Maintenance Required Light on Toyota Tacoma [Causes and Resetting Methods]

Dealing with the pesky maintenance light on a Toyota Tacoma can be a common issue. It’s that small light on your dashboard, reminding you it’s time to take care of your vehicle. But did you know it’s essential to reset it after maintenance?

In this article, we’ll discuss simple ways to reset the maintenance light on your Toyota Tacoma. Let’s begin.

Why Is Toyota Tacoma’s Maintenance Light On?

Certainly, I’d be happy to explain why the Toyota Tacoma’s maintenance light is on. It’s like a reminder on your phone, telling you your car needs help.

MossyToyota states that the Tacoma has a helpful reminder light that turns on every 5,000 miles. ^[1] It’s like a nudge, telling you it’s time to check your engine oil and take care of routine maintenance.

Taking care of these tasks keeps your car healthy. But, here’s the thing: even after doing the work, that light might stick around. That’s where resetting it comes in.

Resetting makes sure the light shows your car’s true condition. The good news is, it’s not complicated. There are a few ways to do it, depending on your Tacoma model.

How do I Turn Off the Maintenance Required Light On a Toyota Tacoma?

According to JDPower’s suggestion, resetting the maintenance light on your Toyota Tacoma is a simple process that can be done in a few different ways. ^[2] Sure, I’ll outline the most common methods for addressing the maintenance light.

Method 1: Using the Trip Meter

One of the easiest ways to reset the maintenance light is by using the trip meter. Here’s how you can do it:

Simply switch the ignition to the “Off” position.
Press and keep holding the trip meter reset button.
As you keep holding the reset button, turn the ignition switch to the “On” position.. Keep holding the reset button for another five seconds.
Release the reset button, and the maintenance light should be off.

Method 2: Using the Odometer

An alternative method to reset the maintenance light involves using the odometer. Here are the steps:

Begin by switching the ignition to the “Off” position.
Now, press and keep your finger on the odometer reset button.
As you maintain your grip on the reset button, switch the ignition to the “On” position. Keep holding the button until the odometer reads all zeros.
Release the reset button, and the maintenance light should be off.

Method 3: Using the TechStream

If you have a newer Toyota Tacoma, you may be able to use TechStream to reset the maintenance light. Here’s how you can do it:

Connect the TechStream to your vehicle’s OBD-II port.
Flip the ignition to the “On” position.
Open the TechStream software on your computer.
Follow the on-screen instructions to navigate to the “Maintenance Required Reset” function.
Select the function, and this action will reset the maintenance light.

Toyota Tacoma 2011 And Earlier Models

If you own a model that was manufactured between 2005-2011, you may have noticed a pesky “MAINT REQD” message that flashes on your dashboard every once in a while. Don’t worry, it’s not a serious issue, and you don’t need to call a mechanic to take care of it. You can easily reset the maintenance light yourself by following a few simple steps.

First, you need to turn off your vehicle’s ignition system by turning the key to the ‘off’ position. Ensure to take out the key from the ignition without starting the engine. You don’t want to accidentally ignite the engine and cause a mini explosion.

Next, locate the Trip Stem Button on the instrument panel. It’s usually found on the right side of the speedometer, and it’s a small button that you might have never even noticed before. Press the button and hold it down tightly.

Continue pressing the Trip Stem Button as you turn the key to the ‘on’ position. This will turn on all the lights on the instrument panel, including the maintenance light that’s been driving you crazy. Keep the button pressed down until the odometer reading shows zero.

At last, let go of the Trip Stem Button, and you’re done! The maintenance light should be reset and turned off. Easy-peasy lemon squeezy, right?

By following these steps, you’ll be able to reset the maintenance light on your Toyota Tacoma model between 2005-2011. You don’t need any fancy equipment or technical knowledge to do it yourself. It’s a simple process that anyone can handle with ease.

Toyota Tacoma 2012 And Later Models

Are you the proud owner of a 2012 or later model, and the “MAINT REQD” light has been taunting you lately? Fear not, resetting the maintenance light is a bit different for newer models, but it’s still an easy process that you can do yourself. Here’s what you need to do:

First, set the ignition to the on position without starting the car. If your model has the ‘start’ button feature, press start and do not engage the brakes. It’s important to make sure the car is not running when you do this. You don’t want to risk any accidents or mess up your engine.

Next, change the display to Trip A by pressing and holding the ‘disp’ button on the instrument panel until the screen displays “Trip A.” You’ll typically find this button on the left side of the steering wheel. It might take a few seconds to change the display, but don’t give up, keep holding it until it changes.

Now, turn off the ignition and press and hold the ODO/Trip Button. However, in most cases, you can locate this button on the left side of the steering wheel. Make sure to press and hold it down tightly.

While holding the ODO/Trip button down, turn the ignition on slowly. It’s important to do this slowly so that you don’t mess up the process, and you might have to start over if you do it too quickly. Keep the ODO/Trip button pressed down until the screen shows a set of numbers and the word TRIP.

Finally, release and repeatedly press the ODO/Trip button until you see a zero on the odometer appear on the display. This might take a few attempts, but keep pressing the button until you see the zero. This is how you know that the maintenance light has been reset.

That’s it! Your maintenance light is now reset, and you can relax knowing that you’ve taken care of it yourself. You don’t have to worry about spending extra money on a mechanic, and you can feel proud of yourself for being able to take care of your car.

Toyota Tacoma 2018–2022 Models

Resetting the maintenance light is slightly different for these models, but it’s still a breeze. Here’s what you need to do:

First, press the power button to turn the ignition on and then release it without starting the car. Make sure the car is not running when you do this. It’s important to avoid any mishaps or engine damage.

Next, select the gear icon with the help of the left and right arrows. This icon should be located on the left side of the steering wheel. Keep using the left and right arrows until you see the gear icon appear on the screen.

After that, select settings by using the up and down arrows to scroll through the rest of the menu items. This button should be located on the right side of the steering wheel. Keep scrolling through the options until you find the ‘maintenance’ button.

Now, select the maintenance button by using the up and down arrows. Once you have found it, click on it to access the maintenance menu.

Use the up and down arrows to scroll and select the ‘reset’ button. This will help reset the maintenance light and turn it off. Once you have found the reset button, select it by clicking on it.

Finally, select ‘yes’ to confirm the process and exit the menu. You will be asked to confirm that you want to reset the maintenance light, so make sure to select ‘yes’ to complete the process.

How Does The Maintenance Light Help The Driver?

The maintenance light is a handy tool for drivers of all ages. It’s a simple way to remind us to take care of our car.

It signals when it’s time for regular tasks like oil changes and tire rotations, which keep our car running smoothly and safely.

If we skip these simple tasks, it can lead to bigger and more expensive issues down the road, causing disruptions and financial stress.

Once we’ve done the needed maintenance, resetting the light is a practical step. It ensures the light doesn’t bother us, allowing us to concentrate on driving without distractions.

Conclusion

To sum it up, the maintenance light is there to remind us about our vehicle’s care. Resetting it is simple and varies by the Tacoma’s year. These guarantees smooth and safe rides.

If you’re unsure about resetting the light, check your car’s manual or ask a Toyota dealership for help. Regular maintenance is vital for your vehicle’s durability and your safety on the road.