Resetting Prius Maintenance Light – How To Reset & Turn It Off

Toyota Prius’s “Maintenance Required” dash signal does not necessarily mean there is a significant issue. Still, you will need to learn resetting Prius maintenance light.

It serves only as an indicator to prompt you to change your oil. Resetting Prius maintenance light should be done after having your oil changed or after performing your own oil change. After all, it is cheaper to change your own motor oil. This is so that it won’t stay illuminated all the time.

If you get your oil changed at a Toyota dealership, they should take care of this for you without any issues, but if you go to an independent service, their specialists might not be familiar with how to reset the Prius’s indication.

Sure, the Toyota Prius are good cars, but that doesn’t make it immune to issues, even if you’re wary of the Prius model years to avoid and knowing what to look for when buying a used Prius. Although it isn’t particularly intuitive, resetting the “Maintenance Required” sign is fairly simple.

• Maintenance Required Light
• Reset Toyota Maintenance Light
• Prius Maintenance
• Prius Check Hybrid System Reset
• Frequently Asked Questions

Maintenance Required Light

The maintenance required light serves as a reminder to drivers that their vehicle requires maintenance. Since automakers often advise basic maintenance, such as an oil change, filter replacement, and inspection, every 5,000 miles, it turns on at such intervals.

After 4,500 miles, the indicator blinks briefly each time you start your automobile. If another 500 miles pass without being examined, the light will continue to flash, signaling a distance of 5,000 miles.

Nevertheless, depending on your car, the maintenance necessary light may come on at various mileage levels.

For instance, every few thousand miles the light may turn on to let you know it’s time for an oil change. As such, you have to be attentive when the oil change sign comes up. As we’ve seen before, it’s never a good idea to test out what happens if you don’t change your oil or see how many miles can you go over an oil change.

To warn of the need for a substantial tune-up, the light may, however, only come on in some automobiles every 60,000 miles or at other significant intervals. Good maintenance practices should be more than enough to guarantee a long-lasting car, if you’re too concerned about how long do Toyota Prius last.

When performing necessary maintenance, be economical.

What repair must you make when the maintenance required light turns on?

A 5,000-mile service from automakers like Toyota or Lexus includes changing the engine oil and filter (if you’re wondering about do you have to change the oil filter every time, our guide there might help), rotating the tires, doing a multi-point examination, and checking and adjusting all of the fluids.

Be aware that different car manufacturers and models have varied service needs.

1. How Much Will All This Cost

One thing to keep in mind is that whenever you buy the car, the manufacturer will usually cover the service intervals up to the time the car reaches 25,000 miles. After this, it is up to the driver or car owner to take care of the service fee when the maintenance light turns on.

The cost will range from $70 to $140 based mainly on your location. So, not as expensive as the price of a replacement Prius catalytic converter, at least. Keep in mind also that you will also need to deal with major services once the car goes up in mileage.

For instance, you may need to replace a timing belt or fix issues with the ignition.

2. Should You Drive With Maintenance Required Light On

Yes. Driving is permitted with the light on. But be aware that if you don’t perform the advised or scheduled maintenance, you’re driving at your own risk.

These factors make it essential to keep your car up to date with all planned and advised maintenance in order to prevent the numerous untimely, inconvenient, and expensive repairs that result from negligence.

3. What Will Happen If A Driver Disregards This Warning

Although it is safe to drive with the light on, if you disregard the warning for a longer period of time, the automobile may suffer damage.

Driving when your automobile needs repair can also exacerbate or worsen engine damage. You might even end up trapped on the road or it could cause an accident.

Your Toyota maintenance light gives you prompt notifications of the repairs your Corolla or Highlander needs to keep running at its peak for years to come while you’re driving on public roadways.

You might require resetting Prius maintenance light once the necessary repairs have been done, regardless of whether you are taking care of normal maintenance or unanticipated problems.

Follow these straightforward steps to reset your Toyota maintenance lights both manually and via your digital dashboard display.

How To Reset A Toyota Maintenance Light

To ensure that their Camry, RAV4, or other Toyota models are up to date on their maintenance plans, drivers rely on their Toyota maintenance light to keep track of important factors such as oil changes, and tire rotations.

