Owning a Toyota Tacoma is an awesome feeling, but those maintenance lights? Not so much. They pop up at the most inconvenient times, often when you’re about to hit the road for a weekend adventure.
But fear not! Resetting that pesky maintenance light is easier than you think. Let’s get straight to it.
Why Does It Come On In the First Place?
You’re cruising down the highway, and suddenly, a little light on your dashboard starts blinking. Before you freak out, let me tell you that the maintenance light is basically your truck’s way of saying, “Time for a check-up!”
It’s primarily there to remind you that it’s time for an oil change, so it’s safe to say that you will have more than enough time to react and resolve the issue.
Step-by-Step Guide for Resetting the Maintenance Light
For 2018-2022 Toyota Tacoma Models
- Turn the Ignition to ‘ON’: No need to start the engine. Just turn the key enough to power up the dashboard.
- Use the Display Arrows: Navigate to “Maintenance Reset”. This involves pushing a few buttons.
- Confirm by Selecting ‘Yes’: Press “Yes” to confirm. Congrats, you’ve just done resetting successfully.
For 2012-2017 Toyota Tacoma Models
- Turn Ignition to ‘ON’: Again, no need to start the engine.
- Switch Display to ‘Trip A’: Use the display button to toggle to ‘Trip A.’
- Turn Off the Engine: Yes, off again.
- Hold the ‘Odo/Trip’ Button: While holding it, turn the ignition back to ‘ON.’ Keep holding until the trip meter resets to zero. VoilĂ , the light is gone.
For 2011 and Older Models
- Turn the Ignition to ‘ON’: You know the drill by now.
- Hold Down the Trip Reset Button: Keep holding it.
- Release After the Odometer Displays Zeroes: Wait for those lovely zeroes to appear, then let go.
Important Details to Keep in Mind
Recommended Engine Oil
For those of you with 2021 and 2022 models, the recommended engine oil is 0W-20. The oil capacity is about 5.9 liters, in case you’re feeling particularly DIY and want to change it yourself.
Factors Affecting Engine Oil Life
Oil life isn’t just about miles driven. It’s also affected by:
- Engine load (like towing that massive boat)
- Temperature (too hot or too cold)
- Trip duration (short trips are surprisingly tough on oil)
- Vehicle and engine speed (the faster you drive, the more the oil is affected)
Can You Drive with the Maintenance Light On?
Short answer: Yes. The maintenance required light isn’t signaling an impending explosion, just that your truck needs some TLC.
But don’t make it a habit. Ignoring it for too long can mess with your truck’s performance and lead to some pricey repairs you would definitely want to avoid.
The Light Won’t Turn Off Automatically
After you’ve pampered your truck with an oil change or whatever it needs, the light won’t just turn itself off. Nope, you’ve got to reset it manually.
Think of it as a way to prove to your truck that you did the job correctly.
The Annoying Details
Automated System Linked to the Odometer
The maintenance light is tied to your odometer, coming on after you’ve driven a certain number of miles.
What If the Light Stays On?
If the light stubbornly stays on even after you’ve changed the oil, you might be looking at other issues:
- Engine oil level: Maybe you didn’t fill it up enough.
- Tire rotation
- Battery corrosion: Check those terminals for any nasty buildup.
Regular Maintenance Tasks
When the maintenance light comes on, it’s usually one of these tasks that need attention:
- Oil changes: As mentioned earlier.
- Tire rotations: Keeps your ride smooth and your tires lasting longer.
- Air filter replacements: Your car’s engine needs to breathe properly.
Don’t Ignore the Light!
You might be tempted to ignore that light, but don’t. It’s not just a suggestion. Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to unaddressed issues that snowball into bigger problems.
That’s pretty much the same as skipping dentist appointments. Sure, you might save time and money now, but wait until you need a root canal.
Final Thoughts
Resetting the maintenance light on your Toyota Tacoma isn’t a task that requires some special know-how. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving a shiny new model or a trusty 2010, the steps are straightforward.
Next time that light flickers on, you’ll know exactly what to do. Just follow the steps and get back to enjoying the open road. No more dashboard nags, at least until the next oil change.