What is the method to reset the maintenance light?
3 Answers
Once the maintenance light comes on, it means the vehicle needs maintenance. Some models cannot be reset manually and require professional computer operation. Taking the Volkswagen Tiguan as an example, the steps to reset the maintenance light are as follows: 1. Turn off the ignition switch and shut down the engine. 2. Press and hold the right button (reset) on the instrument panel with your left hand. 3. While holding the right button with your left hand, turn on the ignition switch. 4. Continue holding the 'reset' button with your left hand until the maintenance light enters the reset mode, then release the right button (reset button). 5. Within 20 seconds of releasing the right button, press the left button 'menu/time setting' once to confirm the reset.
Resetting the maintenance light depends on the specific car model. Experienced drivers know that many German cars can be reset by holding down the dashboard button when the ignition is on but the engine is off. For example, BMW requires holding the mileage reset button while turning on the ignition until the light goes off. Japanese cars often require using the dashboard stick or steering wheel buttons. For a Corolla, you need to long-press the trip button when the ODO is displayed. The most reliable way is to first check the owner's manual. If the manual is lost, look for tutorials on the manufacturer's official website. Newer models are even more complicated, requiring navigation to the secondary menu in the central control screen to find the reset option, and some even need a diagnostic computer connection. Remember to start the engine and wait a few seconds after resetting to confirm, or all the effort might be in vain.
Last time when I drove my friend's Sagitar, the maintenance light was on, and I could simply clear it through the steering wheel settings. Operations vary significantly across different brands. For example, Honda requires pressing a combination of buttons with the ignition switch OFF, while Ford models need simultaneous pressing of the brake and accelerator pedals. Older cars with mechanical gauges are simpler—just turn the ignition to ON and hold the button inside the gauge hole for 10 seconds. The most crucial thing when doing it yourself is not to press the wrong button. Last time, I accidentally reset the average fuel consumption. Nowadays, some cars are designed to be more troublesome, like Lexus, which mandates selecting maintenance reset in the central control screen.
