Having any light illuminated on your vehicle’s instrument panel is stressful. Some lights are more cause for worry than others, but the maintenance light is one that can be particularly frustrating. How can you reset the maintenance light on your Toyota Tacoma?
Tacoma models made in 2017 or earlier can have their maintenance lights reset through the trip reset button, while models made from 2018 on can have their maintenance lights reset through the display screen.
Below, we’ll discuss how you can reset the maintenance light on your Toyota Tacoma. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know!
How Do I Reset My Toyota Tacoma’s Maintenance Light?
An illuminated light displaying the words, “MAINT REQD” on your Toyota Tacoma’s dashboard indicates that your truck is due for its regular maintenance. Usually, the mechanic you bring your truck to will turn this maintenance light off after performing the necessary maintenance.
However, if you do your own maintenance or if the mechanic forgets, you’ll need to reset your own maintenance light.
The process of resetting the maintenance light on a Toyota Tacoma varies based on which model year you own.
The process you must follow depends on which of the following model year groups you own:
- 2011 or older Toyota Tacoma
- 2012-2017 Toyota Tacoma
- 2018 or newer Toyota Tacoma
Below, we’ll discuss how you can turn your Toyota Tacoma’s maintenance light off, no matter which model year you own.
Here’s a video showing the steps:
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How to Reset a 2011 or Older Toyota Tacoma Maintenance Light
Turning off the maintenance light on older Toyota Tacoma models, released in or before 2011, is a simple process.
Follow the steps below to deactivate your maintenance light until the next maintenance interval:
- If your truck is turned on, turn it off.
- Find the Trip Reset button. This should be at the bottom of your instrument panel near the odometer.
- Hold down the Trip Reset button. While holding it down, turn the ignition as far as it will go without turning on the engine.
- Continue holding the Trip Reset button for five seconds, or until the odometer displays only zeroes.
- Release the Trip Reset button.
If you follow the above steps properly, your maintenance light should turn off and remain off until the next time maintenance is due.
How to Reset a 2012-2017 Toyota Tacoma Maintenance Light
Resetting the maintenance light on a 2012-2017 Toyota Tacoma is similar to doing so on an older model. However, it does require a couple of extra steps.
To reset the maintenance light on a Toyota Tacoma made during these years, follow the procedure below:
- Turn the ignition as far as it will go without starting the engine.
- Press the button next to your odometer until it says, “Trip A.”
- Turn the ignition off.
- While holding down the button next to the odometer, turn the ignition as far as it will go without turning on the engine.
- Once the odometer displays only zeroes, release the odometer button.
Now, your maintenance light should turn off until the next maintenance interval.
How to Reset a 2018 or Newer Toyota Tacoma Maintenance Light
The newest Toyota Tacoma models, made from 2018 on, offer a much simpler way to reset your truck’s maintenance light. If you own one of the newest models, follow the steps below to reset your maintenance light:
- Turn the ignition as far as it will go without turning on the engine.
- Using the left and right arrow buttons on your steering wheel, select the gear icon on the instrument panel display screen.
- Navigate to “Settings” using the arrow keys, then select it with the “OK” button on your steering wheel.
- Using the arrow keys, select “Maintenance Reset.” Press “OK” to confirm.
- Use the arrow keys and “OK” button to confirm the reset by selecting “Yes.”
After following these steps, the screen should say, “Maintenance Reset Complete.”
Why Won’t My Toyota Tacoma Maintenance Light Turn Off?
Some Tacoma owners experience an issue where, even after following the correct steps for their vehicle’s model year, the maintenance light does not turn off. If this happens to you, or if the light keeps turning back on, visit your local mechanic.
They will be able to diagnose any issues with your vehicle or its sensors that are causing this malfunction.
How Often Will a Toyota Tacoma Maintenance Light Come On?
Although most vehicle owners dread seeing any lights flash or illuminate on their dashboard, an illuminated maintenance light on your Toyota Tacoma is nothing to worry about.
These lights automatically come on at 4,500 mile intervals to remind you that your truck is due for a round of maintenance.
When you reach 4,500 miles since the last illumination, the light will illuminate itself for three seconds, then blink for another fifteen seconds. If you reach the 5,000 mile point without getting this maintenance done, it will turn on and blink continuously.
The maintenance light is just a reminder to follow your Tacoma’s maintenance schedule. You can still drive with the light on, but keep in mind that driving for extended periods after maintenance is due can damage your engine and lower your car’s overall lifespan.
What Causes a Toyota Tacoma Maintenance Light to Come On?
Some people believe that a maintenance light comes on in the same fashion an oil light comes on. Your vehicle detects that the engine oil is low and automatically illuminates the light. However, this is not the case. The maintenance light does not come on for any reason other than your vehicle’s current mileage.
What type of maintenance your vehicle needs depends on how many miles are currently on it. The most commonly-needed maintenance work, according to the Tacoma maintenance schedule, includes:
- Oil change
- Tire rotation
- Fluid refills
- Oil filter change
- Cabin air filter change
- Oil change needed
Your mechanic will be able to tell you what types of maintenance your vehicle currently needs.
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Final Thoughts
Not knowing how to turn your Toyota Tacoma’s maintenance light off can be frustrating. Once you know how to do it, however, you’ll see that the process is relatively simple, no matter which model year you own. Always be sure to follow the correct steps for your Tacoma’s model year, and contact your mechanic if you have any issues resetting the light.