If you own a Toyota Tacoma, the chances are that you’ve seen the warning light that says “MAINT REQD” in the instrument cluster or a message that says “Maintenance Required Soon” on the driver information display. Both of these indicators indicate that the vehicle needs to be serviced soon.
You may be wondering what it indicates, and if you’re seeking for a tutorial on how to reset the maintenance light on your Toyota Tacoma, you should continue reading this article.
What does it mean when the “Maintenance Required” light comes on on a Toyota Tacoma?
The maintenance light on your Toyota Tacoma is only Toyota’s way of letting you know that it is getting close to the recommended interval for changing the oil.
Older models of the Toyota Tacoma do this by including an amber “MAINT REQD” warning light in the instrument cluster. Newer models of the Toyota Tacoma include a “Maintenance Required Soon” statement on the driver’s information display, which is a little more courteous. In either case, these alerts will let you know when it is time to replace your vehicle’s oil.
The warning light on Tacomas manufactured between 2012 and 2017 will illuminate for three seconds upon initial start-up before flashing for another 15 seconds if the vehicle has covered more than 4,500 miles since the last reset. However, the warning light will remain illuminated once the vehicle has covered 5,000 miles to emphasize that an oil change is now overdue.
A Step-by-Step Resetting Guide on How to Turn Off the Maintenance Light on a Toyota Tacoma
In earlier models of the Toyota Tacoma, resetting the maintenance indicator required two processes that were very similar to one another. In subsequent versions of the vehicle, however, only one process was required. There is no requirement for any specialized tools or supplies in any of the three operations that may be done at home.
Pre-2011 Toyota Tacoma
The process for resetting the maintenance indicator light on a Toyota Tacoma of the first and early second generation is a relatively simple operation.
Put the key in the ignition, but keep the switch turned to the “Off” position.
You may reset the trip meter by pressing and holding the button that resets it.
Hold down the button labeled “trip reset” as you move the ignition switch to the “On” or “Run” position, but do not start the engine of the car.
Keep your finger pressed firmly on the trip reset button for approximately five seconds, or until the odometer reads only zeros.
Turn off the ignition and then let go of the button that resets the trip.
2012-2017 Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma received a mild makeover for the 2012 model year, and the 2013, 2014, and 2015 models were carried over until the third generation was introduced for the 2016 model year.
Resetting the maintenance light on these Toyota Tacomas is easy, and the procedure was kept the same for the early 3rd-gen Toyota Tacoma maintenance light reset as well:
Don’t start the engine just yet; you only need to put the key in the ignition and turn it to the “On” position. In order to prevent the engine from starting, turn on the ignition of a car that has a push-button start but do not press the brake pedal at any time.
To reset the trip meter, press the button until “Trip A” appears on the screen.
You can turn off the ignition using the key, or you may push the start button again to do the same thing.
While turning the ignition switch back on, you’ll also need to press and hold the button that resets the trip counter. It is imperative that you do not touch the brake pedal at any time in order to prevent the engine from starting.
After you have held the trip reset button pushed until the odometer showed just zeros, you should then switch the ignition off and let go of the trip reset button.
2018 and later Toyota Tacoma
Follow these steps to turn off the maintenance warning light on a Toyota Tacoma that was manufactured after the 2018 model year:
To engage the electronic system without starting the engine, push the “Power” button, which controls the ignition system, but do not depress the brake pedal. This will activate the electronic system.
You may highlight the Settings menu on the driver’s information display in the instrument cluster by pressing the left or right arrows on the control cluster located on the right-hand side of the steering wheel. The Settings menu is represented by an icon that looks like a gear.
Now, in the same control cluster, push the down arrow to highlight “Settings” in this menu, and then hit the center button to pick “Settings.”
Scroll all the way down until the “Maintenance Reset” option is highlighted, and then pick it by pressing the center button.
When prompted again, select “Yes” to continue.
Remove the key from the ignition.
This process is also applicable to the newly redesigned Toyota Tacoma’s that were available in 2020.
When the Maintenance Reminder Light comes on, am I still able to drive?
The maintenance reminder warning light on your Toyota Tacoma is exactly what it sounds like: a reminder that you need to have an oil service.
You may keep driving even if the light is blinking or illuminated because it will not have any impact on the performance of the Toyota Tacoma; nevertheless, if you want the Tacoma to run at its best, you will need to do the essential maintenance.
If you want your Tacoma to last as long as possible, it is essential to maintain adequate oil levels and use fresh oil when it is necessary. Toyota undoubtedly hopes that this bright light will shame you into getting an oil service completed as soon as possible.