You’re cruising along in your 2017 Toyota Highlander, enjoying its smooth ride and commanding view of the road. Suddenly, a small, amber light flickers to life on your dashboard: “MAINT REQD.” A wave of questions might hit you. Is something wrong? Is it serious? Do I need to pull over immediately?
Take a deep breath. In the vast majority of cases, this light is not a signal of impending doom. Unlike its more ominous cousin, the “Check Engine” light, the “Maintenance Required” light on your Highlander is less of a warning and more of a helpful, pre-programmed assistant. It’s your vehicle’s way of tapping you on the shoulder and reminding you that it’s time for some routine care. This article will serve as your comprehensive guide to understanding exactly what this light means, what services your Highlander is asking for, and how you can confidently address it to keep your vehicle running in peak condition for many years and miles to come.
The “Maint Reqd” Light Demystified: It’s Not a Warning, It’s a Reminder
First and foremost, it is crucial to understand the fundamental difference between the “Maintenance Required” light and the “Check Engine” light. The “Check Engine” light is a direct line of communication from your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic (OBD-II) system. It illuminates when a sensor detects an actual problem, ranging from a loose gas cap to a serious engine misfire. It requires a diagnostic scan to retrieve a specific trouble code that points to the issue.
The “Maintenance Required” light on your 2017 Toyota Highlander is entirely different. It is a simple, mileage-based timer. It has no connection to sensors monitoring the health of your engine or the quality of your oil. Its one and only job is to track the miles you’ve driven since its last reset and alert you when you’re due for scheduled service. Think of it as a digital sticky note that Toyota programmed into your dashboard to help you stay on top of the essential maintenance that ensures the legendary reliability and longevity of your vehicle. It’s a proactive tool, not a reactive alarm.
What Triggers the Light on a 2017 Highlander? The 5,000-Mile Countdown
The system behind the “MAINT REQD” light is elegantly simple. It’s built around a 5,000-mile interval, which is the cornerstone of Toyota’s recommended service schedule for many of its vehicles, including the 2017 Highlander.
Here’s how the countdown typically works. After the light is reset (following a service), the internal counter starts at zero. As you drive, it quietly tracks your mileage. At around the 4,500-mile mark, the system will give you a “heads-up.” The “MAINT REQD” message may start to flash briefly on the multi-information display when you first start the vehicle, then disappear. This is the gentle nudge, letting you know that it’s time to start thinking about scheduling your next service appointment.
Once you cross the 5,000-mile threshold since the last reset, the message will stop flashing and remain solidly illuminated on your dashboard every time you start the car. It will stay on, serving as a persistent but polite reminder, until the maintenance is performed and the system is manually reset. The key takeaway is that the light is triggered by distance traveled, not by any actual analysis of your vehicle’s mechanical condition.
The Essential 5,000-Mile Service: What Your Highlander is Asking For
When that light comes on, it’s signaling that your 2017 Highlander is due for its routine 5,000-mile service. While this might sound minor, this regular check-up is the foundation of your vehicle’s long-term health. It involves several critical procedures designed to keep your SUV safe, efficient, and reliable.
The Cornerstone of Maintenance: The Oil and Filter Change
The single most important service performed at this interval is the engine oil and filter change. Engine oil is the lifeblood of your Highlander’s sophisticated 3.5-liter V6 engine. It performs several vital functions: lubricating moving parts to reduce friction and wear, drawing heat away from the engine to prevent overheating, cleaning internal components by carrying away dirt and debris, and preventing the formation of damaging sludge.
Over time and with use, engine oil breaks down. It loses its viscosity (its ability to flow and lubricate effectively) and becomes contaminated with microscopic particles. Failing to change the oil on schedule can lead to increased friction, higher engine temperatures, and eventually, catastrophic engine damage.
For your 2017 Toyota Highlander, it is essential to use the specified SAE 0W-20 full synthetic oil. This specific weight and type of oil is engineered to work perfectly with the engine’s advanced systems, like the Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), ensuring optimal performance, fuel economy, and protection in a wide range of temperatures. Using a different type of oil can hinder performance and potentially harm the engine. A new, high-quality oil filter is just as important, as it’s responsible for trapping the contaminants the oil picks up.
Beyond the Oil: A Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection
A proper 5,000-mile service is more than just an oil change. It’s an opportunity for a trained technician (or for you, if you’re a savvy DIYer) to give the vehicle a thorough inspection. This multi-point check is designed to catch small issues before they become large, expensive problems. This inspection typically includes checking the tires and the brakes.