After your car has been serviced, you’ll need to manually switch it off and reset the light so it can keep track of your car’s health.

Follow the instructions below for resetting Prius maintenance light:

1. For you to start the car, you’ll need to insert your key and turn the ignition to position one.
2. Turn the key to the second position having pressed and held the trip meter reset button on the dashboard.
3. Hold down the odometer button for a good ten seconds. You should notice the light begin to flash and likely beep before it then turns off.
4. Start the vehicle after releasing the odometer button.
5. If the maintenance light on your Toyota RAV4, Highlander, Camry, Corolla, or any other model is still on, follow these steps just one or two more times to turn it off.

If the issues persist, it’s possible that you’ll require more services if they do. Bring it to your neighborhood Toyota dealer so that it can be completely inspected and you can get back on the road.

Resetting Prius Maintenance Light – With Color Display

Many drivers will be operating sedans like the Toyota Corolla or SUVs like the Highlander with dependable color multi-information displays.

Simply follow a slightly different set of instructions to turn off your Toyota maintenance light if it is on. Following are instructions for turning off the Toyota maintenance light on your central display:

1. Do not start the engine after turning the key to “on.” The ignition may have “II” written on it.
2. Keep your foot off the brake and press the start button twice if your Corolla has a push-button ignition.
3. Using the multi-information display, click the gear cog icon.
4. On the display, click “Scheduled Maintenance”.
5. You’ll be prompted to confirm your choice on the screen. Resetting Prius maintenance light is done by selecting “Ok.”

Although it isn’t particularly intuitive, resetting Prius maintenance light is fairly simple when done in steps.

1. Press the Power button twice (2X) with your foot off of the brake.
2. Using the ODO button below the multi-function display, press to cycle through and stop on the ODO reading rather than on Trip A or Trip B.
3. Now press down the Power button just once to allow you to power your Prius.
4. Push down the ODO button and hold it down and then press down on the Power button twice while ensuring your foot is off the brake. Ensure you hold down the ODO button.
5. Now, wait until you see the flashing dashes stop or disappear and the ODO reading to reappear.

Prius Maintenance

Toyota recommends getting maintenance work every 5,000 miles or six months. However, Which rule should you follow first, the one governing miles or months?

You should concentrate on whichever comes first. Get the procedure right away, for instance, if you plan to travel 5,000 miles in less than six months. Waiting till six months is too late.

Similar to the last example, you should still get the maintenance work done if six months have passed and you haven’t reached 5,000 miles.

1. Mark your calendar as a reminder to get your Prius maintained every six months if you don’t drive very far overall
2. Examine the driver’s floor mat’s installation
3. Examine and correct all fluid levels
4. Turn the tires
5. Visually examine the brake linings, drums, and pads

1. Driving On Dusty Or Rocky Roads

1. Examine the dust covers and ball joints
2. Evaluate the drive shaft boots
3. Check the engine’s air filter
4. Examine the boots and steering linkage
5. Engine oil and oil filter replacement

2. Repeated Journeys Of Fewer Than Five Miles In Conditions Lower Than 32°F/0°C

1. Engine oil and oil filter replacement

3. Long Distances Driven At Modest Speeds Or With A Lot Of Idling

1. Engine oil and oil filter replacement
2. Ten thousand miles or one year
3. Examine the driver’s floor mat’s installation
4. The cabin air filter is clean (solar power ventilation system only)
5. Examine and correct all fluid levels
6. Engine oil and oil filter replacement
7. Turn the tires
8. Visually examine the brake linings, drums, and pads

Note: The cabin air filter’s lifespan may be shortened by driving in congested places, on dirt roads, in cities with a lot of dust, or in the desert.

If you notice that the air conditioner and heater are producing less air, or if the windows fog up quickly, replacement may be necessary.

In case of any of these circumstances, speak with your dealer.

