Accuracy of Maintenance Required light

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by SteveSherman, Jan 31, 2008.

  1. SteveSherman

    SteveSherman Junior Member

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    I was wondering about the accuracy of the maintenance required light.
    I currently have somewhere between 5000 and 6000 miles on this car.
    I have performed the required maintenance.
    The light comes on when I start the car but has never come on yet.
    It comes on for a few seconds and then goes out.
    I thought it should come on at 5000 miles? or is this just an estimate.
    I did use the maintenance under info and set it up for oil change and reset the mileage and date. Does this have any impact on the light?
     
    #1 SteveSherman, Jan 31, 2008
  2. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    The starts coming on, briefly as you describe, exactly 4500 miles after the last time it was reset. At exactly 5000 miles from the last time it was reset it will light and stay lit until reset again.
     
    #2 efusco, Jan 31, 2008
  3. davidtm

    davidtm Member

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    Like Steve's experience, my Maintenance Req'd light never came on before I had my 5000 mi service (a little late at 5800 or so). It also lights up with the "ignition on" setting, so I know the bulb's OK. I wondered if the car can actually sense the degree of use before deciding whether to come on, as opposed to merely responding to mileage.
     
    #3 davidtm, Jan 31, 2008
  4. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    yes Ed is right...I just hit exactly 4500 yesterday and saw it flash for the first time.
     
    #4 edthefox5, Jan 31, 2008
  5. samdaman

    samdaman Junior Member

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    I've had mine reset by having electrical work done at the dealer.
     
    #5 samdaman, Jan 31, 2008
  6. mdotson

    mdotson New Member

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    #6 mdotson, Feb 13, 2008
  7. I_Luv_my_Prius

    I_Luv_my_Prius New Member

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    Thanks for the link with the information on how to turn the "Maintenance Required" light off. I just tried it and it worked. I took my Prius to Oil Can Henry's for its first oil change and shortly afterwards the "Maintenance Required" light came on. I was extremely frustrated and thought I was going to have to take my car to the Toyota service dealer to have it turned off.

    Teri
     
    #7 I_Luv_my_Prius, May 2, 2008
  8. harshfie

    harshfie Junior Member

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    So can I or can I not reset the maintenance light if I change the oil BEFORE the light comes on? Do I have to wait for the light to come on before I follow the reset procedure?

    Thanks.
     
    #8 harshfie, Nov 26, 2008
  9. JHSmith

    JHSmith 2020 Avalon Hybrid Owner

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    You can reset the Maintenance Light timer whenever you wish. You do not need to wait for it to come on.
     
    #9 JHSmith, Nov 26, 2008
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