The car is less than a year old. Why would the "maintenance required" light be on?

Question

I have a 2005 toyota camry. All the fluids have been topped off. The last oil change was 5 months ago.

Answer 1

Some cars require minor maintenance every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every 3 months, whichever comes first. There's nothing to worry about. It may only need an oil and oil filter change and some few adjustments here and there. The thing about maintenance lights: pro- it reminds you of when it is time for service. con-only manufacturers or certified manufacturers service centers can reset the maintenance lights.

Answer 2

Could be a dummy light for like the 30k mile check up.

Could be a dummy light for oil changes and last oil tech didn't reset it.

Could be low air flow due to a dirty air filter and the computer is realizing the strain.

Could be the fact that you have 5 month old oil. Rule of thumb is 3 months or 3,000 miles, which ever comes first.

Check your owners manual to see what all is associated with that light and/or pull into a Toyota Service Department.

The light is for a reason...to ignore it can cost more money down the road, if not a break down and a tow.

Answer 3

Unless you just drive the car to Sunday school every weekend you're due an oil change. Five months is a long time. Just topping the oil off isn't going to cut it. The filter must be replaced and the oil as well.
If nothing else is obviously wrong with the vehicle then that's what the light is on for... you can't fool it.

Answer 4

Well first off get your oil changed that will prolong the life of your car more than anything keeping good clean oil in it. SEcond that is probably preprogrammed into the car's computer. If there is no performance change i would call the dealer and ask them how to clear it. There is a sequence for making them go off. You can also try to go by autozone and they can read the codes for you. Or last resort unhook your battery for about 30 minutes.

Answer 5

Because it needs an oil change. You should change your oil every 3 months, max. Even sooner if you put a lot of mileage on it.

Some cars are programed now to automatically give a "service engine" light if they need an oil change.

It could be something else, too.

Answer 6

You should have your car checked out like yesterday ! the check engine light should not come out . Oil change needs to be done every 3 thousand miles. Your car should still be under warranty right ? or did you buy it at is ? Never the less have it checked out remember those kind of cars are electrical. Good-Luck !

Answer 7

You should take it in to the dealer - there is obviously a problem somewhere. Sometimes that light will come on if there is a busted hose or something, or if the oil needs to be changed. Either way, the only way you are going to get it off is if you take it to the dealer.

Answer 8

The "maintenance required" light is not the "check engine" light. All it means is that scheduled maintenance is needed due to mileage. You should be able to go to any reputable auto shop and find out what maintenance is needed or look in your owners Manuel. The "check engine" light on your vehicle is shaped like a engine.

Answer 9

i was gonna say mabey its a crappy car, but clearly it is not, a camry is one of the best things out there, you should take it in the the toyota dealership cause it could be something small or something big, they will hook it up to a machine and it will tell them what needs to be checked or adjusted and turn the switch off.

Answer 10

First, look in your Owner's Manual and see what that light is supposed to indicate. It may indeed need some adjustment, or it may be that the sensor that turns the light on is faulty. Either way, call your dealer if the light remains on and ask what they suggest you do about it.