blinking maintenance light on start.

tacoma fan here. trying to figure why my 2013 taco base 4x4, on start up my maintenance required light flashes 6x’s then clears. truck is running great. should i be super concerned ? and ideas?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-maintenance-required-light.121/

 

Typically it means something is being done to your CATs. Critical engine failure, I wouldn't drive it untill you confirm what code is popping. Check your coil packs for serviceability, like the rubber boots for example. You might be arcing.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...king-while-driving-sputtering-at-idle.200962/

-J

 

500 miles til service due reminder light will blink for 500 then turn on solid until reset.

 

Sometimes the most simple answer is the correct one. Since you said that the truck was running fine, i'd go with this answer. Change your oil & filter then reset your maintenance counter following the instructions in the vehicle service manual.

-J

 

His CEL isn’t flashing, it’s the maintenance required light that’s flashing.

OP, ignore this particular bit and follow the link mentioned earlier to reset your maintenance light.

 

Ah hell...
Turn car on (not start)
Change ODO to show Trip A
Turn car off
Hold down ODO button
Turn car on
Watch the little blinky lights count down
Turn off car and make a sammich

 

If you did not receive an owners manual with your truck, you can download a PDF version at https://parts.olathetoyota.com/owners-manuals

I wouldn't waste resources printing it out, but having it where you can look stuff up will be handy.

 

Maintenance light will flash when it gets close to turning on solid. You can change the oil now or wait until it's on solid

 

Check engine lights, and maintenance lights are different, maintenance light comes on every 5000 miles to remind you to do the maintenance step for that mileage.

 

Mehhh, I just leave my maintenance light on.
That way the TPMS light doesn’t get lonely shining all by itself

 

this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.

 

Wow talk about bad advice. Geez

 

Mines been on for 100k, I will never clear it again.

I do my oil changes on the 5s so I don't need the light. 5k, 10k, 15k ect. Now at 235k.

 

I understand that now, I misunderstood OP's initial as a flashing CEL, hence why I posted what I did. Someone may come here with a flashing SEL looking for help and will find that link that may point them in the right direction. With that said, I did post below confirming what the other member posted as the likely solution to OP's problem. /end

-J

 

At 4500 miles since the light was last reset it will flash at startup. Once you've gone 5000 miles it comes on and stays on. I'm not sure how to reset it on a 2013. It is just a reminder to change oil. It has either been 4500+ miles since you last had an oil change, or it wasn't reset at the last oil change.