Got the oil changed Tuesday and today the "MAINT REQD" light came on..

[firebird1999us]

Originally Posted by 1stToyota

It's supposed to cycle every 5K miles.

I'm at about 4700...but in other words it's just a mileage thing that really doesn't have much to do with oil other than to tell you it's 5k miles and you need to change it?

[supmet]

Originally Posted by firebird1999us

I'm at about 4700...but in other words it's just a mileage thing that really doesn't have much to do with oil other than to tell you it's 5k miles and you need to change it?

From experience with my car, it starts flashing just during start up from 4500-4999 after the last oil change. At 5000, the light stays on after start up, and yes the "maint req'd" light is just a mileage thing, not an actual diagnostic.

On most cars, the actual oil light only comes on after its too late, and you would probably be able to tell something was wrong without the oil light.

[1stToyota]

Originally Posted by firebird1999us

I'm at about 4700...but in other words it's just a mileage thing that really doesn't have much to do with oil other than to tell you it's 5k miles and you need to change it?

Yeah, it starts bugging you at around 4500 miles, then keeps bugging you until it gets closer to 5K where it'll come on and stay on, instead of just the normal flashing. If you had leaks or engine noise due to low pressure/leaks you'd be seeing the red warning light instead.