How to Reset the Maintenance Required Light in Most Cars

If your maintenance required light just came on and you're wondering what it means and how to turn it off, you're not alone. This common dashboard warning can seem alarming—but the good news is, it's usually just a reminder, not an emergency.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what the light means, how to reset it yourself in most cars (including Toyota, Honda, and Nissan), and when you should seek professional help.

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Table of Contents

1. What Does the Maintenance Required Light Mean?

2. Is It the Same as the Check Engine Light?

3. How to Turn Off the Maintenance Required Light (Step-by-Step)

4. Resetting the Light in Toyota, Honda, and Nissan

5. When Should You NOT Reset the Light Yourself?

6. Final Tips on Dashboard Light Resets

7. FAQs

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1. What Does the Maintenance Required Light Mean?

The maintenance required light is a built-in reminder in many cars, often set to appear every 5,000 miles. It’s most commonly related to routine oil changes and basic service, rather than a serious engine problem.

Unlike the check engine light, which indicates a system fault or malfunction, the maintenance light simply tracks your car's mileage to encourage regular maintenance.

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2. Is It the Same as the Check Engine Light?

No—and this is important.

• Check Engine Light: Signals an issue detected by the engine's diagnostics system. It may require immediate attention.

• Maintenance Required Light: A mileage-based reminder for scheduled service like oil changes, filter replacement, or inspections.

Both may appear on your car dashboard lights, but they serve very different purposes.

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3. How to Turn Off the Maintenance Required Light (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a general maintenance required light reset process that works in most vehicles:

General Reset Instructions:

1. Turn the key to the “ON” position (but do NOT start the engine).

2. Locate the trip odometer button on your dashboard.

3. Press and hold the trip button.

4. While holding, turn the key to the “OFF” position, then back to “ON”.

5. Keep holding the trip button for 10–15 seconds.

6. The light will blink and then turn off.

Note: These steps may vary slightly depending on your vehicle make and model. Always check your owner’s manual first.

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4. Resetting the Light in Toyota, Honda, and Nissan

Toyota:

• Set the odometer to Trip A.

• Turn the ignition OFF.

• Hold the trip reset button and turn the ignition to ON.

• Keep holding until the maintenance light flashes and disappears.

Honda:

• Turn the ignition to ON.

• Press the “Select/Reset” button until the maintenance message is shown.

• Hold the button for 10 seconds until the message starts blinking.

• Release and press again for another 5 seconds to confirm.

Nissan:

• Use the Settings menu on the dash screen.

• Navigate to Maintenance → Oil & Filter.

• Select Reset Distance.

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5. When Should You NOT Reset the Light Yourself?

Only reset the maintenance required light after completing the service it refers to (typically an oil change or fluid check). Resetting it prematurely can cause you to forget or miss crucial car upkeep, leading to long-term issues.

If the light comes back on immediately after resetting, it may indicate:

• An overdue service

• A sensor malfunction

• The need for a professional diagnostic

In that case, consult a mechanic.

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6. Final Tips on Dashboard Light Resets

• Keep a logbook or digital note of your oil changes and mileage.

• Don't confuse this with a reset oil light function in newer digital dashboards.

• If you’re unsure whether the light is maintenance or engine-related, it’s better to diagnose first, reset later.

• Consider a basic OBD2 scanner for reading error codes and resetting lights more safely.

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FAQs

Q: Can I drive with the maintenance required light on?
A: Yes, but only short-term. It's a reminder, not an emergency alert—still, you should schedule service soon.

Q: Why did the maintenance light come on after my oil change?
A: Your mechanic may have forgotten to reset the light. You can do it yourself by following the steps above.

Q: Does disconnecting the battery reset dashboard lights?
A: It might temporarily turn off lights, but it's not a recommended method and can reset other important settings too.

Q: How often does the maintenance light turn on?
A: Typically every 5,000 miles, depending on the car make and model.

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By understanding your car dashboard lights, especially the maintenance required light, you're better equipped to stay on top of vehicle upkeep without unnecessary stress. Whether you're handling a Toyota reset, Honda oil change light, or Nissan dashboard message, the steps above help you handle it with confidence.

Let your car remind you, but don’t let it worry you—now you know how to take care of that light like a pro.