Why would my maintenance required light come on?

The maintenance required light in your vehicle is designed to alert you when it's time for scheduled maintenance, such as an oil change or other routine service. This light typically comes on based on your vehicle's mileage or time elapsed since the last service. If the light is illuminated, it's important to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to determine the cause and address any necessary maintenance.

What Triggers the Maintenance Required Light?

The maintenance required light is triggered by your vehicle's onboard computer system, which tracks various factors related to your vehicle's maintenance needs. Some of the common reasons the light may come on include:

• Mileage Interval: Most vehicles are programmed to illuminate the maintenance required light after a certain number of miles have been driven, typically between 5,000 and 10,000 miles. This is to remind you to have your oil changed and other routine maintenance performed.


• Time Interval: In addition to mileage, the light may also come on based on a time interval, such as every 6 or 12 months, to ensure regular maintenance is performed.


• Sensor Readings: The vehicle's computer monitors various sensors, such as the oil life sensor, and will trigger the maintenance required light when it detects that maintenance is needed.


• Maintenance Reset: If the maintenance required light is not reset after a service is performed, it may continue to stay illuminated, even if the maintenance has been completed.

It's important to note that the specific triggers for the maintenance required light can vary depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle, so it's best to consult your owner's manual or a qualified mechanic for more information.

What to Do When the Maintenance Required Light Comes On

If the maintenance required light illuminates on your dashboard, here are the steps you should take:

• Check the Owner's Manual: Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual to understand what the maintenance required light indicates and what maintenance is recommended.


• Schedule a Service Appointment: Contact a qualified mechanic or your vehicle's dealership to schedule a service appointment to have your vehicle inspected and any necessary maintenance performed.


• Reset the Maintenance Light: After the required maintenance has been completed, the mechanic should reset the maintenance required light, so it no longer illuminates on your dashboard.

By addressing the maintenance required light promptly, you can help ensure your vehicle continues to run smoothly and avoid more costly repairs down the road.

What causes maintenance required light to come on?

The "maintenance required" light primarily comes on to remind you to perform routine maintenance like an oil change, typically based on a mileage interval (like 5,000 miles). However, it can also indicate potential issues with components such as the brakes, engine oil pressure, or sensors that require a check. If the light stays on after an oil change, it likely means the maintenance reminder was not reset, as the light does not reset itself. 
This video explains what causes the maintenance required light to come on: 57sMercie J Auto Care, llcYouTube · Apr 29, 2024
Routine maintenance reminder 

• Oil change: This is the most common reason the light appears, as it's a reminder to have the oil changed and the oil filter replaced. 
• Tire rotation: The light can also serve as a reminder to rotate your tires to ensure they wear evenly. 
• Other services: The indicator may be programmed to come on at different intervals to remind you of other routine services like fluid top-offs, filter replacements, and brake inspections. 

Underlying issues

• Oil pressure sensor: The light could be triggered by a malfunctioning oil pressure sensor, which is a more serious issue than a simple reminder.
• Brake system: A low brake fluid level or a faulty brake sensor can also cause the light to come on.
• Engine or emissions problems: Issues like a faulty oxygen sensor or catalytic converter can trigger the maintenance light. 

This video demonstrates how to reset the maintenance required light on a Toyota vehicle: 46sBudget MechanicYouTube · Jul 30, 2018
What to do

• Check your owner's manual: This will provide specific information on what service is needed and the correct procedure for resetting the maintenance light. 
• Do not ignore it: Even if it seems like a simple reminder, it's best to have the vehicle inspected to rule out any underlying problems. 
• Reset the light: If you've completed the service yourself, remember to reset the light. If a service is completed at a professional shop, they should reset it for you. 

Is the maintenance required light an emergency?

When your vehicle's maintenance required light turns on, it's not something to ignore. While it doesn't always signal an emergency, it's your car's way of telling you that scheduled service is due—whether it's an oil change, inspection, or another routine check.

Can I drive with my maintenance required light on?

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. 

What does a 1 maintenance required light mean?

What does Honda A1 maintenance code mean? This code is an indication that your Honda requires an oil change and tire rotation. A1 codes are generally the most common codes that you'll see on the dashboard of your Maintenance Minder system.