Steps to Reset the Toyota Highlander Maintenance Light
Turn the Toyota Highlander engine ON or put the ignition into the RUN position.
Press the MENU button on the right side of the steering wheel.
Use the RIGHT arrow on the steering wheel to scroll over to SETTINGS (the gear icon).
Use the DOWN arrow and scroll down to SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE.
Press the ENTER button on the steering wheel to select.
Select YES when prompted with “Reset Data”.
A message will appear saying “The Data Has Been Reset” which confirms the maintenance light has been reset.
The Toyota Highlander maintenance reminder should only be reset after changing the oil and oil filter on the car.
Why It's Important to Reset the Toyota Highlander Maintenance Light
Resetting the maintenance light on your Toyota Highlander is crucial for monitoring when oil changes are needed and for assessing the condition of the existing engine oil. Moreover, it’s important to keep a detailed record of every oil change and service performed on your vehicle.
Toyota Highlander Oil Type and Quantity
The 2008-2012 Toyota Highlander 3.5L 6 cylinder engine requires 5.8 quarts of 0W-20 Synthetic oil. .
How Often Should You Change the Oil on Your Toyota Highlander?
It’s recommended to change the oil in your Toyota Highlander every 3,000 miles. While some service centers and dealerships may propose longer periods between oil changes, we advise to adhere to the 3,000-mile schedule for oil replacement. Doing so helps maintain your engine in top condition and can prevent potential problems with your vehicle.
General Toyota Highlander Maintenance Tips
Check Tire Pressure and Tire Tread
Find the recommended tire pressure for your Toyota Highlander by opening the driver’s side door and looking for the white sticker. Inflate the tires when they are cold to prevent overinflating them. This means either before driving or waiting 3 hours after driving. To check the wear on each tire’s tread, you can use the penny test or a tread depth gauge.
Rotate Your Tires
We recommend rotating your tires every other oil change, (if you are changing your oil at our recommended 3,000 mile interval) or every 6,000 miles.
Check the Coolant Level
Visually check the coolant level to make sure the coolant is at the required level in the coolant bottle. Using a flashing light makes this easier. The coolant system is a closed system, this means if your coolant levels are very low, you are leaking coolant.
Check the Brake Pads and Rotors
Use a flashlight to check the thickness of the front and rear brake pads, be sure there is plenty of brake pad remaining. Check the rotors for rust and other anomalies.
Check the Engine and Cabin Air Filters
Open the air filter compartment and take out the air filter. If it’s dirty, clean it using a vacuum or by shaking out the debris and leaves, or consider replacing it with a new one. If it’s clean, simply reinsert it. Additionally, there’s a cabin air filter located behind the glove box in the Toyota Highlander, which purifies the air circulating inside the cabin. Inspect this filter and replace it if it’s dirty or never been replaced.
Benefits of Regular Oil Changes
Having worked as an automotive technician for the past ten years, I’ve observed that vehicles which don’t get regular maintenance often face both minor and major issues. While some car makers suggest oil changes every 5,000 to 15,000 miles, I recommend changing oil every 3,000 miles, regardless of Toyota’s different guidelines. For models like the Toyota Highlander, frequent oil changes are crucial to maintain its performance and prolong its lifespan. Regularly changing the oil reduces friction between engine components, leading to improved efficiency and increased fuel economy by up to 2%. Additionally, it helps the engine to stay clean by preventing the accumulation of deposits that can reduce the engine’s life expectancy.