If you are having issues with the maintenance required light on your Toyota Sienna, you may be wondering how to reset it. The maintenance light is not an electrical problem but a warning you need to reset it.
This article outlines more about Toyota Sienna maintenance required light and how to reset it.
Contents
What Does Maintenance Required Light Mean on Toyota Sienna?
Maintenance required light on your Toyota Sienna indicates you need to reset the light after servicing. In addition, it’s time to change your oil if the light remains permanent.
Ensure to change the oil in a certified auto shop that deals with Toyota accessories and products. Your Toyota continues to run smoothly and efficiently after an oil change.
The light on a Toyota Sienna turns on every 5,000 miles. Remember that your vehicle isn’t damaged. You can still drive while the light shows on your dashboard.
The maintenance light uses an odometer to count 5,000 miles. Thus, it can’t detect if the vehicle owner changed the oil. Keep tracking the progress to change the oil on time.
However, the light does not always turn off after an oil change. Your mechanic didn’t reset the maintenance required light after changing the oil. Fortunately, you can reset the light manually. Vehicle owners should have routine maintenance to keep the essential systems in their cars up-to-date and functional.
What Causes the Maintenance Required Light to Come On?
Here are the most common causes of maintenance required light on your vehicle.
Malfunctioning Sensors
A malfunctioning sensor is one of the notable causes of a flickering oil light. Check the sensor to determine if it’s functioning as required. The sensor might be detecting oil issues on your vehicle because dirt and other particles made their way into the pump.
It’s simple to replace a sensor on your Toyota Sienna. If you don’t feel comfortable, consider taking your vehicle to a professional.
Low Oil Pressure
Your oil light keeps illuminating if the oil pressure exceeds 5 pounds per square inch. Make sure to drop the pressure immediately to prevent a knocking sound. Check the oil level to be sure if low oil pressure is the cause of light flickering.
If you don’t solve the low-pressure level, your vehicle may be damaged beyond repair. You can correct the issue by replacing the oil with the correct oil viscosity.
Worn out Oil
Regular maintenance is vital to keep your car in the best performance and shape. It would be best if you had an oil change every three months or after 5,000 miles. Changing your oil often ensures fresh oil is circulating on your engine.
Faulty Oil Pressure Gauge
You might have changed your oil and replaced the sensor, but the light does not turn off. The issue may be an oil pressure gauge, which malfunctions due to electrical problems. Ask the mechanic to perform an oil pressure test to determine if there is enough pressure.
Engine Wear
Oil circulates through the engine using camshaft bearings. The oil moves flawlessly if the parts are worn out, reducing oil pressure. An oil pump is designed to force oil through narrow areas. A faster engine leads to a higher flow rate.
A worn-out pump will not generate the required pressure because of internal leaks. Stop the engine and have a pump replacement.
How Do You Reset the Maintenance Required Light On a Toyota Sienna?
Follow the steps below to reset the maintenance required light on your Toyota Sienna.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need any equipment to reset the maintenance light on a Toyota Sienna. However, you should have the following equipment to detect the leading cause of illuminating light.
- Fuel pressure gauge
- Screwdriver
Step 1: Turn Your Vehicle On
Turn on the key and look at your dashboard. Make sure the odometer displays the miles instead of the trip meter.
Step 2: Turn the Vehicle Off
After turning off the vehicle, set the trip meter button to reset the maintenance required light. Don’t forget to hold the reset button for several minutes. The reset button switches the odometer to trip meters.
Turn on the key as you hold the reset button. Some people mistake the key with the start button. Next, check the odometer.
Step 3: Hold the Reset Button
Check if you have still pressed the trip meter reset button. After several minutes, the odometer displays dashes on the screen. You will notice multiple zeros on your odometer. Don’t release the button until the odometer readings show on your screen.
Step 4: Release the Reset Button
Once you notice the correct readings on your screen, release the reset button and turn your car on. If you have followed the instructions to the core, the maintenance required light shouldn’t appear. Consider repeating the steps if the light does not turn off.
It’s worth noting that the counter will be zero because you have reset the light. You can always follow the above steps if your mechanic forgets to reset the maintenance required button.
Can You Drive With Maintenance Required Light On?
It’s not illegal to drive with a maintenance required light. The light is just a constant reminder you need to change your oil after 5,000 miles. The maintenance required light helps you remember when to have an oil change. Vehicle owners don’t need to count the miles manually.
It’s vital to have scheduled services to prevent unexpected problems. Some insurance companies might not cover the costs resulting from poor servicing.
Parting Shot
Maintenance required light can be annoying, especially if you don’t know how to reset it. It would help if you learned how to turn the light off without involving a technician. The light does not mean your car has issues. You only need to replace the oil.
The maintenance required lights mostly turn on after driving for 5,000 miles. However, you don’t need an oil change when the light appears on your dashboard. Check the oil pressure and malfunctioning sensors to diagnose the real cause of the flickering light.
