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What does the maintenance required light mean?

The last couple of times I have turned my car on, a light starts flashing on my dashboard with the words ‘maintenance required’. My vehicle seems to be running fine but I don’t want to ignore the light in case it's something serious. What does the maintenance required light mean?

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Rebecca Wardell · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
In general, the flashing maintenance required light is simply notifying you that your vehicle is due for regular maintenance. The light will illuminate after a certain amount of time has passed since your car last had maintenance or in accordance with how far the car has been driven.
When the light first begins flashing: You have about 500 miles before you need to have your car serviced. When the time for service has come, your maintenance light will alert you by coming on and staying on.
Keep in mind: You can continue to drive your vehicle when the maintenance light comes on, but you are driving at your own risk by failing to receive the scheduled or recommended service.
After your car has been brought in for maintenance: The maintenance data will be reset for you. However, if you need to reset the system yourself to turn off the light, you can follow these steps:
  • Step 1: Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch with the trip meter reading shown
  • Step 2: Press the trip meter reset button and turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
  • Step 3: Continue to press and hold the button until the trip meter displays 000000
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