How to Reset a Toyota Maintenance Light

Sometimes, you may notice that your maintenance required light suddenly appears on your dashboard while you’re driving home from work. This symbol or message alerts Toyota owners when it’s time for routine maintenance per the manufacturer’s recommended mileage intervals. If you’ve already scheduled your service appointment with Red McCombs Toyota, there’s no issue with turning off the light so it doesn’t distract you. Read on to learn what causes this warning to appear and how to reset your Toyota maintenance light in a few easy steps, plus some other useful information.

What Does the Toyota Maintenance Required Light Mean?

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The “Toyota Maintenance” light usually appears on the dashboard in those exact words or abbreviated as “MAINT REQD.” It alerts the driver when service is due but does not necessarily specify the detection of a specific maintenance issue. For most Toyota vehicles, the light activates after 5,000 miles and will stay lit until the light is reset. This is to help ensure that drivers who do not check their owners manual or do much upkeep on their vehicles will still know when to bring their car in for a diagnostic checkup.

Remember that the light only confirms that it has been 5,000 miles since the last indicator light went out. The sensor does not track whether you completed your car’s maintenance service. So you’ll either need to visit a service center, where the technician will deactivate the light when they finish work, or you can turn it off yourself before the appointment. If you service the vehicle on your own, don’t forget to reset the light soon, so you can accurately track the time for your next service.

According to Toyota’s maintenance guidelines, you should service most vehicle models every 5,000 miles or six months, hence the timing for the Toyota maintenance light. But this may vary depending on the vehicle model and whether it has undergone post-factory adjustments. We recommend consulting a Toyota technician to clarify your vehicle’s current health and service requirements.

Steps To Reset a Toyota Maintenance Light

Suppose you go to a repair shop that forgets to reset the light, or you decide to do the task yourself. In either case, it’s quite easy to reset the Toyota maintenance light. Just follow the instructions below:

1. Turn the key to position one, usually marked “I.”
2. Press and hold the trip meter reset button on the dashboard.
3. Without letting go of the trip meter reset button, turn your key to position two or “II.”
4. Hold down the odometer button for a total of 10 seconds. The light should flash and then turn off. You may also hear a small beep.
5. Turn the key to the off position, release the odometer button, and then start the car.

If you still see the warning light, repeat the process once or twice more. Is it still not working? If so, then it’s time to take your car in for a closer look at the Red McCombs Toyota repair shop. We can help you with our scheduled service form on our website, and we can also diagnose any other stubborn dashboard warning lights.

Steps To Reset a Toyota Maintenance Light From the Multi-Information Display

Behind the wheel of a Toyota Corolla sedan or the latest Highlander SUV, you get to enjoy a color multi-information display. To turn off your Toyota maintenance light in vehicles with this display, follow these instructions:

1. Set the ignition to the second position, which may be marked as “II.” If not, turn it to the “on” position.
2. If your Toyota has a push-button ignition, release the brake and press the start button twice.
3. From the multi-information display, select the cog symbol.
4. Tap the screen’s “Scheduled Maintenance” button.
5. Once you’re prompted to confirm that you want to clear the light, choose “OK.”

You’ll find that the process for turning off the Toyota maintenance light on your central display is almost the same as that in other Toyota models. However, this method is much easier since you can mostly do it using the touch screen.

Is It Safe To Drive When the Maintenance Light Is On?

While the maintenance light could mean you have a mechanical issue that you need to address, this isn’t always the case. It only acts as a reminder that it’s time to take your Toyota in for a service, as it usually lights up every 5,000 miles or six months. There aren’t any real issues with driving your Toyota while the light is active as long as you know you’ve had the proper services done, or you’re planning on getting them done soon.

With that said, driving when the dashboard light is on could be distracting or annoying when you’re driving around San Antonio. Moreover, if the light isn’t reset and you ignore it, you might overlook a problem that a timely checkup will spot and affordably fix. If you don’t respond in time, you risk forgetting to change your oil or check your tires when you ought to.

Is the Check Engine Light the Same as the Maintenance Light?

It’s important not to confuse the check engine light with the Toyota maintenance light, as they are different. While the Toyota maintenance light appears every 5,000 miles, the check engine light can come on for various reasons since it’s programmed to detect when your engine or fuel system isn’t performing optimally.

If your maintenance light goes ignored for enough time, you will likely begin to see other, more specific dash warning lights, such as the check engine warning light. Both are important reasons to schedule a service appointment to get more information about exactly what your Toyota needs.

Is Your Toyota Maintenance Light Bothering You?

While the Toyota maintenance light doesn’t mean that your car has a specific condition or maintenance problem, it is a sign that your vehicle needs a general service checkup. If you follow its guidance, you likely won’t have to deal with more significant services or repairs. Come to Red McCombs Toyota for all your regularly scheduled maintenance, repairs, and part replacements. Our certified experts always use genuine Toyota motor oil and other ideal products and tools for your vehicle.