How to get rid of the maintenance required light?
The maintenance required light on your dashboard is a reminder that a scheduled service is due. If you’ve completed the maintenance, you can reset the light using your vehicle’s built-in reset procedure. If you haven’t serviced the car yet, don’t reset it—the reminder will come back and you may miss essential maintenance.
Automakers encode these reminders to help drivers stay on top of routine care. The exact reset steps vary by make and model, and some modern vehicles use a digital menu while older ones rely on a physical button or an tools-based reset. This guide explains what the light means and how to reset it across common scenarios.
What the maintenance light signals
Before attempting a reset, it’s useful to understand why the light might come on and what it covers. The reminder generally points to routine service items that are due on a mileage- or time-based schedule.
- Oil change or filter replacement is due according to the vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
- Other routine maintenance items are due soon, such as air filter replacement, brake inspection, fluid top-offs, or tire rotation.
- The reminder may indicate that a scheduled service interval has passed and needs confirmation after service.
- Some vehicles show a combined maintenance message with a service code or mileage estimate in the instrument cluster.
After the specified service has been completed, you can reset the reminder so it won’t return at the next interval. If the light reappears after reset, there may be an outstanding issue or the service wasn’t fully completed; check the owner’s manual or consult a mechanic.
How to reset the maintenance light
Resetting methods differ by vehicle. Below are common approaches used by many makes, along with cautions to follow. Always consult your owner's manual for your exact model procedures and never reset the light before completing the service.
General reset method for modern vehicles with a digital display
Many newer cars manage maintenance reminders through the instrument cluster or a settings menu. The reset is usually a few taps in Settings or Vehicle menus.
- Turn the ignition to ON with the engine off. Open the Settings or Vehicle/Maintenance menu.
- Navigate to Maintenance or Service Interval, then choose Reset or Clear. Confirm when prompted.
- Turn the ignition OFF, then back to ON and start the engine to confirm the light is off.
Always follow the on-screen instructions exactly, since wording and paths vary by brand.
Reset methods for older vehicles using the ignition/trip button
Some older or simpler dashboards use a physical control, such as the odometer or trip-reset button, to clear the reminder.
- Turn the ignition to ON (engine off). Press and hold the trip/odometer reset button (or a closely related combination) until the light blinks or goes out.
- Release the button, then turn the key to OFF and start the engine to verify the light is off.
Because the exact sequence can differ by model, check the owner’s manual for the precise steps specific to your car.
Reset with an OBD-II scan tool
If standard methods don’t work or you’ve performed service at a shop, an OBD-II scan tool can clear the maintenance reminder on many vehicles. The process is tool-dependent, but typically follows this pattern.
- Connect the scan tool to the vehicle’s OBD-II port and turn the ignition to ON (engine may be off).
- Choose Maintenance Reset, Service Reminder, or a similar option and confirm the reset.
- Turn the ignition OFF, then start the engine to ensure the light is extinguished.
Note that some cars tie the reminder to actual service records; using a tool to reset without completing service can cause later diagnostic checks to trigger.
Dealer or service shop reset
If you’re unsure or the above methods don’t work, a dealer or qualified service shop can reset the light after verifying that maintenance has been completed. This ensures the vehicle’s service history is accurately updated.
- Bring proof of service or invoice so the technician can verify completion before resetting.
Bottom line: with the maintenance work done and the correct reset procedure followed for your vehicle, the light should disappear. If it reappears, revisit the service checklist or seek professional help, as there may be an actual fault or an incomplete service.
Tips and cautions
These best practices help prevent confusion or potential issues after resetting the light:
- Only reset after completing the scheduled maintenance items identified for your vehicle.
- Keep a record of services performed so the vehicle’s system stays in sync with its history.
- If in doubt, consult the owner’s manual or a qualified technician for model-specific steps.
With proper maintenance and the correct reset method, you can clear the maintenance required light without compromising vehicle health.
Summary
The maintenance required light is a sensor-based reminder that routine service is due. Clearing it is appropriate only after you have completed the prescribed maintenance, and the exact reset steps depend on your car’s make and model. Modern vehicles often use a menu-driven reset, older cars may require a trip-odometer button sequence, and some cases use an OBD-II scanner. When in doubt, consult the owner’s manual or a professional to ensure the reset is performed correctly and the vehicle’s maintenance history remains accurate.
