The maintenance reminder on a car’s dashboard is usually cleared with a short sequence of button presses or menu selections. The exact method depends on the make and model, but most vehicles use the trip odometer/reset button or a dedicated maintenance menu in the instrument cluster or infotainment system.
Maintenance lights serve as reminders that a service window has passed or is approaching. Resetting them after a service is completed is common, but if the light returns, it could indicate a true maintenance need or a fault, and you should consult your owner's manual or a mechanic to verify.
General reset procedures
Most cars share a core approach: access the maintenance screen with the ignition in a non-starting position, execute a reset, and verify the light goes off. The steps below describe a typical sequence and may vary by model year.
- Turn the ignition to ON with the engine off (or to the accessory position, depending on the vehicle).
- Use the odometer/trip button or instrument cluster controls to display the maintenance or service screen (Trip A, MAINT, or a similar label).
- Press and hold the reset/selector button until the maintenance reminder blinks, clears, or a confirmation message appears.
- Turn the ignition OFF, then start the engine to confirm the light is gone or reset to ready status.
Note: Some models require navigating through the vehicle’s settings menu on the infotainment system or instrument cluster to reach a “Service/Reset” option. Always consult your owner’s manual for model-specific steps.
Brand-specific reset procedures
Toyota and Lexus
These steps reflect common Toyota/Lexus procedures for resetting the maintenance reminder after a service.
- Turn the ignition to ON with the engine OFF.
- Display the ODO/TRIP screen or Trip A on the instrument cluster.
- Press and hold the ODO/TRIP button until the MAINT or service message blinks and then disappears.
- Turn the ignition OFF, then start the engine to verify that the light is cleared.
If the light does not reset, some models require a different screen or timing; check the manual or dealership for model-specific steps.
Honda
Honda models often use a reset input labeled RESET or SELECT/RESET on the instrument panel or steering wheel controls.
- Turn the ignition to ON with the engine OFF.
- Press and hold the RESET or SELECT/RESET button on the instrument cluster until the maintenance light goes out.
- Release, turn the key OFF, and then start the engine to confirm the reset.
In some newer Hondas, the reset may be done through the vehicle’s information display or an app; refer to the manual for your exact year and trim.
Ford
Many Ford models use the information center or steering wheel controls to reset service reminders.
- Turn the ignition to ON (do not start the engine).
- Use the steering wheel controls or instrument cluster to reach the maintenance/service screen.
- Press and hold the RESET/OK button until the message center confirms the reset, then release.
- Turn the ignition OFF and restart to verify the light has cleared.
Some newer Ford vehicles may require resetting via the infotainment system; consult your manual if the above steps don’t apply to your model.
Nissan
Nissan’s maintenance reset typically involves the odometer/trip button on many models.
- Turn the ignition ON with the engine OFF.
- Press and hold the ODO/TRIP button until MAINT or the maintenance message disappears from the display.
- Turn the ignition OFF, then start the engine to verify the light is cleared.
Variations exist by year and model; if the light remains, refer to the owner’s manual for your specific Nissan.
Hyundai and Kia often use the instrument cluster or a settings menu to reset maintenance along with the right prompts on the screen.
- Turn the ignition to ON (engine off).
- Navigate to Maintenance or Service in the instrument cluster or infotainment menu.
- Select Reset or Reset Service Interval and confirm.
- Turn the ignition OFF, then start to confirm the reset.
If your model shows different prompts, your manual will list the exact path for resets on your year.
BMW typically handles maintenance resets through the iDrive system.
- With the ignition ON and the engine off, access iDrive and go to Vehicle > Vehicle Status > Service Requirements or Service Center.
- Choose Reset Service Interval or Reset All, then confirm the action.
- Return to the main menu, turn the ignition OFF, and start the engine to confirm the light is cleared.
Some models may require you to enter the service menu via the iDrive controller differently; check the manual if you don’t see the expected options.
Summary
Resetting the maintenance required light is generally a quick process, but the exact steps depend on the vehicle’s make, model, and year. The common thread is to access a maintenance or service screen, perform a reset, and verify that the light is cleared by restarting the engine. If the light reappears or the steps above don’t match your car, consult the owner’s manual or contact a dealer or qualified mechanic to avoid misinterpreting a true service need as a simple reminder.
How do I clear my Toyota maintenance required notification?
Push and hold the trip meter reset button on the dashboard and turn your key to the second position. Continue holding the trip meter button for 10 seconds. The light should flash, you may hear a beet, and the light will go out. Once the light goes out, release the odometer button and fully start the car.
Can I reset the maintenance light myself?
Locate the Reset or Info button on your instrument cluster. This might be on the steering wheel, light or wiper controls, or the dashboard. Press and hold the Reset button until the oil life percentage or light starts blinking.
How to reset maintenance required on vehicle?
3 Easy Steps To Reset Maintenance Required Light
- Turn the ignition to the “on” position, but do not start the engine.
- Locate the maintenance required light on the dashboard.
- Press and hold the button or switch that is associated with the light.
- Hold the button or switch for 5-10 seconds, or until the light resets.
How do I turn off the maintenance light on my dashboard?
Method 1: Using the Ignition Key
- Turn the key to the “ON” position without starting the engine.
- Locate the reset button or trip odometer button on the dashboard.
- Press and hold the button until the maintenance light begins to flash or turn off.
- Turn the ignition off, then back on to confirm the reset.