You should know how to reset the maintenance light on Toyota Tundra if you own one. It is one of the several lights on your vehicle’s dashboard.
Each of these lights serves as a warning sign that you shouldn’t overlook. In this article, we are going to explain the function of your Tundra’s maintenance light. We will also give you a breakdown of what should be done when it comes on.
What Is a Maintenance Light?
It is also known as the maintenance required light. It is a dashboard light that comes on to notify you that your vehicle needs maintenance. The maintenance light is synonymous with the Toyota Brand.
How Does the Maintenance Light Work?
The maintenance light is controlled by the odometer. It comes on every time the odometer calculates the distance traveled to be 5000 miles. So, the system should be reset after an oil change. But the maintenance light doesn’t necessarily mean that your truck needs an oil change. The engine has no way of detecting when it is due for an oil change. It relies solely on the odometer’s calculations.
What Does Maintenance Light Mean on Toyota Tundra?
The maintenance light on a Toyota Tundra is represented by the “Main. Required” symbol. It can be found in your Odometer Instrument Cluster. When it starts to blink, it means that your truck requires an oil change. You should take note of this light as it can be easily mistaken for the check engine light.
What Are the Benefits of Using the Maintenance Light?
The maintenance light of your Toyota Tundra offers several benefits. Your vehicle will remain in optimal condition when you change its oil early. It will run smoothly and with improved fuel efficiency. Your Toyota Tundra will also stand a lesser chance of wear and tear. This will potentially save you a significant amount of money.
How to Reset Maintenance Light on Toyota Tundra
The maintenance light will remain on after the oil service. So, you will have to carry out the Tundra maintenance procedure. This procedure will restart the system and hence, turn off the light. The procedure is simple and straightforward. Finally, it requires no supplies.
Approximate Cost of the Service/Setup
Averagely, it costs between $169 and $189 to service a Toyota Tundra in an auto shop. You will have to pay between $65 and $83 for labor while parts cost between $104 and $107. We will like to note that these prices are estimates. Prices may be lower or higher depending on your location. Taxes and fees are not also included in the estimates.
Materials Required
It is possible to service your truck yourself when the maintenance light comes on. If you have the necessary knowledge, the right materials are all that is left. These materials are:
- Socket
- Drain pan
- Oil filter wrench
- Funnel
- Oil filter
- Oil
Step by Step Work Guide for How to Reset Maintenance Light on Toyota Tundra Models
For 2000 to 2006 Toyota Tundra Models
Step 1: Turn Your Ignition Key
You should turn your ignition key to the On position. For a keyless ignition, push Start without stepping on the brake pedal.
Step 2: Locate the Trip Meter Reset Button
You should be seeing the miles on your odometer instead of the trip meter. You will find the Trip button next to your truck’s odometer. Press it.
Step 3: Turn it off
At this stage, you’re meant to turn your vehicle off completely.
Step 4: Turn the Ignition On
While holding the button, you should switch the ignition to the On position. You will need to avoid starting your Toyota Tundra’s engine.
Step 5: Continue to Hold the Button
As you press the reset button, you should also pay attention to the odometer. Continue pressing the button until the screen displays only zeros.
Step 6: Start the Engine
You should release the reset button when the regular readings come up on the odometer. After this, you can start the engine. The maintenance required light should have gone off.
For 2007 to 2017 Toyota Tundra Models
Step 1: Turn Your Ignition Key
Turn your ignition key to the On position without switching the engine on. For a keyless, push Start with your foot off the brake pedal.
Step 2: Locate the Trip Meter Reset Button
You will need to press the Trip button to change the display to Trip A.
Step 3: Turn it off
At this stage, you’re meant to turn your vehicle off completely.
Step 4: Turn the Ignition On
While holding the button, you should switch the ignition to the On position. You will need to avoid starting your Toyota Tundra’s engine.
Step 5: Continue to Hold the Button
As you press the reset button, you should also pay attention to the odometer. Continue pressing the button until the screen displays only zeros.
Step 6: Start the Engine
You should release the reset button when the regular readings come up on the odometer. After this, you can start the engine. The maintenance required light should have gone off.
For 2018 to 2020 Toyota Tundra Models
Step 1: Go to Accessory Mode
You will have to turn the key twice to switch to accessory mode.
Step 2: Go to Vehicle Settings
Use the buttons on the steering wheel to go settings. Once you’re in settings, go to vehicle settings and click it.
Step 3: Reset the Maintenance Light
You can reset the maintenance light by clicking “Maintenance Reset”. Complete the reset by clicking “Yes”.
How Do You Reset the Maintenance Required Light on a Toyota Sienna?
Step 1: Switch Off the Engine
Turn your vehicle’s key to the LOCK to turn it off.
Step 2: Locate the Trip Meter Reset Button
Once you find the reset button, you should press and hold it for some time.
