Ownership Guide
A quick, step-by-step guide to turning off the “Maintenance Required” light after service — the general Toyota method, the newer digital-display method, and model-by-model notes for the Corolla, Camry, RAV4, Highlander, Tacoma, and Tundra.
If a wrench or oil-can symbol reading “MAINT REQD” has appeared on your dashboard, it isn’t a warning that something is broken — it’s your Toyota’s mileage-based reminder that routine service, usually an oil change, is due. Once the service is done, the light takes about a minute to reset. Here’s the general method that works on most Toyotas, the newer menu method, and model-specific notes.
Before resetting anything, make sure you know which light you’re looking at. The maintenance required light (the “MAINT REQD” wrench or oil symbol) is a simple mileage timer — it lights up roughly every 5,000 miles to remind you service is due, and it’s completely safe to reset after that service is performed.
The check engine light is a different symbol (an engine outline) and means the vehicle’s computer has detected an actual fault. You should never simply reset a check engine light, because the underlying issue remains. This guide covers only the maintenance-reminder light. If your check engine light is on, have the vehicle diagnosed — our service team in Enfield can help.
This classic procedure works on the majority of Toyotas with a traditional gauge cluster and a physical trip/odometer button — most models built through the mid-2010s, and many newer base models too.
1. Turn the ignition to the ON position without starting the engine. In a push-button vehicle, press START twice without pressing the brake.
2. Make sure the display shows the total odometer, not Trip A or Trip B. Use the trip button to switch if needed.
3. Turn the ignition OFF.
4. Press and hold the trip/odometer reset button.
5. While still holding, turn the ignition back to ON (engine still off).
6. Keep holding for several seconds. The odometer shows a series of dashes or “000000,” then resets — often with a brief blink. Release the button.
7. Start the engine to confirm the light is off.
Many Toyotas from around 2018 onward use a digital multi-information display controlled by steering-wheel buttons. On these, the reset lives in a menu rather than behind the trip button:
1. Turn the ignition to ON (do not start the engine).
2. Use the steering-wheel arrows to scroll to the Settings menu (often a gear icon).
3. Select Vehicle Settings, Maintenance, or Scheduled Maintenance.
4. Confirm the reset when prompted, usually by holding OK/ENTER.
Menu names vary by model and year, so follow the closest matching option. Your Owner’s Manual lists the exact path for your vehicle.
Most Corolla generations use the general trip-button method above. Newer Corollas — and the Corolla Cross and Corolla Hybrid — with the digital driver display use the steering-wheel Settings > Maintenance menu instead. Confirm the odometer shows total miles before you begin.
Older Camrys use the trip-reset method: engine off, odometer displayed, hold the trip button while turning the ignition to ON until the light clears. Camrys with the full digital cluster use the steering-wheel menu to reach Vehicle Settings or Scheduled Maintenance.
The RAV4 follows the same two paths. Trip-button models reset with the ignition-off, hold-and-turn-to-ON sequence; RAV4s with the multi-information display (including many RAV4 Hybrid and Prime models) use the steering-wheel menu. With push-button start, press START twice without braking to reach ON.
Highlanders with a standard cluster use the trip-reset button method. Later Highlanders and the Grand Highlander typically use the digital display — scroll to the settings/maintenance menu and hold to confirm.
Many Tacomas through the mid-2010s reset with the classic method: engine off, odometer on total miles, hold the trip button, turn the key to ON until the reminder clears. Newer Tacomas with the updated digital gauge use the steering-wheel maintenance menu.
Older Tundras use the trip-reset button sequence like the other trucks. The latest Tundra, with its large digital driver display, uses the steering-wheel controls to open Settings and confirm the maintenance reset.
Don’t force it repeatedly. Usually the odometer was on a trip meter instead of total miles, the button wasn’t held long enough, or your model uses the menu method. If it still won’t clear — or it comes back quickly or is flashing — the service may genuinely be due. Our Toyota-trained technicians in Enfield can confirm the right procedure for your year and model.
The maintenance reminder is tied to distance, not to the real condition of your oil. Most Toyotas trigger it every 5,000 miles, matching Toyota’s recommended interval for an oil-and-filter change and a multi-point inspection. When it appears, it’s a nudge to book that service, not a sign of a fault.
Two caveats: 5,000 miles is a guideline — if you tow, drive in extreme heat or cold, or make a lot of short trips, your Toyota may need attention sooner. And resetting the light only clears the reminder; it never performs the maintenance itself. For the full schedule, see our recommended Toyota maintenance schedule.
Toyota Service in Enfield
Due for more than a light reset? Explore the maintenance and repairs our Enfield service team handles.
Common Questions
It means your Toyota has reached a preset mileage — usually 5,000 miles since the last reset — and routine service such as an oil-and-filter change and inspection is due. It’s a scheduled reminder, not a fault warning.
No. The maintenance required light is a mileage-based service reminder and is safe to reset after service. The check engine light indicates a detected mechanical or emissions fault and should be diagnosed rather than simply cleared.
On most Toyotas it appears about every 5,000 miles, matching the recommended interval for oil changes and routine maintenance.
Resetting only turns off the reminder — it doesn’t change your oil or service the vehicle. Reset the light after the maintenance is actually performed so you don’t lose track of when service is truly due.
Usually the odometer was showing a trip meter instead of total miles, the button wasn’t held long enough, or the model uses the steering-wheel menu method. If it still won’t clear, a technician can confirm the correct procedure for your year and model.
No. The maintenance required light resets from the dashboard using the trip button or the on-screen menu. A scan tool is only needed for diagnostic lights like the check engine light.
Skip the button sequence — our Toyota-trained technicians in Enfield perform your scheduled maintenance and reset the light for you. Qualifying repairs are backed by our One & Done lifetime warranty.
