Maintenace light

[Iron Uvula]

I think I've looked in all the other threads about the maintenance light
but I believe I have a question that's not covered.

I have a 2005/V8/2WD 4runner and in the manual it states that the
maintenance light should start blinking at 4500 miles and be persistent
at 5000 miles when an oil change is due.

Thing is, my light keeps coming on at 3000 miles. I don't see anything
in the manual that suggests the setting can be changed. Anyone
have an idea as to why the light comes on sooner?

BTW, I get free oil changes from the dealer so they're not getting
any extra money from me with the more frequent changes.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[K.C.]

Resetting the Maintenance Light on the 4Runner by bulldog

The maintenance light is programmed to come on at about 7500 miles after last reset. It will actually start to stay on longer after starting at about 5000 miles after the last reset.

Here are the simple steps to reset it yourself if you do your own oil changes, or if the dealer forgets to do it.

TSB EL002-03 has these instructions:

1. Turn ignition switch to "ON" position
2. Set odometer/trip display to "ODO" mode
3. Turn ignition switch to "OFF" position
4. Depress and hold the Trip Meter "RESET" button while turning the ignition switch to the "ON" position
5. The service maintenance reminder light will:

i. Illuminate solidly for 3 seconds
ii. Blink for 2 seconds
iii. Illuminate solidly for 1 second
iv. Turn off

6. Release the Trip Meter "RESET" button
7. Turn the ignition switch to the "OFF" position
8. Turn the ignition to the "ON" position and confirm that the service maintenance reminder light goes out.

Resetting Maintenance Light on 4Runner

Resetting the Maintenance Light on the 4Runner by bulldog
http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3372

 

[K.C.]

If you ask the right person...you'll get results.

 

[Iron Uvula]

Thanks KC.

Not to be difficult, but I just re-checked my manual and it says 4500 and
5000 miles respectively.

At any rate, the real question I have is why does the light come on
after 3000 miles, let alone 4500, 5000 or greater.

After the dealer changes the oil, the maintenance light is off so I can
only assume they have done the reset.

 

[K.C.]

Thanks KC.

Not to be difficult, but I just re-checked my manual and it says 4500 and
5000 miles respectively.

At any rate, the real question I have is why does the light come on
after 3000 miles, let alone 4500, 5000 or greater.

After the dealer changes the oil, the maintenance light is off so I can
only assume they have done the reset.

Not just the 4Runner...my 2007 Camry does the same.

Ignore why it comes on early...just reset it.

Our 4Runner has a bunch of lame things, but over all, it's an awesome machine & if they were able to remake the 4th Generation brand new at the assembly line...I would buy another one in a heart beat.

 

[kylebacc]

I have no clue what K.C. is trying to say with his replies other than that the 4Runner is a great machine. I think it's very weird that yours comes on at 3000 miles :/ On my 06, it starts blinking at 4500 and stays steady at and after 5000 just like the manual states. I would attempt to ask the dealership what the deal with it is, because it's obviously not right. I've also never heard of it staying off until 7500. So it must somehow be programmable.

 

[riverwolf]

I have no clue what K.C. is trying to say with his replies other than that the 4Runner is a great machine. I think it's very weird that yours comes on at 3000 miles :/ On my 06, it starts blinking at 4500 and stays steady at and after 5000 just like the manual states. I would attempt to ask the dealership what the deal with it is, because it's obviously not right. I've also never heard of it staying off until 7500. So it must somehow be programmable.

Kyle, are you sure about those distances? Did Toyota shorten the oil change interval some time after the 2003 model year? The '03s have a 7500 OCI...the reminder starts flashing briefly at 5K and goes solid at 7.5K when the oil changed is required.

From the '03 owner's manual?
"When you drive for about 8000 km (5000 miles) after the engine oil replacement, this light illuminates for about 3 seconds
and then flashes for about 12 seconds with the ignition key turned to “ON” position. If you continue driving without the engine oil replacement, and if the driving range exceeds 12000 km (7500 miles), the light will come on after the ignition key is turned to “ON” position. The light will remain on thereafter."

-Brent

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Kyle, are you sure about those distances? Did Toyota shorten the oil change interval some time after the 2003 model year? The '03s have a 7500 OCI...the reminder starts flashing briefly at 5K and goes solid at 7.5K when the oil changed is required.

My '07 positively starts flashing at 4500mi and goes steady at 5000miles.

 

[kylebacc]

My '07 positively starts flashing at 4500mi and goes steady at 5000miles.

Me too. I'm sure.

 

[riverwolf]

Me too. I'm sure.

My '07 positively starts flashing at 4500mi and goes steady at 5000miles.

But what do your manuals spec for the oil change and reminder interval? That's what the maintenance reminder is *supposed* to be tied to; only going solid once you hit the spec'd limit. Works the same on every Honda I've owned as well. If you're going solid at 5K, that implies Toyota shortened the OCI somewhere between '03 and '07. VVTi introduction, maybe?

-Brent

 

[CJ3Flyr]

But what do your manuals spec for the oil change and reminder interval? That's what the maintenance reminder is *supposed* to be tied to; only going solid once you hit the spec'd limit. Works the same on every Honda I've owned as well. If you're going solid at 5K, that implies Toyota shortened the OCI somewhere between '03 and '07. VVTi introduction, maybe?

-Brent

My manual says 4500mi/5000mi. Mine works as advertised.

 

[Uneek]

But what do your manuals spec for the oil change and reminder interval? That's what the maintenance reminder is *supposed* to be tied to; only going solid once you hit the spec'd limit. Works the same on every Honda I've owned as well. If you're going solid at 5K, that implies Toyota shortened the OCI somewhere between '03 and '07. VVTi introduction, maybe?

-Brent

I think it was changed for MY 2004 or 05. My 06 is like CJ's 07, flashes at 4500mi and solid at 5k.

 

[cdoyle]

My 04 V8 blinks at 4500, and then solid at 5000

 

[NCSCOTT]

My '07 positively starts flashing at 4500mi and goes steady at 5000miles.

My 04 & 08 work as stated above. Both manuals state 5000 Mile oci.

 

[CookieRoe]

NAVI equipped runners have a "Maintenance" reminder that YOU set (intervals) if you don't like to rely (I don't, but still) on the dash light.

EDIT: reminder on the screen (includes air filter, tires, oil, etc etc). You have to actually go to the screen, the system doesn't remind of, but still, it's there.

 

[camdz]

I just wanted to add that my 05 SR5 starts blinking somewhere around the 3000 mark as well and was solid by 3700-3800. I didnt pay attention to when it went solid, but I did an oil change a few days later and it had been 3900 miles since my last one. I am sure I reset the light when I did my last oil change.