Has the maintenance-required light recently been turned on in your Toyota RAV4? The good news is resetting it yourself is super easy and only takes about a minute.
Resetting the light on your dashboard will allow you to keep accurate track of when your next oil change or routine maintenance is due per the recommendations in your vehicle’s manual.
Why the Toyota RAV4 Has a Maintenance Light
The maintenance-required light is programmed to come on every 5,000 miles after your last oil change. Toyota engineered it this way to remind owners like yourself to bring their vehicles in for regular servicing.
Without maintaining proper fluid levels and replacing items like air filters, issues can eventually crop up that directly impact how an RAV4 drives. Resetting the light on schedule helps you dodge unnecessary wear and tear.
What You’ll Need to Reset the Light
The tools required are minimal for this quick reset:
- Your Toyota RAV4
- The electronic ignition key
That’s it! No need to pop the hood or grab your toolbox.
Step-By-Step Guide to Resetting the Maintenance Light
Here is the simple process for turning the light off in less than 60 seconds:
- Insert your key into the ignition and turn to the “on” position without starting the engine
- Locate the trip reset button next to the speedometer display
- Press and hold the trip reset button (should have an arrow circling on it)
- Keep holding the button down for 5-10 seconds until the maintenance-required light blinks off
- Start the engine to verify the light has been reset
And that’s all there is to it! As long as you complete this sequence with the light on solid, it will reset until the next 5,000-mile interval.
Follow Recommended Maintenance Schedules
While the maintenance light only illuminates every 5,000 miles for oil changes, be sure to follow any other maintenance outlined in your vehicle’s owner’s manual for optimal performance. This includes:
- Inspecting brake pads
- Rotating tires
- Changing engine air filters
- Replacing spark plugs
Stay on top of servicing your RAV4 at the intervals suggested by Toyota and you’ll enjoy many more years and miles out of your vehicle.
Let me know if you have any other questions about resetting your Toyota maintenance light. It’s one of the easiest things you can do as a RAV4 owner to extend your vehicle’s lifespan.