Q: Maintenance light keeps coming on

asked by on January 29, 2017

I have service done, all the messages are deleted and erased, a week passes by and the messages reappear. the question is, if I have all the messages deleted and erased, will the car pass a smog test if no mechanical problems exist?

My car has 140000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

I’m assuming you’re talking about the maintenance required light. If the light keeps coming back on, it means that it is not getting properly reset at the time of service. The reset procedure varies, depending on whether your vehicle is equipped with navigation or not. Reset procedures can be found in your owner’s manual. You can carry them out yourself. The maintenance required light will not prevent your vehicle from passing emissions, however, the check engine (service engine soon) light will.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I adjust the courtesy wipe?
The courtesy wipe feature can help keep your windshield clean after using the windshield washers. A few seconds after the washers and wipers have stopped operating, the courtesy wipe will make the wipers wipe one last time, to wipe away...
Passenger side view mirror popped off.
Hi there. The passenger side view mirror on your vehicle may not appear broken but, being that you are unable to reattach the housing and have it stay leads me to believe it needs to be replaced. If you would...
Dead animal inside vents of vehicle.
I have seen a family of mice make a home inside the heater blower case. You may need to have the entire heater blower case removed, thoroughly cleaned out, and sanitized (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ac-is-not-working-inspection). This may be the only way to remove...
My car shakes really bad when going over 40 mph
Hi there. From the description you have given, your vehicle shakes over 40 mph. The first thought would be the tires like you've mentioned. Typically vibration (shakes) are due to something that is out-of-balance. Given the tires and wheels have...
neutral light blink
Hi there. In order to be able to tell you why your neutral light is blinking I would need to know what kind of vehicle this is. On many vehicles the light blinking means that the power train control module...
http://halfords.bookmygarage.com/6339/OTAwNw - do I need a brake disc change?
Brake pads (or brake shoes in the case of drum brake systems) are the principal "consumable" in a vehicle's brake system. The pads are not replaced according to any fixed schedule, or number of elapsed miles, but rather are simply...
Temperature sensor
Hi There, It sounds like you may have a faulty coolant temperature sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/coolant-temperature-switch-sensor-replacement) which may be providing a false reading to the temperature gauge. When the car is cold, it relies heavily on the engine coolant temperature sensor. If...
Where is the 2009 camshaft position sensor located
The camshaft position sensor on this vehicle is attached to the timing chain cover. Note that replacement will require a PCM re-learn procedure in order for the engine to work properly. These sensors MUST be directly tested (or observed via...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Lexus LS
With With a four-generation legacy spanning a quarter of a century, the Lexus LS may not be the riskiest, most cutting-edge vehicle in its class but its devotees don’t mind – the reliability, near perfection of design, and pronounced bent...
Understanding the Fiat Oil Change Indicator System and Service Indicator Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Fiat Oil Change Indicator system lets you know when and what service your car needs.
Understanding the Oldsmobile Oil Life System and Service Indicator Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Oldsmobile Oil Life System indicates when and what service your car needs.