Maintenance Required Flashes When I Start Car (Explained)

We all know that cars need to be highly maintained. They need constant care. Often we have to check whether everything is working fine or not. We need to take our cars for service very frequently. 

Now, sometimes many of us notice the maintenance light is flashing when we start the car.

So, some people might ask, “Why the maintenance required flashes when I start car?” 

The maintenance required light flashes for many reasons. For example, it reminds us when we need to take our car for service. Or when we need to change the engine oil or the filter of the car. Sometimes it flashes when we need to check the fluids or rotation of the tires. 

Now, we are going to know more details about this. As well as, we are going to know how to stop the light from flashing. 

Why Is My “Maintenance Required” Light Flashing?

Sometimes we might see the maintenance required light of our car flashing. Sometimes we might even see the maintenance required light flashes 8 times. 

Generally, the maintenance required light flashes when our car needs to be taken for service. Basically, it is a reminder that we can see in some cars. For example, we might see this light in a Lexus car or in a Toyota car. 

But what does the maintenance required light mean?

This maintenance light could flash for many reasons. Such as, it might flash when the engine oil of our car needs to be changed. If that’s not the case, maybe we need to change the filter of our car. 

Sometimes, it flashes when we need to check the rotation of the tires. Or it flashes when we might need to check all the fluids of the car. 

Here Are Some Things We Need to Do

1. Taking the Car for Service

We might take our car for general service. They will check whether everything in the car is fine or not. 

2. Changing the Engine Oil

In this case, we can change the engine oil on our own. So that we don’t have to take the car anywhere to do this. And also, changing the engine oil is not very hard. 

3. Changing the Filter

We have to find the air filter box after opening the car’s hood. Then we have to remove the screws and other things. After that, we can take the old one out. 

Then we have to put the new filter in the box. And after that, we just have to place the screws and other things back into their places. 

4. Checking the Fluids or the Rotation of the Tires

We just have to check if all the fluid amounts in the engine are okay. And we have to check if the tires are rotating normally. 

How to Reset the Maintenance Required Light on Lexus Cars 

Here are some ways the maintenance required light reset is done.

Step 1

In the first place, we will have to turn the ignition switch clockwise. That way the engine of the car will turn on.

Step 2

After that, there is a trip display which is also called the odometer. So in this step, we will have to set it to a mode. This mode is called the ODO mode. 

Step 3

In the next step, we will have to turn the ignition switch anticlockwise. This will turn off the engine of the car.

Step 4

Next, we will need to find the trip meter reset button. Then we will have to press it so that it stays downwards.

Also, we will have to hold the button and turn the ignition switch clockwise. That means the engine of the car will turn on. 

Step 5

In this step, we might face different things. Such as, some people might see the maintenance required light is blinking. And it might blink only for two seconds. 

But, if the light keeps blinking, we will need to turn the ignition anticlockwise. That way, the engine of the car will turn off. And then we will have to start again from the first step. 

And some people might see the light is on without blinking. And it might be on for three seconds. On the other hand, some people might see the light is on for only one second. 

And lastly, some people might see the light is turned off. 

Step 6

After that, in the next step, we will need to release the trip meter reset button. 

Step 7

And in this last step, we will have to turn the ignition anticlockwise. This will turn off the engine of the car again. 

When we are done doing all these steps, we will have to turn the ignition clockwise again. When the engine will turn on, we will check if the light is still flashing or not. 

And if the light is not flashing, that means, we are done. After that, we can turn the ignition anticlockwise once again. This might turn the car engine off. 

These are the steps which we will have to follow. That way we could stop the maintenance light of Lexus cars from flashing. 

How to Reset the Maintenance Required Light on Toyota Cars

Step 1

In the first step, we will have to turn the ignition switch clockwise. Now the engine of your car is turned on. 

Step 2

Then we will see a trip display. It is also called the odometer. We will have to set this trip display to ODO mode. This fix is only plausible if the car is from an earlier model.

But some of us might have the late model car. So in that case, we’ll have to set it to Trip A instead of the ODO mode. 

Step 3

In this step, we will have to turn the ignition switch anticlockwise. This will turn off the engine of our car.

Step 4

Now, at this point look for the trip meter reset button. Now it’s time to switch on the button. But make sure to keep it downwards. 

Also, we will need to hold the button. While holding it, we’ll need to turn the ignition switch clockwise to turn on the engine. 

Step 5

This is the step where one finds the flashing light. Also, we might see five blank lines on the ODO screen while the light is flashing. Each of these five lines will be disappearing every second.

After all of these lights have disappeared, the maintenance light will stop flashing.

Step 6

Now in this next step, release the reset button for the next procedure. Then, we will have to turn the ignition switch anticlockwise. This will turn off the engine of our car.

Step 7

In this last step, we will have to turn the ignition switch clockwise again. Which will turn on the engine of our car. After this, if the maintenance light is not there, that means our work is done. 

Then, we will just have to turn the ignition switch anticlockwise one last time. This will turn off the engine of our car. 

But what if the maintenance light is still blinking after we start the car? In that case, we might have to turn the ignition switch anticlockwise and turn off the engine. And after that, we will have to start from the top again. 

These are the steps which we will have to follow. That way we could stop the maintenance light of Toyota cars from flashing. 

Here are some products in this table that might help us with fixing the flashing maintenance light.

FAQs

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the “Maintenance Required” light flashing upon starting your car can trigger concern, but understanding its significance can alleviate worries. This indicator typically signifies that the vehicle has reached a predetermined mileage, indicating that routine maintenance tasks, such as an oil change or inspection, are due. It serves as a helpful reminder for timely servicing, ensuring the vehicle operates at its best.

Ignoring this signal might affect the car’s performance and fuel efficiency. Hence, scheduling the necessary maintenance as prompted not only ensures the vehicle’s longevity but also contributes to safe and efficient driving, underscoring the importance of adhering to the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals.

Now we know the answer to this question, “Why the maintenance required flash when I start the car.” As well as, we know how to stop the maintenance light from flashing. 

So, if we notice the light is blinking, we can easily fix it. We just have to follow the steps that have been mentioned above. 

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