title: Turn off the Prius maintenance light link: https://onemoretech.wordpress.com/2007/12/06/turn-off-the-prius-maintenance-light/ author: lembobro description: post_id: 595 created: 2007/12/06 15:34:54 created_gmt: 2007/12/06 15:34:54 comment_status: open post_name: turn-off-the-prius-maintenance-light status: publish post_type: post

Turn off the Prius maintenance light

OK, so this isn’t a computer systems issue. But it is technical!

I own a 2007 Toyota Prius. Here’s a picture:

Before I go any further I need to say that I really love this car. Everyone else in the family does too. Traded in my Dodge Ram pickup for it (actually took a hit on the trade, owed more on the note than the dealer paid — but when you’re talking 9 mpg vs. 48 mpg there are other factors to be considered).

Among other things, Toyota has included an annoying feature that flashes a “Maintenance Required” light for a few days before you hit the mileage set for your next oil change. This is something their mechanics would have configured on your last visit. Once you reach that mileage the light stays on until you bring the car in for service.

This is probably a good idea for those without a paranoid spouse or “significant other” to nag, er … urge you to attend to such things.

For those that do have someone like that in their life, here’s how to turn off the “feature” (at least until the next time it’s set by service) from Wikicars:

Before turning the car on press and hold the trip meter button. Continue pressing it while you put your foot on the brake and hit the power button. Once the power is on, the odometer will show five dashes instead of numbers. Continue to press the trip meter until all the dashes go away.

This works. “Hacked” my car today to verify it.

There are more neat tips on controlling your vehicle in the cited article.

Welcome to the 21st century.

Copyright 2004-2019 Phil Lembo