How to Reset the Maintenance Light on a Toyota Rav4 in 5 Easy Steps
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Every time you complete an oil change on your Toyota Rav4, you should reset the maintenance light, even if you do not currently see it on the dash. But how do you do this? Also, is the light a foolproof way to know when you should change your oil?
The good news is that resetting the maintenance light on a Toyota Rav4 is a straightforward process, but the bad news is that you can’t blindly trust it. Here, we break down everything that you need to know to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape.
The 5 Steps to Reset the Maintenance Light on a Toyota Rav4
Before we dive into everything else about the maintenance light, let’s walk you through how to reset it. If you are struggling with this method, don’t worry, as there are two different ways that you can reset the maintenance light on your Toyota Rav4.
1. Turn the Key to the “Accessory” Position
This is the “first” position for the key fob, and it’s the position directly before you start the vehicle. You should see all the lights come on the dash if you do it correctly.
2. Press and Hold the Trip Meter
This is the same button that you use to reset the mileage trip meter. Simply hold it in before moving on to the next step.
3. Turn the Key to Position Two
While holding down the trip meter, turn the key to the second position. Keep holding the trip meter down, and you should start to see a few messages coming across the dash.
4. Hold the Trip Meter for 10 Seconds
Hold the trip meter for about 10 seconds or until you hear a beep coming from the dashboard. This beep lets you know that you have successfully reset the maintenance light.
5. Repeat If Necessary
While you shouldn’t have to repeat this process, if it doesn’t work the first time, go ahead and try again!
Method 2
Some newer vehicles have a push-start button and an advanced dashboard. While you can still use the previous method for these vehicles, some drivers find it easier to use the menu in the dashboard to reset the maintenance light.
You’re looking at the dashboard here, and you should be able to control everything with the left and right arrows on the steering wheel.
2. Select the Gear Icon
Once you get familiar with moving the buttons around on the dashboard, navigate to the button that looks like a gear, and press the “OK” button on the steering wheel.
3. Select “Vehicle Settings”
Once you select the gear icon, find the “Vehicle Settings” button, navigate to it, and press the “OK” button on the steering wheel.
4. Select “Scheduled Maintenance”
Next, you need to find the “Scheduled Maintenance” button on the dashboard.
5. Select “Yes”
Finally, your Rav4 system wants to ensure that it’s not a mistake, so you need to confirm the reset by navigating to the “Yes” button and clicking “OK” on the steering wheel once again. This will reset the maintenance light.
Are Maintenance Lights Always Accurate?
While the maintenance light can be a great reminder for you, the truth is that it’s not always accurate. For one thing, the type of oil that you use affects how often you should change your oil.
Toyota recommends changing the oil every 5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on which comes first — unless you’re using synthetic oil. Then, it recommends changing the oil every 10,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first.
If you change the type of oil but don’t reset the interval for the maintenance light, you might end up replacing the oil more often than you should.
Moreover, if you don’t reset the light as soon as you change the oil, it’s no longer on the right interval. If you rest it later, you still won’t have accurate readings, and you may not replace the oil when you should.
Can You Change the Interval on Maintenance Lights?
While many vehicle manufacturers enable you to change the maintenance light frequency, that’s not the case with the Toyota Rav4. The light will come on every 5,000 miles, though you can turn off the light completely through TechStream.
Just keep in mind what kind of oil you’re using, and don’t just assume that the maintenance light is always accurate, as it is simply on a preset interval.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know more about the Toyota Rav4 maintenance light, you’re one step closer to getting that pesky light off your dash. Just don’t forget to change the oil and/or rotate the tires before you reset that light for another 5,000 miles!
Featured Image Credit By: Stephen Andrews, Unsplash
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