The tires are your Highlander’s only point of contact with the road, and their condition is paramount for safety. During the service, the tires should be rotated. This involves moving them to different positions on the vehicle to ensure they wear down evenly, which extends their lifespan and saves you money. A technician will also meticulously inspect the tread depth for wear and check the tire pressure in all four tires, plus the spare. The fluid levels in your vehicle will also be checked and topped off as needed. This includes engine coolant (antifreeze), brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Finally, a crucial safety check involves a visual inspection of the brake system. This means looking at the thickness of the brake pads, the condition of the rotors (or discs), and checking for any leaks in the brake lines and hoses.
Resetting the Maintenance Required Light: A Simple DIY Guide
After you’ve completed the necessary maintenance, the final step is to turn off the “MAINT REQD” light. This resets the mileage counter and starts the 5,000-mile clock ticking again. If you have your Highlander serviced at a dealership or professional auto shop, they will almost certainly perform this reset for you as part of the service.
However, if you perform the maintenance yourself or simply want to know how it’s done, the process is straightforward and requires no special tools. It’s important to remember this crucial point: Only reset the light after the maintenance has been performed. Simply turning off the light without doing the work is a dangerous gamble that can lead to serious and costly damage to your engine.
Here is the step-by-step procedure to reset the maintenance required light on a 2017 Toyota Highlander:
- Turn the ignition to the “ON” position, but do not start the engine. For models with a push-button start, press the “ENGINE START STOP” button twice without your foot on the brake pedal. For models with a key, turn the key to the “ON” position.
- Press the trip meter button (the small knob or button protruding from the instrument cluster) until the display shows “Trip A.” Then, turn the ignition completely off.
Wait a moment, then press and hold the trip meter button. While still holding the button down, turn the ignition back to the “ON” position (again, do not start the engine). Continue holding the trip meter button until the multi-information display shows “Resetting maintenance data” and the odometer displays a series of zeros. The “MAINT REQD” light will turn off, and the reset is complete. You can now release the button and start your engine to confirm the light is gone.
Looking Ahead: Understanding Your Highlander’s Full Maintenance Schedule
The 5,000-mile service is just the beginning. The “Maint Reqd” light is your reminder for the most frequent service, but your 2017 Highlander has a comprehensive long-term maintenance schedule designed to keep it in prime condition for 100,000 miles and beyond. Adhering to this schedule is the best way to protect your investment. While your owner’s manual is the definitive source, here is a general overview of key service milestones.
| Mileage Interval | Key Services Typically Performed (in addition to previous interval services) |
|---|---|
| Every 5,000 Miles | Engine oil and filter change, tire rotation, multi-point inspection (brakes, fluids, etc.). |
| Every 10,000 Miles | All 5,000-mile services. Some schedules may also call for cabin air filter inspection. |
| Every 30,000 Miles | All previous services, plus replacement of the engine air filter and cabin air filter. Inspection of fuel lines, exhaust system, and steering/suspension components. |
| Every 60,000 Miles | All previous services. This is a major service interval that often includes inspecting the drive belts and may require replacing the spark plugs, depending on the specific maintenance schedule you follow (Toyota recommends spark plug inspection at 60k and replacement at 120k for this model). |
The Value of Proactive Maintenance: Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Light
That small “MAINT REQD” light on your dashboard is more than just an annoyance; it’s a valuable partner in vehicle ownership. By understanding what it means and taking it seriously, you are actively participating in the health and well-being of your 2017 Toyota Highlander.
Ignoring this simple reminder and skipping scheduled services can have a cascading effect. Minor issues that would have been caught during an inspection can grow into major failures. Dirty oil can cause premature engine wear, leading to reduced performance, poor fuel economy, and eventually, a repair bill that dwarfs the cost of dozens of oil changes.
By heeding the light, you are ensuring the longevity and reliability that Toyota vehicles are famous for. You are prioritizing the safety of yourself and your passengers by having critical systems like brakes and tires regularly inspected. You are maintaining your vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency by keeping the engine clean and running smoothly. And when it comes time to sell or trade in your vehicle, a complete and documented service history significantly boosts its resale value.
So the next time that “MAINT REQD” light appears, see it not as a problem, but as an opportunity. It’s a friendly, automated reminder from your Highlander that a little bit of care goes a long way in ensuring a long and happy life together on the road.
What does the “Maintenance Required” light on my 2017 Highlander actually mean?
The “Maintenance Required” light is not an indicator of a problem; it is a simple, pre-programmed reminder that your vehicle is due for routine service. Unlike a “Check Engine” light, it is not triggered by a sensor detecting a malfunction. Instead, it is a mileage-based counter designed to illuminate automatically to help you stay on top of your vehicle’s scheduled maintenance plan, primarily serving as a prompt for an oil change and other regular inspections.
