Understanding the Scion Maintenance Required and Service Indicator Lights | YourMechanic Advice (2024)

Most Scion vehicles are equipped with an electronic computer system linked to the dashboard, that tells drivers when something in the engine needs to be looked at. Whether the dashboard lights trigger to tell a driver the windshield wiper fluid is low, or there is low fuel in the tank, the driver must respond to the issue as soon as possible to resolve the issue. If the driver neglects a service light, such as the “MAINTENANCE REQUIRED” light, he or she runs the risk of damaging the engine, or worse - ending up stranded on the side of the road or causing an accident.

For these reasons, performing all scheduled and recommended maintenance on your vehicle is imperative to keep it running well so you can avoid the many untimely, inconvenient, and possibly expensive repairs that come from neglect. Luckily, the days of scratching your head and performing diagnostics to find the service light’s trigger are gone. Scion’s maintenance required system is a simplistic on-board computer system that alerts owners about specific maintenance needs so they can address the issue promptly and without hassle. At its most basic level, it keeps track of engine oil life so you don’t have to. Once the maintenance required system is triggered, the driver knows to schedule an appointment to take the vehicle in for servicing.

How Scion’s maintenance required system works and what to expect

The sole function of Scion’s maintenance required system is as a reminder for the driver to take their car in for an oil change. The computer system tracks the engine miles from the time it was reset, and the light will trigger after 5,000 miles of driving. Since the system is not algorithm-driven like other more advanced maintenance reminder systems, it does not take into account the differences between light and extreme driving conditions, load weight, towing, or weather conditions - important variables that affect oil life. Because of this, it is imperative to be aware of your driving conditions throughout the year and, as necessary, have a professional determine whether or not your vehicle needs servicing depending on your specific, most frequent driving conditions.

Certain driving habits can affect the life of the oil, as well as driving conditions such as temperature and driving terrain. Lighter, more moderate driving conditions and temperatures will require less frequent oil changes and maintenance, while more severe driving conditions will require more frequent oil changes and maintenance. Below is a helpful table that can give you an idea of how often you might need to change the oil in a modern vehicle (older vehicles might require more frequent oil changes).

• Note: Engine oil life is dependent not only on the factors listed above, but also on your specific vehicle model, year, and what type of oil is recommended. Check the owner’s manual for more information about what oil is recommended for your vehicle. If you have any questions about your vehicle, do not hesitate to contact our experienced professionals for advice.

When the “MAINTENANCE REQUIRED” light is triggered and you schedule an appointment to have your vehicle serviced, Scion recommends a series of inspections that will help keep your car in good running order that can help prevent untimely and costly damages to the engine.

Below is a list of Scion’s recommended inspections for different mile intervals during your ownership:

Once your Scion has been serviced, the “MAINTENANCE REQUIRED” light will need to be reset. Some servicers will neglect to do this, which can lead to premature and unnecessary service light triggers. With only a few simple steps, you can learn how to do it yourself:

Step 1: Insert the key into the ignition and turn the car to the “ON” position. Do not start the engine.

Step 2: Make sure the “Trip A” is reading on the odometer. If it is not, depress the “Trip” or “Reset” button until the odometer reads “Trip A.”

Step 3: Press and hold the “Trip” or “Reset” button. While you are holding the button down, turn the car off and then turn it back to the “ON” position, continuing to hold the button down.

• The odometer should display a series of dashes that will appear one after the other. After that, a series of “0”s (zeroes) will display and the “Trip A” reading will return. You can now release the button.

• The “MAINTENANCE REQUIRED” light should be off, and the computer will now begin accumulating miles from zero. Once it reaches 5,000 miles again, the “MAINTENANCE REQUIRED” light will turn on.

While the maintenance required system can be used as a reminder to the driver to have the vehicle serviced, it should be considered as a guideline that depends on how the vehicle is driven and under what driving conditions. Other recommended maintenance information is based on standard time tables located in the owner’s manual. Proper maintenance service will greatly extend the life of a vehicle, ensuring it is reliable, safe to drive, covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, and will also provide a greater resale value.Such maintenance tasks should always be performed by a qualified technician. If you have any doubts as to what the Scion maintenance system notifications mean or what services your vehicle may need, do not hesitate to contact our experienced professionals for advice.

If your Scion maintenance required system is indicating that your vehicle is ready for servicing, have it checked out by a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic. Click here, choose your vehicle and service or service package, and book an appointment with us today. One of our certified mechanics will come to your home or office to service your vehicle.