Maintenance Required Message on Your RAV4? (Here’s Why)

There are several warnings that pop out on your Toyota RAV4 dashboard to inform you that something is wrong and you need to fix it. There are some alarming warnings, like Check Engine Light. And some are informative, like the RAV4 maintenance-required light.  

In this guide, we will give you some very important information about how to reset it, why it is blinking, and what it actually means, so stay with us.  

Maintenance Required Message on Your RAV4 What Does It Actually Mean?  

In the new models of the RAV4, you will see the maintenance required. Visit your dealer at certain intervals. You will see this message on the multi-information display.  

In other RAV4 models, the main RE light shows on the dashboard and gives you the signal that now is the time for maintenance, like oil changes. And when it illuminates, it is a reminder to schedule service.  

You will see the warning message appear in the above image after 3000 miles.

It is a reminder schedule that you need to change your oil or any other recommended service from your professional mechanic or local mechanic. It will remind you after every 3000 miles that it is designed that way.  

If you use the company-suggested oil and a good filter, you might not change the oil every 3000 miles (about 4828.03 km). But again, the warning message on your dashboard will bother you. But Toyota keeps reminding us that changing the oil is very important for your engine. If the oil is dirty, dark, and contaminated, your engine will not last longer.  

I will tell you some benefits of regular oil changes.  

• It will improve your engine’s performance.  
• It will give you better fuel economy.  
• Your engine will be cool.  
• It will prevent costly repairs.  
• It helps make the air cleaner for a healthier planet.  

After the oil change, the technician will rest the maintenance-required light. If in any case, he forgets, you will do it for yourself manually.  

How to Rest It  

After the oil change, you will need to restate the warning message; otherwise, it will bother you.  

The maintenance required message depends on whether you have a trip meter button or buttons on the dashboard.  

I will explain both the trip meter button and the buttons on the dashboard.  

For RAV4 models with a trip meter button:  

• Turn the ignition key to the “off” position.  
• Press and hold the trip-meter reset button.  
• While holding the button, turn the ignition key to the “on” position without starting the engine.  
• Continue holding the trip meter reset button until the maintenance-required light turns off, usually about 10–15 seconds.  
• Release the button.  
• Turn the ignition key to the “off” position.  

For RAV4 models with buttons on the dashboard:  

• Turn the ignition key to the “on” position without starting the engine.  
• Locate the “Maintenance Required” light on the dashboard.  
• Press and hold the button next to or beneath the light until it resets, usually for about 10–15 seconds.  
• Once the light goes off, press the button.  
• Turn the ignition key to the “off” position.  

If these methods don’t work for your specific model year, you may want to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for detailed instructions.  

Why is the light blinking?  

You will have peace of mind once you solve the warning message and reset it. But what if light is starting to blink?  

There is no need to panic in some RAV4 models; there is no warning message, just a light blinking on the dashboard. Unlike the check engine light, this blinking isn’t a worry. It’s just a simple reminder for maintenance.  

The MRL (maintenance-required light) blinks for 3 seconds. Then it flashes for about 15 seconds. This process will start about 4500 miles (about 7242.05 km) after the maintenance data is reset.  

Where to Get Maintenance Done  

Now you are fully prepared to get your maintenance done. Now you think where to go?  

In my expertise, I will give you some good options.  

• Toyota Dealership: This option is more expensive than others, but your vehicle will be in the good hands of professional mechanics with good experience and certificate. If your car is only 2 years old or 25000 miles (about 40233.6 km),. Maybe your whole cost will be covered under the warranty.  
• Independent mechanic: This option is cheaper than a dealership. If you research online and find a good and trustworthy mechanic, it will not only save you money but also a lot of time. Independent mechanics have better availability than dealerships.  
• Do-It-Yourself: The third and my favorite option DIY (Do It Yourself). If you know what you are doing and have a good experience with cars, You might save a lot of time and money. But if you don’t have any experience with cars and you are a beginner, My advise is that you don’t take risks and just go for the independent mechanics or local dealership; it depends on your budget.  

Conclusion  

The maintenance required light message isn’t bad; it is a reminder that your car needs an oil change and other maintenance. It is very helpful for your engine’s life.  

Sometimes the warning message bothers us, but if you know how to reset it after the oil change and other maintenance, there is no need to panic.  

FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)