4. Traveling On Dusty Or Muddy Roads

1. Examine the dust covers and ball joints
2. Evaluate the drive shaft boots
3. Check the engine’s air filter
4. Examine the boots and steering linkage
5. Look over the following:
   1. Dust coverings and ball joints
   2. Hoses and lines for brakes
   3. Boots with driveshafts
   4. Engine coolant
   5. Mountings and exhaust pipes
   6. Intercooler, condenser, or both
   7. Steering column
   8. Boot and steering linkage

Note: The cabin air filter’s lifespan may be shortened by driving in congested places, on dirt roads, in cities with a lot of dust, or in the desert.

If you notice that the air conditioner and heater are producing less air, or if the windows fog up quickly, replacement may be necessary.

If any of these circumstances arise after 15,000 miles or 18 months, speak with your dealer.

1. Examine the driver’s floor mat’s installation
2. The cabin air filter is clean (solar power ventilation system only)
3. Examine and correct all fluid levels
4. Turn the tires
5. Visually examine the brake linings, drums, and pads
6. Replace the engine oil and oil filter if you did not use the 0W-20 oil during the previous oil change
7. Replace engine oil and oil filter

After maintenance at every 5,000 miles, reset the oil replacement reminder light (“MAINT REQD”) or the message “OIL MAINTENANCE REQUIRED” on the multi-information display.

Only carry out these maintenance tasks if you primarily drive in the aforementioned circumstances.

Prius Check Engine Light Reset

The check engine light is an indication that something is amiss with your car from the engine computer.

A significant or minor issue with your car, such as a damaged gas cap or an engine that isn’t running right, could pose a fire risk.

The check engine light may impact the performance of your car, which typically relates to the emissions systems (i.e. an emissions system problem) on your vehicle.

The more damage you do to your car by ignoring the light, the more expensive the repair will be. Therefore, it is important to pay close attention to the indicator light.

Among other things, your automobile might need a new ignition coil (be wary of the differences between the ignition coil vs spark plug), fuel injector, catalytic converter, thermostat, or oxygen sensor.

A code produced by the check engine light aids in identifying the issue that has to be rectified.

The procedures listed below will help in resetting Prius maintenance light and are applicable to models made between 2004 and 2010.

Resetting Prius Maintenance Light – The Odometer Approach

To reset your check engine light and resolve your automotive issues, follow these steps:

1. As soon as your car is off, insert the key fob into the ignition.
2. To start the car, depress the power button while maintaining braking pressure. While pressing the odometer trip button, keep the brake pedal firmly down.
3. Holding the ODO button while braking and turning off the engine. After that, restart the vehicle once more with the brake and ODO engaged.
4. A countdown will begin after the ODO meter on the digital display changes to dashed lines.
5. The odometer will flash 000000 when the dashes reach their rightmost position. The lights will then be reset after it comes back on.

Resetting Prius Maintenance Light – Utilize A Scanner

1. As soon as you turn on your car’s ignition, attach the car diagnostics tool to the On-Board Diagnostic connector located under the steering column.
2. Always remember to switch off all of your vehicle’s other gadgets, such as the radio, before using this technique.
3. To display the error codes, which are a string of numbers and letters, click the “read” button on the scan tool.
4. The engine light will go out when you use the scan tool’s “erase” button to erase the error code. Keeping track of the codes and understanding what they mean will help you fix your car effectively.

Resetting Prius Maintenance Light – Removing The Car’s Battery

1. It will require that you detach the battery when your car is off, also known as the “hard reset” method.
2. If you’re not sure where’s the battery in a Prius, refer to our resources there to find it. Moreover, we’ve even discussed the replacement of a Prius battery, too.
3. Depress the brake after the connection is cut off to help exhaust any remaining electric energy in the car’s capacitors.
4. Then, after waiting for fifteen minutes, you should reconnect the battery. After reconnecting the battery after disconnecting for this length of time, your car’s electronics will be totally reset.

Resetting Prius Maintenance Light – On And Off The Ignition

1. In order to use this approach, you must turn the ignition key three times with a second gap between each time you turn it on and off. Drive the vehicle to determine if the light has been reset after doing this.
2. If there is a small problem, the automobile might also reset on its own. As you drive, the computer will review the issue and make the necessary corrections.

