How to Turn off the “Maintenance Required” Light on a Toyota RAV4

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Two fast ways to get rid of the maintenance light on any RAV4

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Using the Odometer Button

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Using the Electronic Dashboard Display

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Maintenance Light Meaning

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How Often to Service Your RAV4

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Video

The maintenance light on your Toyota RAV4 automatically turns on after every 5,000 miles (8,047 km) to remind you to perform regular maintenance on your car, like changing the oil. If you already did the required maintenance, it just takes a few quick steps to turn off the light. Whether you have an older RAV4 or a model with an electronic dashboard display, we’ll show you how to get rid of the maintenance light!

Resetting the Maintenance Light on a Toyota RAV4

Turn the ignition to “I.”
Use the “DISP” or “ODO/TRIP” button to change the dashboard display to “TRIP A.”
Hold down the “DISP” or “ODO/TRIP” button and turn the ignition to “II.”
Keep holding down the button until the dashboard flashes zeros to complete the reset.
Restart your car to check that the light has turned off.

Section 1 of 4:

Resetting the Light with the Odometer Button

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1
Turn the ignition to the “I” position. Stick your keys in the ignition and turn them over once so the ignition is at the “I” position. This turns on your car’s electricity but does not start the engine.^{[1]XResearch source}
- For cars with a push-to-start button, press the button once with your foot off of the brake.
Push the “DISP” button on your steering wheel to change the dashboard display to “TRIP A.” Or, press the long “ODO/TRIP” button on the dashboard to toggle to “TRIP A.”^{[2]XResearch source}
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3
Hold down the display or odometer button and turn the ignition to “II.” Press and hold the “DISP” button on your steering wheel or the “ODO/TRIP” button on the dashboard. Then, turn your keys in the ignition so they’re in the “II” position.^{[3]XResearch source}
- For cars with a push-to-start button, press the button again with your foot off the brake.
- As an alternative, turn your car off and hold down the display or odometer button. Then, turn your car back to the “I” position.^{[4]XResearch source}
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Hold the button and watch the display for flashing zeros. Keep holding down the “DISP” or “ODO/TRIP” button for 10 seconds. When the dashboard display flashes “000000,” the maintenance light reset is complete and you can let go of the button.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Depending on your RAV4 model, you might see dashes on the display, see the maintenance light flash, or hear a beep before the zeros appear.^{[6]XResearch source}
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Start your car to see if the maintenance light is gone. Turn on your car’s engine and look at the dashboard display. If you successfully reset the maintenance light, you’ll no longer see it illuminated on your dashboard.
- If you still see the light, go through the resetting process 1 to 2 more times.
- If the maintenance light is still illuminated after 2 additional attempts, make an appointment at your local dealership or auto repair shop. There may be an underlying issue with your car.^{[7]XResearch source}

Section 2 of 4:

Resetting the Light with the Dashboard Display

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1
Turn the ignition to the “I” position. Insert your keys in the ignition and rotate them once to the “I” or “ACC” position. This turns on the electricity in your car but does not start the engine.^{[8]XResearch source}
- For cars with a push-to-start button, press the button once with your foot off of the brake.
2
Use the steering wheel arrows to navigate to the gear icon. Push the right arrow on your steering wheel to toggle through the menu on your electronic dashboard display. Stop when you get to the gear icon.^{[9]XResearch source}
- If your dashboard displays a “Maintenance Required” notice, press the back button to get rid of the message. Then, go to the gear icon.
Use the down arrow on the steering wheel to find “Vehicle Settings.” Then, press “OK” on the steering wheel.^{[10]XResearch source}
Scroll down to “Scheduled Maintenance” on the dashboard and press “OK.” When the dashboard reads “Reset Data?”, select “Yes” and press “OK” on the steering wheel to reset the maintenance light.^{[11]XResearch source}
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Turn your car off and then back on to see if the light is gone. Switch your car off and then start the engine. If you successfully reset the maintenance light, you’ll no longer see the light illuminated or receive a “Maintenance Required” message on the dashboard.
- If you still see the light or message, go through the steps again.

Section 3 of 4:

What does the maintenance light mean?

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The maintenance light is a reminder to service your car. The maintenance light automatically turns on after you drive 5,000 miles (8,046 km). The light acts as a reminder to do a general maintenance check on your car, whether you do it yourself or schedule an appointment at your dealership or repair shop.^{[12]XResearch source}
- For instance, the maintenance light is a reminder to change your oil, examine your tires, check your fluid levels, and inspect your battery.
- The maintenance light does not automatically turn off after you service your car, which is why you have to manually reset it.
- The maintenance light doesn’t usually mean anything is wrong with your car. However, if it doesn’t turn off after you reset it, it can potentially signify an underlying issue.

Section 4 of 4:

How Often to Service Your Toyota RAV4

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Check your oil and fluid levels every 3 months or 3,000 mi (4,828 km). Toyota recommends looking over certain parts of your RAV4 and fixing them to ensure it drives safely and stays in good condition. Every 3 months or 3,000 miles (4,828 km), check out your:^{[13]XResearch source}
- Automatic transmission, power steering, and wiper fluid levels
- Engine oil and fuel filter
- Air filter
- Belts, exhaust, and hoses
- Inside and outside lights
- Tire pressure and tread wear and tear
- Consult your car’s owner’s manual to determine if there are any other regular checks you need to make.
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Examine your battery and wipers every 6 months or 6,000 mi (9,656 km). There are additional car parts to check and fix after you drive for 6 months or 6,000 miles (9,656 km), like your:^{[14]XResearch source}
- Car battery and cables
- Windshield wipers
- Chassis lubrication
- Exterior cleanliness and polish