The maintenance required light (maint reqd) indicates that factory service interval has been met. These intervals happen at different mileage or time intervals (typically 5000 miles/6 months). This light is standard in all newer Toyota, Scion, and Lexus vehicles.
Maintenance Required Light Meaning
The maint reqd light is a reminder that Toyota recommends servicing the vehicle at an upcoming interval. Depending on what the vehicle mileage is when the light came on, it could mean that the following maintenance is needed:
- Engine oil change
- Fluid check
- Tire Rotation
- Multi-point inspection
- Wiper inspection/and or replacement
- Replace cabin air filter
- Inspect steering system
A lot of this service is just inspecting your vehicle and making sure everything is safe and on the up and up. If you are interested, here is a full detailed list of the recommended mileage and service straight from Toyota.
There could be different maintenance requirements too, depending on the model and year manufactured.
How to Reset the Maint Reqd Light
Nearly every make and model year of Toyota brand vehicle has the same process to reset the maintenance required light.
- Turn the key to the on position with the odometer showing.
- Press and hold the odometer button.
- Turn the key to the off position while still holding the odometer button.
- Without releasing the odometer button, turn the key to the run position.
- Wait a few seconds for the light to turn off.
If this process did not work for you, a select amount of Toyota vehicles need the odometer to be on trip A instead of the main odometer.
Here’s a terrific video from ChrisFix on resetting the light. Watching is sometimes easier than reading.
Common Questions About the Maint Reqd Light
Here are some of the most common questions regarding the maintenance required light:
Is Maintenance Required the Same as Check Engine?
No, the maintenance required light is different than the check engine light. The check engine light is there to let you know that there is a known problem. If you hook a code scanner to the OBD2 port, you will get a trouble code that lets you know which sensor has sent triggered the check engine light.
With the maint reqd light, there is no trouble code. It is letting you know that Toyota is recommending that the vehicle come in for maintenance and inspection to keep from having problems.
Can I Drive with the Maintenance Required Light On?
You most certainly can drive with the maint reqd light on. Typically, it comes on in at 4500 miles for a 5000 mile service. It will eventually flash at you when you are getting closer to the 5000 miles side so that you’ll go in and have it serviced. You still need to have the maintenance done in a timely fashion though.
Summary/Conclusion
- The maintenance required light is different than the check engine light. It is letting you know Toyota is suggesting it come in at that time.
- You can reset this light yourself.
The maint reqd light is nothing to worry about. Just have your Toyota/Lexus/Scion brought in and maintained. Or ask your dealer for a print out of the exact schedule for your model year vehicle if you are the DIY type. If there is anything that you would like to add, please feel free to drop a comment. Good luck!