Q: Why does my car start to display a Maintenance Required Light?

asked by on October 27, 2016

starts to displace the word MAINT REQD IN THE DASH BOARD

My car has 208000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Change Oil and Filter $103.58 - $181.08 Get a Quote
Warning Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi and thanks for contacting Your Mechanic. The "MAINT REQD" on the dash means that it is time to do an oil change. The light is on a timer of 4500 miles. This light will start to flash and then one day it will stay on. I recommend changing the engine oil if you have not done it yet.

To remove the light, locate the button on the dash where you can find your miles, trip A, and trip B. With the key on, put the button onto trip B, hold down the button, turn the key off, and turn the key back on while holding the button. You will then see lines that will begin to disappear one by one. Once the lines disappear, let go of the button.

If you need further assistance with your vehicle, then seek out a professional, such as one from YourMechanic, who can service your oil and help you with your warning light at your home or office.

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

What happens if the engine overheats?
If the coolant level in your car is low, the engine may overheat. The Fusion is designed with a fail-safe engine cooling mode that will activate if the temperature exceeds a certain amount. Here’s what you need to know: If...
Car running rough and shaking
Hello. I think the "fuel tank being open" you are referring to is a code for the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system. This system is used to capture fuel vapors and prevent them from entering into the atmosphere. If the powertrain...
need help figuring out these values from code scanner live data
Although I cant fully diagnose this issue with the information provided, I can say that both of the O2 sensors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oxygen-sensor-replacement) that are after the catalytic converters, should be stable under normal conditions. Your engine load at idle seems higher...
Engine temperature shows overheating
If your heater is not blowing hot air, the heater core may be clogged. The heater core is part of the cooling system loop. If coolant is not flowing into it, you will not get hot air but more importantly,...
My car has a low idle and will stop at lights or stop signs
Hello. The symptoms you describe can be caused by a few different things. A few other possible causes are issues with the idle air control valve, with the transmission, or with the throttle position sensor. The idle air control valve...
To repair or not repair?
Hi there. I can certainly understand and appreciate your concern. The highest priority on your list should be safety related items, followed by potential failures, then any maintenance. What I suggest you do is weigh the cost of the repairs...
I think my four wheel drive is locked. What will cause this issue?
Hi there. There is an actuator on the front axle that engages the front axle to make the 4WD work. Your transmission is an all wheel drive transmission and the actuator is what disengages the front axle so the vehicle...
Maintainence for my car
If the engine has high miles, I would first consider losses in cylinder compression as a possible cause of the degraded mileage. Other possibilities are a malfunctioning oxygen sensor (check output on an automotive scope) and a stuck open cooling...
I have a 02 Tahoe four wheel drive. How many u-joints are on it?
Hi there. There is a total of 9 universal joints on your vehicle. The universal joints are in the following locations: Universal Joint Locations 2 on the rear driveshaft, 1 on the differential and 1 on the output shaft to...

Related articles

Why Do Cars Have Different Oil Change Intervals?
Car oil change intervals depend on the make, model, and year of the car. The correct type of oil and how the vehicle is used makes a difference too.
10 Best Car Seat Cushions and Covers
Car cushions and seat covers provide comfort, protection, and wicks moisture. Aylio's Comfort Foam Cushion relieves back pain during long drives.
What Does the Automatic Transmission/Automatic Gearbox Warning Light Mean?
The automatic transmission warning light means there's an issue with the transmission, possibly the fluid temperature, fluid level, or pressure.