You should know how to reset 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 odometer controls the maintenance light. It comes on every time the odometer calculates the distance traveled to be 5000 miles. So, you should reset the system 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.
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 also not 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
From 2000 to 2006, Toyota Tundra Models
Step 1: Turn Your Ignition Key
It would be best if you 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 see 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
It would help if you released 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.
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From 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
It would be best to 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 2024, 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 to Reset the Maintenance Light on 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. And then the maintenance required light of your Toyota Sienna should have gone off.
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Tips for Maintaining Your Toyota Truck
That said, there are several ways by which you can maintain your vehicle. Below are some maintenance tips:
01. 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.
02. 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.
03. 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.
04. 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.
05. 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 vehicle’s tire.
06. Check the Engine Light
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.
 FAQs
What Does Maintenance Light Mean on Toyota Tundra?
The maintenance light on a Toyota Tundra is an indicator that alerts the driver that scheduled maintenance is due. This light turns on at regular intervals based on the mileage or time since the last service. When it turns on, it is important to get the vehicle serviced to ensure that it is operating at its best and to prevent any potential problems.
The maintenance light on a Toyota Tundra is usually a yellow or amber-colored icon on the instrument panel. This light can appear as a simple wrench icon or may display the words “MAINT REQD.” When the light comes on, it is important to check the owner’s manual to determine the recommended maintenance schedule for the vehicle. Typically, this will include tasks such as oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine inspections.
It is important to note that the maintenance light is not the same as the check engine light. The check engine light is an indicator that something is wrong with the engine or emission control system. If the check engine light comes on, it is important to have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible by a qualified mechanic.
What Are the Benefits of Using the Maintenance Light?
The maintenance light in a Toyota vehicle serves several benefits, including:
- Reminder for regular maintenance: The maintenance light reminds the driver that it is time to get regular maintenance for their vehicle. Regular maintenance helps keep the vehicle in good condition and prevents potential breakdowns.
- Early detection of problems: The maintenance light may also come on if there is a problem with the vehicle. Early detection of problems can help prevent costly repairs in the future.
- Increased safety: Regular maintenance and early detection of problems can also improve the safety of the vehicle. Properly maintained vehicles are less likely to have unexpected issues that could lead to accidents.
- Improved fuel efficiency: Regular maintenance can help improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. This is because well-maintained engines and other components are more efficient, reducing fuel consumption and ultimately saving money on gas.
- Longevity of the vehicle: Regular maintenance can help extend the life of the vehicle. It can also increase the resale value of the vehicle when it comes time to sell or trade it in.
What Could Cause the Maintenance Light to Come On?
The maintenance light in a vehicle usually comes on to alert the driver that it’s time to perform routine maintenance or service on the vehicle. There are several reasons why the maintenance light might come on, and some of the common ones include:
- Regular Maintenance: The maintenance light is often programmed to come on after a certain number of miles, reminding the driver that it’s time for routine maintenance such as an oil change, tire rotation, or other recommended services.
- Engine Malfunction: In some cases, the maintenance light can come on due to a problem with the engine or other mechanical components. This could include issues with the fuel system, emissions system, or other critical components that require attention from a mechanic.
- Electrical Issues: A problem with the electrical system of the vehicle can also trigger the maintenance light. This could include issues with the battery, alternator, or other electrical components that require attention.
- Faulty Sensor: The maintenance light can also be triggered by a faulty sensor. If one of the sensors that monitors the vehicle’s systems is malfunctioning, it may send a false signal to the onboard computer, causing the maintenance light to come on.
- Loose Gas Cap: Sometimes, something as simple as a loose gas cap can cause the maintenance light to come on. If the gas cap is not tightened properly, it can cause a problem with the fuel system, triggering the maintenance light.
Why Should You Reset the Maintenance Light?
You must reset your vehicle’s maintenance light after an oil change. It enables your truck to notify you when next it needs maintenance accurately.
A mechanic may forget to reset the light as not all vehicles come with it. So, it would be best if you always remembered 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. It would help if you didn’t panic when this happens. It only means that you didn’t do the reset after the last oil change.
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, you should change synthetic oils 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.
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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.
