How to Reset Your Maintenance Light in Seconds

This article was co-authored by Audra Fordin and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Audra Fordin is a Certified Automotive Technician, the Founder of Women Auto Know, and the Owner of Great Bear Auto Repair in Flushing, New York. With more than 38 years of experience, she has intensive knowledge about foreign and domestic auto repairs. Audra has been featured on numerous news and talk shows such as The Today Show, Inside Edition, and Anderson Cooper.

There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

Unlike a lot of things in your car, the maintenance required light doesn’t automatically shut off once you’ve completed an oil change or other service. The good news is that it’s super quick and easy to reset this light! In this article, we’ll provide you with the steps you need to get rid of the maintenance required light on your dashboard. These instructions work for most car makes like Toyota and Honda.

Things You Should Know

• Turn your key in the ignition twice so your car’s power comes on, but don’t start the engine.
• Use the “ODO/TRIP” button on the dashboard to change the dashboard display to “TRIP A.”
• Turn your car off and hold down the “ODO/TRIP” button. Turn your car back on so it’s just running power.
• Continue to hold down on the “ODO/TRIP” button until the maintenance light disappears. Then, release the button.

Steps

Turn your car on, but do not start the engine.

1. Put your key in the ignition and turn it over twice so the power comes on. When you reset your maintenance light, your car’s engine shouldn’t be on. However, you still need power. Just switch your keys over twice so the ignition is in the “II” or “RUN” placement.[1] X Research source
   • For cars with a “Start/Stop” button, press it twice with your feet off the brake.
   • If your car’s maintenance required light turned on, don’t panic. This light is just a maintenance reminder that automatically comes on after every 5,000 miles (8,000 km). This is when most car manufacturers recommend that you change your oil, replace your air filters, and rotate your tires.[2] X Research source

Change the dashboard display to “TRIP A.”

1. Use the “ODO/TRIP” button on your dashboard to cycle to “TRIP A.” Find the long, stem-like “ODO/TRIP” button that extends out of your dashboard. Then, push the button until the display on your dashboard reads “Trip A.”[3] X Research source
   • For 2002 to 2006 Toyotas, change your display to “ODO.”
   • On some cars, the button is labeled “TRIP RESET,” “TRIP,” or “ODO.”
   • Some cars have the “ODO/TRIP” button on the steering wheel. It might be labeled “TRIP” or “DISP.”[4] X Research source
   • If your car has an electronic color display dashboard, just navigate to “Settings,” “Vehicle Settings,” and “Scheduled Maintenance” using the arrows on your steering wheel. Just press “OK” and “Yes” to reset the maintenance data and turn off the light.[5] X Research source

1. Turn the keys to the off position, then press and hold “ODO/TRIP.” To start the maintenance reset process, your car has to be turned back off. While it’s off, simply place your finger over the “ODO/TRIP” button and push it down.[6] X Research source

Start your car, but don’t turn on the engine.

1. Turn your keys in the ignition twice while still holding “ODO/TRIP.” Once you turn your car back on to “RUN” or “II,” your car will start the maintenance reset process. Depending on your car, the maintenance light might flash, stay illuminated, or you’ll receive a dashboard message reading “Resetting Maintenance Data.”[7] X Research source

1. Press on the button until the maintenance light or message disappears. After several seconds of holding down on the “ODO/TRIP” button, the maintenance light should stop flashing and clear from your dashboard. If you received a message, that should disappear as well. Now, take your finger off the button.[8] X Research source

Turn your car on and check that the maintenance light is off.

1. Switch on your engine to see if the light is still lit on your dashboard. Turn your car all the way on so the engine is running. After a few seconds, the lights on your dashboard should settle. If the maintenance required light is no longer illuminated, you successfully reset it![9] X Research source
   • The maintenance required light will turn back on after you’ve driven another 5,000 miles (8,000 km). This means it’s time for your regular tune up, so change your oil, replace the air filters, and rotate your tires.

Repeat the steps as needed to reset the maintenance light.

1. If your light didn’t turn off, follow the above steps 1 to 2 more times. Your light might not have turned off if you didn’t do the steps quickly enough, used the incorrect odometer setting, or didn’t press the “ODO/TRIP” button down all the way. Double check your settings and repeat steps 1 through 6. If your light still doesn’t go off, take your car to your mechanic or dealership to get it reset.[10] X Research source

Expert Q&A

References

1. ↑ https://youtu.be/NGCQfwR3nVc?t=29
2. ↑ https://www.themechanicdoctor.com/routine-car-maintenance-101-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/
3. ↑ https://youtu.be/NGCQfwR3nVc?t=38
4. ↑ https://youtu.be/3qH_EtKIW9o?t=36
5. ↑ https://youtu.be/6RB0vHhmLOM?t=14
6. ↑ https://youtu.be/5zFp29T2QvE?t=81
7. ↑ https://youtu.be/tWi0C49Q9co?t=36
8. ↑ https://youtu.be/Sx8d60sQIJA?t=44
9. ↑ https://youtu.be/5zFp29T2QvE?t=120