Navigating the world of car maintenance can be troublesome, with various lights and symbols needing our attention. Among these is the infamous MAINT REQD Light (Maintenance Required Light).
So, what does this dashboard light mean?
Primarily found in Toyota cars, it’s a minor yet significant indicator crucial to your vehicle’s longevity and performance.
Let’s unravel the mystery behind the Toyota Maintenance Required Light, exploring its meaning, significance, and how to resolve it.
This Article Contains:
- What Does the Maintenance Required Light Mean?
- How to Reset the Toyota Maintenance Required Light?
- What Triggers the MAINT REQD Light
- Can You Still Drive with the MAINT REQD Light On?
- Are the MAINT REQD Light and Check Engine Light Different?
Let’s get started.
What Does the Maintenance Required Light Mean?
The Toyota Maintenance Required Light, or MAINT REQD Light, is a scheduled reminder that your vehicle is due for routine maintenance services.
The warning light appears on most Toyota Motor Corporation car models, including the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Rav4. Toyota uses it as a digital version of your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
How so?
When this dashboard light illuminates, your vehicle has reached a specific mileage or time interval determined by the manufacturer for routine maintenance. These maintenance services are essential to keeping Toyota vehicles running smoothly, ensuring longevity, and preventing potential issues.
Let’s explore a few of these required services.
Services Related to the MAINT REQD Light
The Maintenance Light appears when it’s time for a trip to a service center, which typically happens at around 5000 miles. When you hit that 5,000 mile mark, it’s a good idea to get these routine maintenance services:
- Oil change: Engine oil is the lifeblood of your engine. Fresh engine oil keeps the engine’s components properly lubricated, reducing friction and heat buildup. The MAINT REQD Light reminds you to change the engine oil according to your vehicle’s manufacturer-recommended intervals.
- Filter changes: Your vehicle has filters that clean the air, fuel, and oil before reaching critical engine components. The Maintenance Required Light advises you to replace these filters as needed.
- Tire rotation: A tire rotation ensures that all tires wear evenly, extending their lifespan and maintaining optimal traction. The Maintenance Required Light reminds you to rotate your tires according to your car manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Brake check: A brake check is essential for safety. The MAINT REQD Light might remind you to inspect your brake pedal, brake pad, and brake fluid levels. Addressing brake issues can prevent accidents and costly repairs.
- Multi-Point inspection: A comprehensive multi-point inspection involves checking various components of your vehicle, such as belts, hoses, fluids, lights, and more. This inspection can catch minor issues before they become major problems, saving you time and money.
Now that we understand the significance of the MAINT REQD Light, let’s explore the process of resetting this warning light.
How to Reset the Toyota Maintenance Required Light?
Once you’ve performed the required maintenance tasks, you must reset the Maintenance Light to turn it off. The process involves a combination of specific actions with the ignition switch, trip reset button, and vehicle settings.
While this process isn’t complicated, it’s better to let a professional handle resetting the maintenance required light to avoid any mishaps.
Here’s what a mechanic will do:
- Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to the “ON” position. This step activates the vehicle’s electrical system, allowing the mechanic to interact with vehicle settings, including the Maintenance Light.
- Once the vehicle is on, switch the ignition to “OFF.” Locate the trip meter reset button on your dashboard – sometimes called the trip reset button or trip meter. It’s usually positioned near the odometer button. With the vehicle off, press and hold the trip meter reset button.
- While keeping the trip meter reset button pressed, turn the ignition back on. Now, keep an eye on the odometer.
- As the vehicle’s systems power up, continue to hold down the trip meter reset button. The odometer will start to show a series of dashes on the display. Keep the reset button pressed until the average odometer reading returns on the screen.
- Once the odometer readings are back on the screen, release the reset button and crank up the engine. Afterward, the Required Maintenance Light should disappear.
- Repeat the procedure if the Required Maintenance Light doesn’t disappear.
While understanding how to reset the maintenance required light is essential, let’s dive deeper and explore the factors that can trigger the illumination of this dashboard light.
What Triggers the MAINT REQD Light
The MAINT REQD Light helps you keep up with the regular maintenance of Toyota vehicles.
The specific triggers for the MAINT REQD light vary depending on the manufacturer and model of the vehicle, but they generally encompass the following factors:
- Total mileage triggers: Many Toyota cars use total mileage intervals to trigger the MAINT REQD Light. The light will illuminate once a certain number of miles have been driven since the last reset.
- Time triggers: The Maintenance Required Light might also be triggered by a set time passing since the last reset. The vehicle’s fluids and components can deteriorate over time and must be replaced accordingly.
- Engine hour triggers: Some vehicles spend extended periods idling and may not accumulate a lot of mileage. The MAINT REQD Light might activate based on the total hours the engine has been running.
- Specific maintenance intervals: Toyota vehicles also come with manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules outlined in the owner’s manual. These specific maintenance intervals can trigger the MAINT REQD Light to illuminate when particular tasks are due.
As you ponder the reasons behind the illumination of the MAINT REQD Light in your vehicle, you might wonder whether it’s still safe to continue driving while it’s on.
Can You Still Drive with the MAINT REQD Light On?
While it’s possible to continue driving with the Maintenance Required Light on, it’s generally not recommended to do so for extended periods.
The Maintenance Required Light indicates that your vehicle’s regular maintenance is due. Ignoring this warning light could lead to potential issues with your vehicle’s performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and even more severe problems over time.
Just like the Check Engine Light, the MAINT REQD Light requires attention before you can truly return to the road.
But are these lights really similar?
Let’s find out.
Are the MAINT REQD Light and Check Engine Light Different?
Yes, the Maintenance Required Light and the Check Engine Light are different alerts in a vehicle.
The MAINT REQD Light typically serves as a reminder to perform routine maintenance tasks, such as an oil change, based on mileage or time intervals. A specific fault or issue doesn’t necessarily trigger it.
On the other hand, the Check Engine Light illuminates when the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system detects a potential problem with the engine or emissions system. It signals the need for immediate attention to diagnose and rectify an issue that could affect the vehicle’s performance or emissions.
Final Thoughts
The Maintenance Required Light is an unobtrusive indicator that serves as a reminder for timely and routine maintenance, safeguarding the health of various components and systems of Toyota cars.
To ensure you stay on top of your car maintenance, why not schedule service with AutoNation Mobile Service?
AutoNation Mobile Service is a mobile car repair and maintenance solution offering upfront pricing and stellar customer service. Our expert mechanics will tackle any car maintenance issues right in your driveway.
Fill out this form to book an appointment for any issues related to the Maintenance Required Light or other car services!