How To Reset Or Clear The Tacoma Reset Maintenance Light?

• Brian Onyango

Updated on March 29, 2024

Toyota Tacoma maintenance light is an important thing to keep track of. It is located on the instrument panel, and it indicates when your Tacoma needs service.

However, as with any other vehicle, the Tacoma will occasionally have a problem that needs to be addressed. One such problem is how to reset or clear the Tacoma maintenance light.

To reset the Tacoma maintenance light, press and hold the odometer reset button, named Odo/Trip. Turn your car on and off again with the button held down. If the light is still on, there may be a more serious problem that needs to be addressed by a mechanic.

The Toyota Tacoma Maintenance Light

The maintenance light is also called the engine oil indicator light. It comes on to inform the driver that it is time for an oil change. The light will come on at a certain mileage interval, usually between 3000-5000 miles.

The light will come on when the key is turned to the ON position. For the 2005-2011 model years, the MAINT REQD message will come when the oil indicator light comes on.

There are many reasons why it is important to change your oil regularly. Oil is the lifeblood of your engine and it needs to be clean and fresh in order to keep your engine running properly.

Over time, oil breaks down and becomes contaminated with dirt and debris. This can cause your engine to run less efficiently and can lead to costly repairs down the road.

Clear Your Tacoma Maintenance Light

You will need to know the model year of your car before you can take the instructions below. This helps because the process for resetting your maintenance light will be different depending on the year.

If you don’t know your car’s model year, you can usually find it on the registration, owner’s manual, or insurance card. Assuming you know your car’s model year:

Method 1: For 2011 and Earlier Models

When the 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma model needs an oil change, it will send the “MAINT REQD” message. The process of resetting your maintenance light on these models is pretty simple.

• Step 1: Turn Off the Ignition System – Turn the key to the “OFF” position and remove it from the ignition without starting the engine.
• Step 2: Locate the Trip Stem Button – On the instrument panel, locate the “trip stem button.” This is usually on the right side of the speedometer.
• Step 3: Turn On the Ignition – Without releasing the trip stem button, turn the key to the “ON” position. All of the lights on your instrument panel should come on, including your maintenance light.
• Step 4: Stop Pressing On the Trip Stem – When the odometer reading shows zero, release the trip stem button. The maintenance light will now be reset and should turn off.

Method Two: For 2012 and Later Models

The process for resetting your maintenance light on 2012 and later models is a little different.

• Step 1: Turn the Ignition – Without starting your car, change the ignition position to ON. Press start, and do not engage the brakes, in case your model offers the “START” button.
• Step 2: Change the Display to Trip A – To change the display, press and hold the “DISP” button on your instrument panel until you see “TRIP A” appear.
• Step 3: Turn Off the Ignition – Turn OFF the ignition and then press and hold the ODO/Trip button.
• Step 4: Turn the Ignition Back to ON Slowly – With the ODO/Trip button down, turn ON the ignition slowly. If you turn it too quickly, you will have to start over from Step One.
• Step 5: Keep Pressing the ODO/Trip Button – Keep pressing the ODO/Trip button until you see a zero on the odometer appear on the display. Your maintenance light should now be reset and turned off.

Method 3: 2018-2021 Models

Resetting the maintenance light on the 2018-2022 models is a little different from the process for resetting it on older models.

• Step 1: Turn the Ignition to ON – Press the power button and release it. Do not start your engine.
• Step 2: Select Gear Icon – By using the left and right arrows, select the gear icon.
• Step 3: Choose Settings – Use the up and down arrows to scroll and select the “Settings” button.
• Step 4: Select Maintenance Button – Use the up and down arrows to scroll and select the “Maintenance” button.
• Step 5: Select Reset Button – Use the up and down arrows to scroll and select the “Reset” button. The maintenance light should now be reset and turned off.
• Step 6: Finish – Select YES to confirm your action and exit the menu. You’re all done.

How to Clear the Maintenance Light in a Toyota Tacoma

In case your light did not go off after an oil change, you can reset it manually.

• Step 1: Switch OFF the Car – You will first need to switch OFF your car.
• Step 2: Press Down the ODO/Trip Button – Locate the ODO/trip button on your dashboard and press it down without releasing it.
• Step 3: Turn ON the Car – With the odometer still pressed down, slowly turn on the car ignition.
• Step 4: Release the ODO/Trip Button – When the car turns OFF, release the ODO/trip button.
• Step 5: Turn ON the Car – Finally, turn on your car, and the maintenance light should be reset.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does the Maintenance Light Benefit the Driver?

The maintenance light is beneficial to the driver as it acts as a reminder to have certain maintenance tasks completed on the vehicle. These tasks can include oil changes, tire rotations, and air filter replacements.

By completing these tasks, the driver can help ensure that their vehicle is running properly and can avoid potential issues down the road.

How Often Should the Maintenance Light Be Reset?

The maintenance light should be reset every time a required maintenance task is completed. For example, if the oil is changed, the light should be reset. If multiple tasks are completed at once, the light should be reset after each task is completed.

What Happens If the Maintenance Light Is Not Reset?

When the maintenance light is not reset, it will continue to come on every time the vehicle is started. Additionally, the driver may not be able to receive a notification when it is time for their next scheduled maintenance.

Why Does My Maintenance Light Stay ON After an Oil Change?

The most common reason that the maintenance light will stay on after an oil change is that the oil filter was not changed. The oil filter should be changed every time the oil is changed.

Additionally, the light may stay on if the oil change was not performed correctly or if the wrong type of oil was used.

How Long Does It Take to Reset the Maintenance Light?

It should only take a few seconds to reset the maintenance light. Simply follow the instructions in your owner’s manual.

How Often Does the Maintenance Light Come On?

The maintenance light will come on every time the vehicle is started. It is important to note that the light does not come on at a specific interval. Rather, it is designed to come on when the vehicle needs specific maintenance tasks completed.

Is It Safe to Drive With the Maintenance Light ON?

Yes, it is safe to drive with the maintenance light on. However, it is important to note that the light is a reminder to have certain maintenance tasks completed.

These tasks are important for the proper functioning of the vehicle. As such, it is recommended that the maintenance tasks be completed as soon as possible.

Conclusion

To reset or clear the Tacoma Reset Maintenance Light, turn your car off, then press and hold the ODO/Trip button. While still holding this button down, turn your car on and off again. The light should now be reset.

If the light does not go off, then it is likely that the oil filter was not changed during your last oil change. Be sure to have this checked and changed if necessary.

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