“Maintenance Required” Message on Your RAV4? (Here’s Why)
On the Toyota RAV4 dashboard and infotainment center, there are numerous warnings to tell you when something is wrong. While some are alarming, such as the Check Engine Light, others are just informative. The RAV4 Maintenance Required light is one of the informative messages.
In this guide, I cover the meaning behind the RAV4 Maintenance Required message. I also show you why the RAV4 Maintenance Required light is blinking and how to reset it.
The “Maintenance Required” is one of the many warning messages that can appear on the Toyota RAV4. We’ve already talked about some of these other warnings such as a “drive start control malfunction” message and “traction battery needs to be protected” message. Today, let’s debunk this maintenance message!
What Does It Mean?
In most newer RAV4s, you’ll see a “Maintenance Required. Visit Your Dealer.” message at certain intervals. This message will appear on the multi-information display.
In other RAV4 models, a “MAINT REQD” light will appear on the dashboard. When it comes on, it tells you that it’s time for regular maintenance on your RAV4. This light indicates the appropriate interval for most oil changes. While the light is different from the warning message that appears on other models, it means the same thing.
You’ll see the Maintenance Required message appear after 5,000 miles. It’s meant as a reminder to schedule an oil change (and any other recommended service) with your local mechanic or dealership. This system runs off of the odometer, meaning it’s designed to turn on whenever 5,000 miles have been reached since the last maintenance message reset.
The message can become annoying if you perform oil changes less frequently than 5,000 miles. For example, if you run synthetic oil and a high-quality filter, you may not change your oil every 5,000 miles. Don’t worry, I’ll explain how to clear this warning in the next section.
So, why does Toyota use this message as a reminder? To be fair, the most important maintenance task that can be done is the oil change. It’s necessary to provide proper lubrication to the engine components. If contaminated or dirty oil runs through the engine, the motor won’t have as long of a life.
Here are some other benefits of regular oil changes:
- Improved engine performance
- Better fuel economy
- Keeps engine cool
- Ensures fewer emissions for a better environment
- Helps to avoid costly repairs down the road
After an oil change, the technician resets the Maintenance Required light. If the mechanic forgets to reset it, you can do it manually.
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How to Reset It
Whether you take your RAV4 to a local shop or you perform your own oil changes, there may come a time when you have to reset the warning message yourself. The RAV4 Maintenance Required message reset instructions depend on which model you drive.
Here are the basic steps to follow, but you can also find more information in your Toyota service manual.
2017–2023 Toyota RAV4
- Select the gear icon
- Select “Vehicle Settings”
- Select “Scheduled Maintenance”
- Select “Yes”
2016 Toyota RAV4
With monochrome display:
- Switch the display to trip meter A, then turn the engine to the “LOCK” position.
- While pressing the “DISP” button, turn the engine switch to the “ON” position (do not start the engine).
- Continue to press and hold the button until the trip meter displays “000000”.
With color display:
- Select the gear icon
- Select “Meter Settings”
- Select “Scheduled Maintenance”
- Select “Yes”
2013–2015 Toyota RAV4
Vehicles without a smart key system:
- Switch the display to trip meter A, then turn the engine to the “LOCK” position.
- While pressing the “DISP” button, turn the engine switch to the “ON” position (do not start the engine).
- Continue to press and hold the button until the trip meter displays “000000”.
Vehicles with a smart key system:
- Switch the display to the trip meter A, then turn the engine switch off.
- While pressing the “DISP” button, turn the engine switch to IGNITION ON mode (do not start the engine).
- Continue to press and hold the button until the trip meter displays “000000”.
2009–2012 Toyota RAV4
Vehicles without a smart key system:
- Switch the display to trip meter A reading shown.
- While pressing the trip meter reset button, turn the engine switch to the “ON” position.
- Press and hold the button until the trip meter displays “000000”.
Vehicles with a smart key system:
- Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch off with the trip meter A reading shown.
- While pressing the trip meter reset button, turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to IGNITION ON mode.
- Press and hold the button until the trip meter displays “000000”.
2006–2008 Toyota RAV4
- Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position with the trip meter A reading shown.
- Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position while holding down the trip meter reset knob.
- Press and hold the button until the trip meter displays “000000” and the light goes off.
2006–2005 Toyota RAV4
- Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position with the odometer reading shown.
- Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position while holding down the trip meter reset knob.
- Press and hold the button until the trip meter displays “000000” and the light goes off.
Why is the Light Blinking?
As you now know, there’s no need to be alarmed when your Maintenance Required message appears. You feel at peace, knowing exactly what to do to resolve it. But what is the light starts blinking?
Some RAV4 models utilize a dashboard light instead of a message. In this case, the light can blink to get your attention. Unlike when the Check Engine Light blinks, this warning isn’t alarming and doesn’t mean that something is wrong.
The Maintenance Required light will illuminate for about 3 seconds. It then flashes for about 15 seconds. This process begins about 4,500 miles (7,200 km) after the maintenance data is reset.
You want to treat this light the same way you would the message. It’s time to change the oil and have the warning reset for the next time. But again, there is no need to be alarmed if the warning light is blinking.
Where to Get Maintenance Done
Now that you know it’s time to get maintenance performed on your RAV4, where’s the best place to get it taken care of?
First, you’ll want to check your RAV4’s maintenance schedule. We have a full explanation of the 2023 RAV4’s maintenance schedule for you to check out. This is where you’ll find what maintenance items need to be taken care of.
When you’re ready to get maintenance done, here are some good options:
- Toyota Dealership: This tends to be a more expensive option but you’re working with trained Toyota professional. Also, if your RAV4 is still under 25,000 miles and less than 2 years old, your service may be free if covered under ToyotaCare.
- Independent Mechanic: This is a great option for most situations, especially if your service would not be covered by ToyotaCare. Find a good mechanic that is affordable and trustworthy and you’ll save money over visiting the dealership.
- Do-It-Yourself: This is a good option if you enjoy working on cars and want to save some time and money. Many people do this for simple items just as oil changes, but if you have larger items on your maintenance checklist for this interval you may want to go to a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Maintenance Required is Your RAV4 Insurance Policy
The Maintenance Required message helps you take good care of your Toyota RAV4. When the light or message comes on, you know it’s time for an oil change. Getting regular oil changes ensures that the engine runs for many more miles.
Knowing this, there’s no reason to be frustrated with the warning message any longer. Instead, look at it as a valuable insurance policy that keeps you on the road.