Is that pesky maintenance light glowing on your Scion xB dashboard? Don’t worry — you don’t need to rush to a mechanic just yet. That “MAINT REQD” indicator is simply your car’s way of telling you it’s time for routine service, usually after 5,000 miles of driving. The good news? You can reset it yourself in under a minute.
Why Your Scion xB Maintenance Light Turns On
The maintenance required light in your Scion xB is designed to remind you about regular service intervals. It’s not connected to any sensors that detect actual problems — it’s just a mileage-based timer that illuminates every 5,000 miles as a friendly nudge to keep up with scheduled maintenance.
This light typically reminds you to:
- Change your engine oil
- Replace oil filter
- Perform general inspection
- Check fluid levels
First-Generation Scion xB (2004-2007) Reset Instructions
Resetting the maintenance light on your first-gen xB is straightforward when you follow these steps:
- Make sure your vehicle is completely off
- Press and hold the trip meter reset button (usually located on your instrument panel)
- While holding the button, turn your key to the “ON” position (don’t start the engine)
- Continue holding the button until the maintenance light flashes and then goes out (about 5-10 seconds)
- Release the button when you see dashes appear on the odometer display
- Turn the ignition off and restart your vehicle to confirm the light is gone
Important First-Gen Reset Tips
For best results on 2004-2007 models:
- Make sure your display shows “ODO” (odometer) before starting
- Hold the button throughout the entire process
- If the first attempt fails, ensure the car is completely off before trying again
One common mistake with 2006 Scion xB models is not having the display in the right mode before starting the reset sequence.
Second-Generation Scion xB (2008-2015) Reset Instructions
The process for later xB models is similar but focuses on the Trip A display instead:
- Turn your ignition to the “ON” position without starting the engine
- Use the trip meter button to select “Trip A” on your display
- Turn the ignition off completely
- Press and hold the trip meter button
- While holding the button, turn the key back to the “ON” position
- Continue holding until the display shows zeros (usually 5-10 seconds)
- Release the button and restart your vehicle to verify
Model-Specific Variations for 2008-2015
Some later models have slight variations:
| Model Year | Special Considerations |
|---|---|
| 2008-2013 | Standard Trip A procedure works for most vehicles |
| 2014 | May require briefly starting the engine first according to specialized guides |
| 2015 | Some models allow resets through dashboard menus |
For 2014 xB owners, the reset might require an extra step — after selecting Trip A, you may need to start the engine briefly before shutting it off and proceeding with the reset procedure.
Troubleshooting When Reset Doesn’t Work
If your maintenance light stays on after attempting to reset it, try these solutions:
Double-Check Your Display Mode
- First-gen models (2004-2007): Must be on ODO display
- Second-gen models (2008-2015): Must be on Trip A
Try the Battery Disconnect Method
As a last resort, you can:
- Disconnect your car battery’s negative terminal
- Wait 10-15 minutes
- Reconnect the battery
This will reset all electrical systems, including the maintenance reminder. However, you’ll also lose radio presets and other settings.
Issues with Certain Model Years
For 2008 models, owners have reported needing to hold the trip meter button a full 10 seconds. The 2008 xB reset can sometimes be finicky, requiring precise timing.
Oil Specifications for Proper Maintenance
Since the maintenance light typically indicates an oil change is due, here are the correct oil specifications for different Scion xB years:
| Model Year | Oil Type | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 2004-2007 | 5W-30 | 3.9 quarts |
| 2008-2010 | 5W-30 | 4.3 quarts |
| 2011-2015 | 0W-20 (synthetic recommended) | 4.4 quarts |
Always check your owner’s manual or oil cap for the recommended viscosity, as using incorrect oil can affect engine performance.
Common Myths About the Maintenance Light
Let’s clear up some confusion:
- The light means something is broken — False. It’s just a mileage-based reminder.
- You need a mechanic to reset it — False. You can easily do it yourself.
- It’s the same as the Check Engine Light — False. The maintenance light is unrelated to diagnostic trouble codes.
- Resetting fixes mechanical problems — False. Always perform the required maintenance before resetting.
Don’t Forget Regular Maintenance
While resetting the light is easy, don’t forget what it represents — your xB needs regular care! According to vehicle maintenance experts, skipping oil changes can lead to:
- Reduced engine lifespan
- Lower fuel efficiency
- Potential warranty issues
- Decreased resale value
The maintenance light is your friend, reminding you to keep your Scion xB running smoothly for years to come.
Visual Guide to Finding Reset Buttons
On first-generation xBs (2004-2007), look for the trip meter button near the instrument cluster — it’s usually a small button near your odometer display.
For second-generation models (2008+), the trip meter button is typically located on the right side of your instrument cluster or integrated into your multi-information display controls.
Owners of the 2010 Scion xB will find the reset button positioned similarly to other second-gen models, though the exact appearance may vary slightly.
Maintaining Your Scion xB Beyond the Light Reset
Remember that your Scion xB needs more than just oil changes. While the maintenance light focuses on that 5,000-mile interval, your car benefits from a comprehensive maintenance schedule that includes:
- Rotating tires every 5,000 miles
- Replacing air filters regularly
- Checking brake pads and fluids
- Inspecting belts and hoses
With these simple reset procedures and proper maintenance habits, your distinctive boxy Scion xB will continue to serve you reliably for many miles to come. The Scion xB community consistently reports these vehicles lasting well beyond 200,000 miles when properly maintained.
