Toyota Corollas began using oil change lights in the early 2000s. Earlier models required the driver or owner to pay attention to the mileage in order to determine when it was time for an oil change. The oil change light appears on the instrument panel as "Maint Reqd." This is not to be confused with the check engine light indicating there is a problem in the powertrain control module. The "Maint Reqd" light comes on a certain mileage intervals (around 5000 miles) to remind the driver or owner it's time to have the vehicle serviced.
Place the Toyota Corolla key into the ignition, but do not turn the key.
Ensure the odometer reading on the instrument panel is on the odometer setting (not the Trip A or Trip B settings). If necessary, press the odometer/reset button (located below the reading) until the actual odometer mileage setting is displayed.
Press and hold the odometer/reset button with one hand while turning the ignition key to the key-on/engine-off position.
Watch the odometer reading until six dashes are displayed. Each dash will blink individually once and then disappear.
Wait for six zeros take the place of the self-eliminating dashes. "000000" should be displayed on the odometer reading to indicate the oil change light has been reset.
Release the odometer/reset button and start the engine to ensure the "Maint Reqd" light is no longer displayed on the instrument panel. Repeat the procedure if necessary if the light is still illuminated. The light will come on briefly during engine start up (key-on/engine-off position of the ignition key), but should then turn off once the engine has started.