Step 3: Turn the Key On
Without releasing the reset button, you should turn the ignition to the On position.
Step 4: Continue the Pressing Restart Button
After you’ve held the button for some time, the maintenance required light will start blinking. It will blink severally before it finally goes out. Now, you can release the reset button.
FAQ’S About Maintenance Light on Toyota
What Could Cause the Maintenance Light to Come On?
The maintenance light of your vehicle comes on as a reminder. It is not an emergency. The light notifies you that you’ve driven for 5000 miles since the previous oil service.
Why Should You Reset the Maintenance Light?
Your vehicle’s maintenance light must be reset after an oil change. It enables your truck to accurately notify you when next it needs maintenance. A mechanic may forget to reset the light as not all vehicles come with it. So, you should always remember to remind your mechanic. But if you service your truck yourself, you will also have to reset the maintenance light.
The light can also come on when your vehicle doesn’t need maintenance. You shouldn’t panic when this happens. It only means that the reset wasn’t done after the last oil change. You can reset the maintenance light with the information that will be provided later in this article.
How do you reset the maintenance required light on a 2011 Toyota Tundra?
Step 1: Switch the ignition on.
Step 2: Once you can see the reading on the Trip Metre A, switch off the ignition.
Step 3: Hold down the reset button reset and then, switch on the ignition.
Step 4: After you’ve pressed the reset button for some seconds, the trip meter should display “000000”. But you get a different message if your vehicle has a multi-information display. The message should say “MAINT REQD RESET MODE COMPLETE”.
Step 5: You can now turn the ignition. Your maintenance light has been reset.
How Do You Reset the Maintenance Required Light on a 2005 Toyota Tundra?
Step 1: Switch the ignition on
Step 2: Once the reading is being displayed on the odometer, switch the ignition off.
Step 3: Press and hold the trip meter reset button down, and at the same time, turn the ignition on.
Step 4: Continue holding the reset button in not less than 5 seconds. After this, the odometer should display “000000”. The light should also go off.
Step 5: To verify that the reset was successful, turn on the engine. The maintenance required light should remain off.
How Often Should I Change the Oil in My Toyota Tundra?
A regular oil change is essential for Toyota Tundra owners. It keeps the vehicle in the best working condition. It also keeps the vehicle’s warranty intact. That said, synthetic oils should be changed after you’ve driven between 7,500 – 10,000 miles.
For conventional oil users, oil changes should be done after every 3000 – 5000 miles. We advise that you check your owner’s manual for the best interval for your vehicle. You should also seek advice from your dealer.
How Long Do I Have After Maintenance Required Light?
Once the maintenance light comes on, it is best to carry out an oil change in less than two weeks. The oil service is more urgent for you if you are a city driver.
Some Common Problems and Solution about Maintenance Lights?
Your maintenance light should go off after it has been reset. But if it doesn’t, you may be doing something wrong. Check the reset procedure and try again. You may have also mistaken the maintenance light for the check engine light. The check engine light notified you of a problem with your engine.
You can get the problem detected in an auto shop for less than 100 dollars. But if you prefer to do it yourself, then you should purchase a code reader.
Tips for Maintaining Toyota
The adequate maintenance of your Toyota is very essential. A well-maintained car is guaranteed to serve you better and for longer. It will also have a higher resale value. That said, there are several ways by which you can maintain your vehicle. Below are some maintenance tips:
Let your owner’s manual guide you
As a car owner, you must read your owner’s manual. This is because the manufacturers have provided well-detailed information about your vehicle in it. You will learn about several vital information. These include maintenance schedules, correct oil and gas usage, and information on in-car entertainment. It will also assist you with problem diagnosis.
Stick to the Right Maintenance Schedule
In your vehicle’s owner’s manual, you will find information on the right schedule for its maintenance. You will then have to decide if the maintenance will be done by you or at the dealer’s shop. You should only do it yourself if you’ve sufficient knowledge and experience. Finally, you shouldn’t skip your car’s maintenance.
Oil Changes
There have been significant technological advancements in the production of motor oils. For this reason, newer vehicles can now go longer without oil service. New engine models can go at least 7000 miles before requiring oil service. So, some maintenance tips for engine and motor oils may have become outdated. The timing of your vehicle’s oil change depends on the type of oil use.
Make Use of Only the Right Octane Level
The right fuel rating for your schedule has been stated in the owner’s manual. Exceeding the right octane level will adversely affect your car’s performance.
Check your tires at all times
The regular inspection of your tires is an essential form of maintenance. It also reduces the risk of accidents and increases the lifespan of your tired.
Verdict
The maintenance required light is an excellent feature of Toyota vehicles. It ensures that you don’t forget to service your car. This will potentially save you thousands of dollars.
For your maintenance light to work properly, it must be reset immediately after an oil change. If you ever have to reset your light yourself, you don’t have to worry. We have provided enough information to help you do it without fuss.