My maint req light comes on every 5000 miles like clockwork reminding you to have your oil changed.

I took my scion tc in early because it was convenient and once that next 5000 mile mark came the light came on...

I know I don't need an oil change and I know its related to the reminder of oil change needed because I literally watched it come on approx 100-300 miles before the next 5000 mile mark as it usually does.

My question is how do i reset this? Do I really have to bring it back to the toyota service department just for them to hook it up to their computers and tell the dang thing to turn off until the next 5000 mile mark?

Your knowledge is appreciated.

--Vaelen2001

 

Read the FAQ. http://home.cfl.rr.com/icdedppl/faq.html#c7

How do i reset and/or specify the interval for the 'maintenance required'/oil change light using the trip meter button? The tC's ecu (computer) memorizes the distance your car has traveled. scion recommends that you change your oil every 5,000 miles. when your car exceeds 4,500 miles, the ecu will flash the maintenance required light for 12 seconds after turning the key to 'on'. if it exceeds 5,000 miles, then the ecu keeps the maintenance required light on until it is reset. so, how do you reset it? follow these steps (this procedure is also listed in the tC owner's manual, pg. 96):

step 1 turn the key to the 'on' position. using the trip meter button, toggle the lcd until 'ODO' is displayed.

step 2 turn the key off. now, push and hold the trip meter button. while holding the trip meter button, turn the key to 'on'.

step 3 while you continue to hold the trip meter button, you will see on the lcd disply five (5) small dashes and they will begin to 'count down' rather quickly.

step 4 continue holding the trip meter button and once all the dashes have been cleared, your lcd will display six zeros (000000) - release the trip meter button now - and then the lcd will display 'ODO' and your current mileage. at this time, your 'maintenance required'/oil change light has been reset.
*note* each dash represents 1,000 miles. if you like to change your oil every 3,000 miles for example, release the trip meter button when only two (2) dashes remain. that way, you will get the reminder light at the next 3,000 mile mark instead of 5,000.

 

 

it's a common thing. Even if you take it in to a Toyota Service station they may or may not reset it for you. Hell, when I took my car to the dealer for it's first oil change at 1150miles I asked them if they reset the "oil change reminder" They looked at me with a confused expression on their face. I had to explain to the what it was. Their reply: "I didn't know the car had that kind of thing." I then proceeded to tell them that it's in their service manual. He checked it and it was there.

 

it is also located in the owner's manual under section 1 (1-6?)

where it states the operation of instruments and controls