Resetting Prius Maintenance Light – Get Mechanical Assistance

The check engine light may occasionally return after a few days or weeks, indicating a serious issue.

You should take your car to a service center to address the issue if this persists despite using the reset steps.

Prius Check Hybrid System Reset

The “Check Hybrid System” warning light on your dash could indicate that your Prius has electrical or engine problems, or it could simply be an error.

The light could turn on for a number of different causes, and the best solution will depend on what caused it.

To assist you in getting to the bottom of the issue and determining the best course of action, we have addressed some of your most frequent inquiries regarding monitoring the hybrid system on your Prius.

Resetting Prius Maintenance Light – What Does A Prius’s Check Hybrid System Mean

It implies that the hybrid system in your automobile is faulty.

Your Prius has a full hybrid system that combines a combustion engine and an electric motor that gets power from batteries.

Your car’s warning system will alert you to an underlying problem when the “Check Hybrid System” light illuminates.

It can just be a blown fuse, or it might be something more serious like an alternator problem (make sure you’re aware of a bad battery vs a bad alternator).

A system fault may occasionally lead your Prius to believe there is a problem when there isn’t. If so, all it would take is a restart to fix the problem.

Elsewhere, if your Toyota Prius won’t start, it might be experiencing other issues that you need to diagnose.

Resetting Prius Maintenance Light – Should You Drive A Prius With A Hybrid Check

No, you shouldn’t truly disregard the warning light.

Even while you might be able to continue driving your Prius with the indicator light on, you risk further harm to your vehicle.

If the light remains on after you restart your car, drive it or call a tow truck to bring it as quickly as you can to an auto repair facility. Finding an issue earlier can ultimately save you time and money if there is one.

Resetting Prius Maintenance Light – How Do You Reset A Prius Hybrid Check

To reset it, try stopping the car and leaving it off for a while.

If you are driving and the hybrid check light comes on, pull over immediately. Your car should remain off for five to ten minutes.

Then, attempt restarting it to reset it. If the light goes off, there might have been a system glitch and nothing is wrong with your car.

If the light remains on, though, there might be an issue with your Prius.

Look For Any Blown Fuses That Might Be The Problem

Check your car’s fuses to see if any are faulty if your hybrid check light persists even after you reset it.

The fuse box may be located under your hood or under the dashboard. Look for discoloration or broken filaments. Check to see whether you resolve the problem by replacing any blown fuses with fresh ones of the same type.

Visit A Repair Facility With Your Prius To Get The Codes Scanned

Have a mechanic look at your Prius if you can’t figure out what’s wrong. They will be able to connect to the computer in your automobile and check the system for any issues.

Note however that just because the engine maintenance is turned on is not to say that you need to immediately rush your car to a service shop or to a mechanic. This light will turn on and simply tells you when the car is due for maintenance.

Also, if you are replacing the oil filter as well as the engine oil based on the car owner’s manual, then you need not take the vehicle to the mechanic. But if you are sending it to a professional, check out our detailed write-ups on how much is a Valvoline oil change, the price of an oil change at Firestone, and the cost of an oil change at Walmart.

The latter should help to answer your questions on how much does an oil change cost. Or, if you’re otherwise interested in looking for a cheap oil change, and where you can get the cheapest oil change near me.

Note that the main difference between the maintenance light and the check engine light is that the latter is a far more significant warning as it shows underlying issues with the vehicle. The engine maintenance light simply tells you when the car is due for service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Maintenance Required Mean

The maintenance required light serves as a reminder to drivers that their vehicle requires maintenance. Since automakers often advise basic maintenance, such as an oil change, filter replacement, and inspection, every 5,000 miles, it turns on at such intervals.

How To Reset Miles On A Car

Drivers are reminded that their car needs repair by the maintenance required light. It turns on at such intervals because automakers frequently recommend basic maintenance, such as an oil change, filter replacement, and inspection, every 5,000 miles.

Why Is My Maintenance Required Light On

According to the distance traveled on the vehicle’s maintenance plan, the maintenance required light alerts you that repair is necessary. Every 4,500 miles, once the maintenance has been reset, the light turns on for around 3 seconds before flashing for approximately 15 seconds.