What does maintenance required indicator mean?
The maintenance required indicator is a warning light that appears on the dashboard of a vehicle, alerting the driver that the vehicle needs routine maintenance or service. This indicator is designed to help vehicle owners stay on top of their car's maintenance schedule and prevent more serious issues from developing.
Understanding the Maintenance Required Indicator
The maintenance required indicator is typically a small light or symbol on the dashboard that illuminates when the vehicle's onboard computer detects that it's time for routine maintenance. This could include oil changes, tire rotations, fluid top-ups, or other scheduled service tasks.
The indicator is triggered based on a combination of factors, such as the vehicle's mileage, engine hours, or the amount of time since the last service. The specific criteria for the maintenance required indicator can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
Responding to the Maintenance Required Indicator
When the maintenance required indicator illuminates, it's important to take action as soon as possible. Ignoring the warning light can lead to more serious problems down the road, as neglected maintenance can cause wear and tear on the vehicle's components.
- Schedule a service appointment with a qualified mechanic or the vehicle's dealership.
- Refer to the owner's manual to determine the specific maintenance tasks that are due.
- Keep track of the vehicle's maintenance history to ensure that all recommended service intervals are being met.
By addressing the maintenance required indicator promptly, vehicle owners can help extend the life of their car, improve its performance, and potentially avoid more costly repairs in the future.
Can AutoZone tell me why my maintenance required light is on?
Visit Your Local AutoZone Store for Free Fix Finder Service
AutoZone offers a complimentary Fix Finder service that efficiently diagnoses warning lights, including Check Engine, ABS, and maintenance indicators.
Is maintenance required light the same as check engine?
No, the "maintenance required" light and the "check engine" light are not the same; one is a reminder for routine service, while the other indicates a potential problem with the engine or emissions system that needs immediate attention. The maintenance light is a scheduled reminder, typically based on mileage, for services like oil changes, and is not an emergency. The check engine light signals a malfunction detected by the vehicle's computer and should never be ignored, as it could indicate anything from a loose gas cap to serious engine trouble.
| Maintenance Required Light | Check Engine Light | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | A scheduled reminder for routine service, such as an oil change or filter replacement, based on mileage. | A signal that the vehicle's engine, emissions system, or other major components are malfunctioning. |
| Urgency | Not an emergency; you can schedule service for a time that is convenient, but don't delay too long to prevent future issues. | An emergency that requires immediate attention. A flashing check engine light means the issue is urgent and you should stop driving if possible. |
| Cause | A pre-programmed reminder based on a set number of miles since the last reset. | A detected problem with the engine or a related system, such as a faulty gas cap or a significant internal issue. |
| What to do | Plan to get routine service (like an oil change) and reset the light after the maintenance is complete. | Get your vehicle diagnosed by a professional as soon as possible. |
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What would cause a maintenance required light to come on?
Your "maintenance required" light is on because your vehicle's system has reached a pre-programmed mileage interval (often around 5,000 miles) to remind you of scheduled service, such as an oil change, tire rotation, or other fluid checks. It is a reminder, not an indication of a car problem like the "check engine" light. The light may not have been reset after the last service, or it could be time for the next service based on your car's schedule.
What you should do
- Check your owner's manual: Consult your vehicle's manual for the recommended maintenance schedule and how to reset the light for your specific make and model.
- Perform the service: Even if the light wasn't on recently, consider getting an oil change and other routine services to keep your car running smoothly and prevent potential damage.
- Reset the light: If the service was just performed, the light likely needs to be manually reset. Most manufacturers have a procedure for this using the dashboard buttons, which involves turning the ignition on and pressing and holding a specific button until the light turns off.
Why the light stays on
- It wasn't reset: The most common reason is that the service technician forgot to reset the maintenance reminder after the last service.
- You're due for service: The light is simply indicating that you've reached another service milestone based on mileage or time.
Can I still drive my car if it says maintenance required soon?
Yes, it's generally okay to drive with the "maintenance required" light on, as it's a reminder for routine service rather than an indicator of an immediate, critical problem. However, you should not ignore it for too long, and you should stop driving if the light is accompanied by other warning lights, unusual sounds, or a decrease in performance. To be safe, schedule an appointment for service to prevent potential future issues.
What to do
- Don't panic: This light is a reminder for regular maintenance, often an oil change, based on mileage or time.
- Check for other lights: If other warning lights, like the "check engine" light, are on, or if you hear strange noises, have your car inspected immediately as it could signal a serious issue.
- Listen to your car: If you notice any changes in performance or feel anything unusual, take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible.
- Schedule service: Make an appointment for the recommended service to prevent long-term wear and tear or potential breakdowns.
- Reset the light (if applicable): If you have recently completed the service yourself but forgot to reset the light, or if it was reset incorrectly, you can reset it yourself to clear the reminder.
