The maintenance required light resets by holding the odometer button on your dashboard for 10 seconds while the ignition is in the ON position but the engine is off

The maintenance required light is a reminder that your Toyota has reached a scheduled service interval — usually every 10,000 miles. It is not a warning that something is broken. Once you have completed the maintenance your vehicle needs, you turn off the light by accessing your instrument cluster's menu and holding down the odometer reset button until the light disappears.

The exact steps vary slightly by model year and dashboard type, but the process takes less than a minute and requires no tools or dealer visit. If you have had service done at a shop and the light was not reset, or if you want to reset it yourself after performing maintenance, the steps below will walk you through it.

Key Takeaways

  • The maintenance required light turns on at regular mileage intervals and does not indicate a problem — it is a scheduled service reminder.
  • You reset the light by sitting in the driver's seat with the ignition turned to ON (not running) and holding the odometer reset button for 10 seconds.
  • On some newer Toyota models with a multi-function display, you navigate to the maintenance menu using the steering wheel controls instead of the odometer button.
  • The light will not reset if the engine is running, so make sure the car is off before you begin.
  • If the light does not turn off after 10 seconds, release the button, wait a few seconds, and try again — sometimes it takes two attempts.

Locate the odometer reset button on your dashboard

On most Toyota models from 2010 onward, the odometer reset button is a small stem or knob located on the left side of the steering wheel, below the instrument cluster. It may be labeled with a small triangle or arrow symbol. On some models, it is a button on the dashboard itself, typically to the left of the speedometer.

If you cannot find a physical button, your Toyota may have a multi-function display with steering wheel controls. Look for buttons on the left side of the steering wheel that let you scroll through menus. Consult your owner's manual if you are unsure — the manual will show you exactly where the reset control is for your specific year and model.

Turn the ignition to ON without starting the engine

Sit in the driver's seat and insert your key into the ignition, or press the start button if your Toyota has keyless ignition. Turn the key or press the button once to reach the ON position. The dashboard lights will come on, but the engine should not be running.

If you accidentally start the engine, turn it off and try again. The reset will not work while the engine is running. You should hear the fuel pump prime and see the instrument cluster light up — that is the correct position.

Hold the odometer reset button for 10 seconds

Press and hold the odometer reset button (or the equivalent control on your steering wheel) without releasing. Keep holding it as you count to 10 slowly. The maintenance required light should begin to flash, then disappear entirely.

If the light does not turn off after 10 seconds, release the button, wait 3 to 5 seconds, and try again. Sometimes the system needs a moment between attempts. If it still does not reset after a second try, check your owner's manual to confirm you are using the correct button for your model year — some older Toyotas use a different method.

Confirm the light is off and turn off the ignition

Once the maintenance required light has disappeared from your instrument cluster, release the button. The light should stay off. Turn the ignition back to OFF and remove the key (or press the start button again to turn off the system).

The next time you start your Toyota, the maintenance required light should not appear. If it comes back on when ready, the reset did not take — try the process again, making sure you held the button long enough and that the ignition was in the ON position, not ACC or START.

What to do if your Toyota has a touchscreen display

Newer Toyota models with a large touchscreen in the center of the dashboard may not have a physical odometer button. Instead, you use the steering wheel controls to navigate the menu. Turn the ignition to ON, then use the left steering wheel buttons to scroll through the main menu until you see "Maintenance" or "Service."

Once you have found the maintenance menu, select it and look for an option to reset or clear the maintenance reminder. Press the button or touch the screen to confirm. The light should turn off. If you cannot find a maintenance menu, your owner's manual will show you the exact path for your model's infotainment system.

Why the light comes back on and when to reset it again

The maintenance required light resets to zero when you perform the reset procedure, but it will turn back on once your Toyota reaches the next scheduled service interval. For most Toyota models, this happens every 10,000 miles, though some newer models use a longer interval of 15,000 miles.

You should only reset the light after you have actually completed the maintenance your vehicle needs — an oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks, or whatever service interval your car has reached. Resetting the light without doing the maintenance will cause you to miss important service dates. Check your owner's manual or your service records to confirm what maintenance is due before you reset the light.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset the maintenance light while the engine is running?

No. The reset will not work if the engine is on. You must turn the ignition to ON (so the dashboard lights up) but keep the engine off. If you accidentally start the engine, turn it off and begin again.

What if I hold the button too long — will it hurt anything?

No. Holding the button for longer than 10 seconds will not damage anything. The light will turn off once the system recognizes the reset command, and holding longer will not cause a problem. You can safely hold it for 15 or 20 seconds if you want to be certain.

The light turned off but came back on the next day — what happened?

The reset did not fully register. Try the process again, making sure you are using the correct button for your model and that the ignition is in the ON position. If it keeps coming back on, your owner's manual may show an alternative reset method for your specific year, or a Toyota dealer can reset it for you.

Do I need to go to a dealer to reset this light?

No. You can reset the maintenance required light yourself using the steps above. A dealer will reset it for you if you ask, but there is no need to pay for that service — the process takes less than a minute and costs nothing.

What is the difference between the maintenance required light and the check engine light?

The maintenance required light is a scheduled reminder based on mileage — it tells you when routine service is due. The check engine light indicates a problem with your engine, emissions system, or transmission and should not be ignored. The check engine light requires a diagnostic scan, while the maintenance light just needs a reset after service.