Golf MK7) you can hide the Trip B display through the on-board computer menu (Settings β†’ Display β†’ Trip Computer β†’ Hide Trip B).

On vehicles with digital instrument panels (e.g. Audi TT) you can reassign the displayed data by replacing Trip B with other parameters (for example, instantaneous fuel consumption).

Trip B resets on its own - what's the reason?

Spontaneous reset of the counter is usually associated with:

  • Unstable on-board voltage (check the generator and battery);
  • Poor contact in the dashboard connector;
  • Failure in the body control module (BCM);
  • Activation of the anti-theft mode (on some French cars).

If the reset occurs when driving over bumps, check the fastening of the instrument panel and the integrity of the wiring harnesses.

Is it possible to track the service interval using Trip B?

Yes, but with reservations. Many manufacturers (eg. Volkswagen or Skoda) it is recommended to focus on service interval, which is displayed separately (for example, in the menu Service or Inspection). However, Trip B can be used for rough control:

  • Reset the counter to zero after passing the maintenance.
  • Track mileage until next service (eg 15,000 km).
  • Please note that the service interval may depend not only on mileage, but also on time (for example, 1 year or 15,000 km - whichever comes first).