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Seeing the maintenance light pop up on your dashboard can feel a bit unsettling, especially if you’re not sure how to turn it off after taking care of your oil change or other routine service.
For Toyota Tundra owners, resetting this light is a key part of keeping the vehicle’s maintenance system running smoothly, so let’s go through the process step-by-step.
The method to reset the light varies depending on your Tundra’s model year, and I’ll break it down so you can follow along with ease.
Key Highlights
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Reset steps vary by model year — Pre-2018 uses odometer/trip button; 2018+ uses steering wheel menu.
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Light signals routine service, not urgent issues — usually after ~5,000 miles.
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Two reset menus may need clearing: “Oil Maintenance” and “Scheduled Maintenance.”
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If reset fails, try disconnecting the battery or consult a mechanic.
Method for Tundra Models Before 2018
If your Toyota Tundra is from before 2018, you’ll use the odometer and ignition key to reset the light.
Don’t worry—it sounds more complicated than it is, but once you do it, you’ll see it’s pretty straightforward. Here’s how:
Steps to Reset the Light
1. Turn the Ignition to “ON”
Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position, but don’t start the engine just yet. Just let the dashboard lights come on.
2. Set Odometer to “Trip A”
Look at your odometer and find the trip button. Push it until the display switches to “Trip A.”
3. Turn the Ignition Off
Turn your key back to the “OFF” position, leaving the odometer set to “Trip A.”
4. Hold the Trip Meter Button
Press and hold the trip meter reset button. You’re going to hold onto this for the next couple of steps.
5. Turn the Ignition Back to “ON”
While still holding the trip meter button, turn the ignition back to the “ON” position (again, don’t start the engine). Keep holding the button.
6. Wait for the Reset
Keep pressing that trip button until you see the odometer display turn to “000000.” When you see that, you’re all set—the light is reset!
Method for Tundra Models from 2018 and Later
If you’ve got a newer Toyota Tundra (2018 or beyond), the process looks a little different.
These models have more advanced electronics, so you’ll be using the steering wheel controls and the vehicle’s digital display. Don’t worry—it’s just as easy to manage.
Steps to Reset the Light
1. Turn the Ignition to “ON”
Similar to older models, turn the ignition to the “ON” position without starting the engine. The dashboard lights should come on.
2. Navigate to the Multi-Information Display
Using the buttons on your steering wheel, scroll through the display until you reach the “Vehicle Settings” menu. It might take a few presses, but you’ll see it pop up.
3. Select “Maintenance Reset”
In the settings menu, you’ll find an option for “Maintenance Reset.” Select it.
4. Confirm the Reset
Once you’ve selected “Maintenance Reset,” confirm the action by choosing “Yes.” And just like that, the maintenance light should go off, resetting your system for the next service interval.
Resetting via Battery Disconnection (If Reset Fails)
If the maintenance light refuses to turn off after following the proper steps, try this:
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Disconnect the negative battery cable for about 10–15 minutes.
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Reconnect, start the vehicle, and check if the “MAINT REQD” light is gone
Scheduled vs. Oil Life Reset (Gen 3 and Newer)
Some Gen 3 owners (2018+ models) mention needing to reset both:
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“Oil Maintenance” reminder
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“Scheduled Maintenance” reminder – These are separate in the menu. If you cleared one and the light remains, you’re likely dealing with the other. In forums, owners say simply resetting the scheduled maintenance options took care of it
Why Does the Maintenance Light Come On?
First things first—why is the light on in the first place? The maintenance light on your Toyota Tundra and even on Toyota Tacoma isn’t a sign of an urgent problem, so don’t panic.
It’s just a friendly reminder that your vehicle is due for routine maintenance. Generally, the light appears after you’ve driven about 5,000 miles (Toyota’s official recommendation is under a 5,000-mile or 6-month schedule), reminding you to take care of essential tasks like:
- Oil changes
- Tire rotations
- Air filter replacements
- Brake pad checks
- Other routine inspections
What If the Light Stays On?
It’s not super common, but every once in a while, you might follow all the steps and find that the light is still hanging around. If that happens, it could point to a different issue. Here’s what you can do:
- Double-check the steps: It’s easy to miss a tiny detail, like not holding the button long enough.
- Consider another cause: If the light still doesn’t go away, it might not be about routine maintenance at all. Sometimes, a malfunction in one of the sensors or the onboard computer could be the reason.
- Reach out to a mechanic: If you’ve tried resetting it and it’s still stubbornly lit, you may want to have a professional take a look just to make sure there’s nothing else going on with your truck.
The Difference Between the Maintenance Light and the Check Engine Light
Now, it’s important to know the difference between the maintenance light and the check engine light. The maintenance light is basically a heads-up from your car, reminding you to do things like change the oil or check your tires. It’s not an urgent issue.
On the other hand, the check engine light is a sign that something more serious might be happening under the hood. If that light comes on, it’s usually best to get it checked out sooner rather than later.
How Long Can You Drive With the Maintenance Light On?
You might be wondering if you can just ignore the maintenance light for a while. The truth is, you can drive for a little bit with the light on, but it’s better to deal with it sooner rather than later.
It’s generally okay to keep driving for an extra 1,000 miles or so if you need some time to schedule a service. However, pushing it too far can start to affect your engine.
Regular oil changes and maintenance are important for keeping everything running smoothly. Resetting the light is not just about turning off a pesky dashboard signal—it’s part of keeping track of your vehicle’s next service interval.
Why Regular Maintenance Matters for Your Toyota Tundra
Resetting the maintenance light is just one small part of caring for your Toyota Tundra. Staying on top of routine maintenance tasks like oil changes and tire rotations keeps your truck in top condition. Here’s why maintenance is so important:
- Fuel Efficiency: Keeping your truck well-maintained means it’ll run more efficiently, saving you money on gas in the long run.
- Engine Health: Regular oil changes and check-ups prevent long-term damage to your engine, which can get expensive if ignored.
- Longevity: Routine maintenance helps extend the life of your Tundra, ensuring it stays reliable for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Resetting the maintenance light on your Toyota Tundra is a quick and easy task, whether you’re working with an older model or a newer one. It is the same thing with other things, like when to use VSC OFF Button. Following the steps outlined above will help ensure that your truck’s maintenance schedule stays on track.
Don’t forget, taking care of your Tundra is more than just turning off a light—it’s about keeping it running strong for years to come. So, next time that light pops on, don’t stress. You’ve got it covered!