For the 2017 Toyota Highlander, this light is typically set to come on every 5,000 miles. When it illuminates, it’s signaling that it’s time for services like an engine oil and filter change, a tire rotation to ensure even wear, and a multi-point inspection of fluids and key components. Following these prompts is crucial for maintaining your vehicle’s health, performance, and long-term reliability as outlined by Toyota.
Is the “Maintenance Required” light the same as the “Check Engine” light?
No, these are two completely different warnings. The “Maintenance Required” light is a non-critical reminder for scheduled upkeep based on a preset mileage counter. Think of it as a helpful nudge from your car that it’s time for its regular check-up, such as an oil change. It does not mean that the vehicle’s computer has detected a fault or that anything is actively wrong with your Highlander.
Conversely, the “Check Engine” light signals that the onboard diagnostic system (OBD-II) has identified a potential issue within the engine, transmission, or emissions systems. This light can indicate a wide range of problems, from something as simple as a loose gas cap to a more serious issue like a failing catalytic converter or misfiring engine. A “Check Engine” light requires prompt diagnostic scanning to determine the specific fault code and prevent potential damage.
How do I know what specific service my Highlander needs when the light comes on?
The light itself is a general reminder and does not specify which service is due. Its primary trigger is the 5,000-mile interval, which almost always corresponds with the need for an engine oil and filter change. This is the most common and critical service associated with the “Maintenance Required” reminder.
To determine the full scope of recommended services, you should consult the maintenance schedule in your 2017 Highlander’s owner’s manual. At 5,000 miles, the schedule typically calls for an oil change, tire rotation, and a visual inspection of brakes and fluid levels. At more significant milestones like 30,000 or 60,000 miles, the schedule will include these basic services plus additional items like replacing the engine and cabin air filters or performing more in-depth inspections.
Can I keep driving my Highlander if the “Maintenance Required” light is on?
Yes, it is generally safe to continue driving your vehicle after the “Maintenance Required” light comes on. It is not an emergency warning and does not indicate an immediate mechanical failure or safety risk. The light is simply informing you that you have reached or slightly passed the mileage for your next scheduled service appointment.
However, you should not ignore the light for an extended period. Procrastinating on essential maintenance, especially oil changes, can lead to accelerated engine wear, reduced fuel economy, and the potential for more significant and costly repairs in the future. It is best to schedule your service appointment as soon as is reasonably convenient to ensure your Highlander remains in optimal condition.
How do I reset the “Maintenance Required” light myself after an oil change?
Resetting the light on your 2017 Highlander is a simple procedure that you can perform without any special tools after completing the maintenance. First, with the engine off, turn the ignition to the “ON” position (press the push-start button twice without your foot on the brake). Then, use the trip meter button on the instrument cluster to cycle the display until it shows “TRIP A”.
Once “TRIP A” is displayed, turn the ignition “OFF”. Next, press and hold the trip meter button, and while still holding it, turn the ignition back to the “ON” position (again, do not start the engine). Continue holding the button until the odometer display shows a series of dashes and then resets to “000000”. At this point, the “Maint Reqd” message will disappear, confirming the system has been reset for the next interval.
What are the consequences if I ignore the “Maintenance Required” light?
The immediate consequence of ignoring the light is that it will stay on, serving as a persistent reminder on your dashboard every time you drive. While the light itself causes no harm, the lack of maintenance it signifies can lead to significant problems. You are essentially neglecting the routine care that is vital to your vehicle’s health.
Over the long term, skipping scheduled services can have serious and expensive repercussions. Old engine oil loses its ability to lubricate and cool, which can cause premature engine wear or even catastrophic failure. Forgetting tire rotations leads to uneven tread wear, shortening tire life and potentially compromising handling and safety. Furthermore, failing to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule can risk voiding your vehicle’s warranty coverage.
Does the light adapt to my driving habits, or is it a fixed mileage reminder?
The “Maintenance Required” system in the 2017 Toyota Highlander is a straightforward, fixed-mileage reminder. It is programmed to illuminate at a set interval, which is typically every 5,000 miles from its last reset. This system does not use advanced algorithms or sensors to analyze your driving style, the number of cold starts, or the actual condition of the engine oil.
This is different from some modern “oil life monitoring systems” which calculate oil degradation based on various factors like engine revolutions, operating temperature, and trip duration. The Highlander’s system is simpler and more predictable, acting like a reliable calendar reminder to ensure that every owner is prompted to perform critical maintenance at consistent intervals, regardless of whether their driving is mostly highway or stop-and-go city traffic.