Stay on Top of Your Car's Maintenance with the Maintenance Required Light - Meaning and How to Reset It

The “Maintenance Required” light is a common feature in modern cars that helps drivers keep track of their vehicle’s maintenance needs. This light indicates that it is time for routine maintenance now, such as an oil change or tire rotation, according to the car’s computer.

So, now I will discuss the meaning of the “Maintenance Required” light and how to reset it. Understanding this feature allows you to keep your car running smoothly and avoid costly repairs. So, let’s dive in and learn more about your car’s “Maintenance Required” light.

What does “Maintenance Required light” mean?

The “Maintenance Required light” is a warning light that comes on after several miles to remind the driver to perform specific maintenance tasks on the vehicle. These tasks may include an oil change, tire rotation, or other routine maintenance services.

The light is designed to help drivers keep their vehicles in good working condition and avoid costly repairs. If the car is maintained regularly, the light is a reminder that can be reset by pushing a button on the dashboard and following certain steps.

However, it’s important to note that the light will come back on after a set number of miles and must be reset again after the necessary maintenance has been performed.

Causes of maintenance required light on

Regular Maintenance Reminder

To warn the driver that the car needs routine maintenance, like an oil change or tyre rotation, the maintenance required light is frequently set to turn on after a specified number of kilometers.

Faulty Sensors

The maintenance-required light can also come on due to faulty vehicle system sensors. For example, if the oxygen sensor is not functioning properly, it can trigger the light to come on. In this case, having the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to diagnose and fix the issue is important.

Loose or Damaged Gas Cap

A loose or damaged gas cap can also cause the maintenance-required light to come on. The gas cap is an important part of the vehicle’s fuel system, and if it is not properly secured, it can cause issues with the system and trigger the light to come on. In this case, simply tightening or replacing the gas cap may solve the problem.

Battery Issues

Problems with the vehicle’s battery can also cause the maintenance-required light to come on. If the battery is not holding a charge or is failing, it can cause issues with the vehicle’s electrical system and trigger the light to come on. In this case, having the battery inspected and replaced if necessary is important.

Electrical Issues

Problems with the vehicle’s electrical system can also cause the maintenance-required light to come on. This can include issues with the battery, alternator, or other components. Again, it is important to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic to determine the root cause of the problem.

How to reset the “Maintenance required light”?

To reset the maintenance required light on your vehicle, you can follow these steps:

The ignition switch should be in the “On” position. Avoid starting the car.

Press and hold the trip metre reset button until “000000” appears on the trip metre.

The ignition switch should be in the “Off” position.

Keep pressing the trip metre reset button while turning the ignition switch to the “On” position. Hold down the trip metre reset button for roughly 10 seconds, or until the “maintenance required light” goes out.

It’s important to note that resetting the maintenance required light does not reset the oil change indicator. If the oil change indicator is illuminated, it must be reset separately.

Why is my Maintenance Require Light on after the oil change?

There are various reasons why the maintenance required light may still be on after an oil change. Some of these reasons include the dipstick needing to be seated correctly, the oil fill cap being placed backward, low oil pressure, too much oil in the system, using the wrong type of oil, or the sensor not being reset properly.

It’s important to note that the oil light on the dashboard doesn’t always indicate low or dirty oil, but it could mean that the oil pressure sensor or oil pump needs to be replaced.

If the light remains on after an oil change, it’s advisable to have a mechanic inspect the vehicle to determine the root cause of the issue. Ignoring the light could lead to potential damage or expensive repairs in the future.

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The “Maintenance Required” light in a car is a warning light that reminds the driver to perform specific maintenance tasks on the vehicle, such as an oil change or tire rotation. It can also come on due to faulty sensors in the vehicle’s system, lose or damaged gas caps, battery issues, electrical issues, or other issues.

The driver can follow specific steps to reset the light, but it’s important to note that resetting the light does not reset the oil change indicator. Regular maintenance is crucial to keep a car running smoothly and avoid costly repairs down the road.

FAQs

A: Yes, you can drive with the maintenance required light on, but it’s important to do so with caution. The light often illuminates to alert you when it’s time to undertake routine maintenance on your car, such as changing the oil. Driving will not be affected if you ignore the light, but it’s vital to understand that the longer you run with old oil in your engine, the more stress you’re putting on it. Getting your car serviced as soon as possible is advised to prevent future damage or expensive repairs.

A: The check engine and maintenance required lights are warning lights on a car’s dashboard. The check engine light indicates engine or emissions problems and requires a mechanic’s inspection. It could be due to a faulty sensor, a loose gas cap, or a severe engine problem.

The maintenance required light is a reminder to perform routine maintenance, like oil changes or tire rotations, to keep the car running smoothly. It’s triggered by a timer in the car’s computer system that estimates the lifespan of various fluids and parts. While the check engine light alerts drivers to engine or emissions problems, the maintenance required light reminds drivers to perform routine maintenance to avoid potential issues in the future.

A: Toyota claims that the suggested maintenance plan for their cars varies depending on the car’s model, year, and mileage. Toyota advises, however, that your car be scheduled for maintenance every 5,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. The precise maintenance schedule for your vehicle should be determined by consulting the owner’s manual or a Toyota-authorised repair facility.