If your dashboard shows a maintenance required light, you can clear it after a service by resetting the reminder. The exact steps depend on your model and year, but many Toyotas share a similar ignition-and-odometer reset sequence.
The maintenance required light is a reminder, not a danger indicator. It signals that routine service is due (such as an oil change or inspection). Clearing it does not perform the service; if the vehicle hasn’t been serviced, resetting is not a substitute for maintenance. If in doubt, consult your owner’s manual or a Toyota dealer.
Common reset method that works on many Toyota models
These steps cover a broad range of Toyota cars from the 2000s onward. If your model uses a slightly different sequence, your manual will specify the exact procedure.
- Turn the ignition to ON with the engine OFF.
- Set the odometer display to the total mileage (ODO) by cycling the display with the odometer/trip reset button until the ODO screen is shown.
- Turn the ignition to OFF.
- Press and hold the odometer reset button.
- While continuing to hold the button, turn the ignition back to ON. Keep holding until the odometer shows 000000 or the maintenance light goes out, then release the button.
If the light remains on after this sequence or returns after a drive, the vehicle may still require service or there may be a fault; repeat the steps once or consult a dealer for a diagnostic check.
Model-specific variations
Because Toyota’s reset sequences can vary by model and year, here are common procedures for popular models. Follow the model-specific steps exactly as described for the best result.
Toyota Corolla (recent years)
Corolla reset steps are typically the same as the common method above, but some model years require ensuring the display is on the total mileage screen before starting. If you see Trip A or Trip B, switch to ODO before starting the reset.
- Turn the ignition to ON (engine off).
- Cycle the odometer/trip display to ODO (total mileage).
- Turn the ignition OFF.
- Press and hold the odometer/trip reset button.
- With the button held, turn the ignition to ON. Hold until the display zeros or the light goes out, then release.
If the display never zeros or you cannot reach the ODO screen, check the owner’s manual for the exact model year variant or visit a dealer for assistance.
Toyota Camry (recent years)
Camry models generally follow the same sequence as the common method, but some trims may use a slightly different button sequence or display terminology. Use the ODO screen and the reset button as described above.
- Turn the ignition to ON (engine off).
- Display ODO (not Trip A/B).
- Turn the ignition OFF.
- Hold the odometer reset button, then turn ON again while still holding.
- Release when the odometer zeros or the light goes out.
If the light stays on, repeat once or consult the manual for your exact Camry year/model.
Toyota RAV4 (recent years)
RAV4 reset steps align with the common method, but verify you’re on the ODO screen before beginning. Some hybrid variants may require the Power button in a specific mode (with brake not pressed).
- Turn the ignition to ON with engine off (or press Power without brake for models with push-button start).
- Show the ODO screen.
- Turn the ignition OFF.
- Hold the odometer reset button, then turn ignition ON again while continuing to hold.
- Release when the display resets or the maintenance light goes out.
If the reset doesn’t work on your RAV4, check the manual for your exact year, or contact a Toyota service center for a precise procedure.
Toyota Prius (hybrid models)
Prius models use a similar reset approach, but the keyless start system requires using the Power button in the correct mode (do not press the brake while turning to ON). Follow the sequence below with the Power button steps noted for Prius.
- With the brake not pressed, push the Power button to ON (IG mode) and display the ODO screen.
- Cycle the display to ODO (total mileage) if needed.
- Turn Power to OFF.
- Press and hold the odometer reset button.
- While holding, push Power to ON again and keep holding until the odometer resets to 000000 or the maintenance light goes out, then release.
Prius owners sometimes report minor timing differences; if you don’t see a reset, consult the owner’s manual for your exact year and trim or seek dealer guidance.
Toyota 4Runner and Highlander (recent years)
These SUVs generally follow the standard reset method, but some years/or trims might require an extra moment for the display to zero out. Use the odometer/trip button to reach ODO, then perform the standard ON/OFF sequence while holding the reset button.
- Turn ignition to ON (engine off).
- Set the display to ODO.
- Turn ignition OFF.
- Hold the odometer reset button and turn ignition ON again.
- Release when the display zeros or the light goes out.
If reset doesn’t take on your 4Runner or Highlander, check the user manual for your exact model year, or contact a Toyota service professional.
When to avoid resetting and what to do instead
Resetting the maintenance light is not a substitute for service. If you’ve recently serviced the vehicle, a reset is appropriate. If you haven’t scheduled service, or if the light comes back on after driving, it indicates service is still due or there may be a fault code present. In that case, review maintenance records, perform the required service, or have a technician diagnose the issue to prevent potential problems.
Summary
Clearing a Toyota maintenance required notification commonly involves turning the ignition to ON with the engine off, selecting the odometer so the display shows total mileage, turning OFF, holding the odometer reset button, then turning the ignition back ON until the display zeros or the light goes out. The exact steps vary by model and year, so check your owner’s manual if you’re unsure. After service, resetting helps maintain accurate reminders, but if in doubt, consult a dealer to avoid masking overdue maintenance.