These instructions apply to the Toyota Prius Mk1 Prius+ (ZVW40) 2012-2016.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
After an oil change, the Toyota Prius+ (ZVW40, 2012–2016) — also sold as the Prius α, Prius V and Prius Wagon — shows a maintenance (service) reminder in the display that you clear yourself in under a minute. It’s tied to the oil-change interval, so it is a housekeeping prompt rather than a sign of a fault. This guide shows the exact button sequence, no tools or dealer visit needed.
What the Reminder Means
The “MAINT REQD” message and the small spanner symbol are the Prius+’s way of telling you that the pre-set distance or time since the last oil service has been reached. It is a fixed-interval reminder driven by an internal counter, not a live measurement of oil condition, and it is completely separate from the amber and red warning lamps that signal an actual fault. When it appears, the car is simply due for routine attention — typically an engine oil and filter change on this generation.
Because it is counter-based, the reminder will keep showing every time you switch on until the counter is zeroed. Changing the oil does not clear it on its own; the counter has no way of knowing the work was done, which is why you carry out the short reset below once the service is finished.
Before You Start
Do the actual service first. The reset only zeroes the mileage counter — it changes nothing mechanical — so clearing it before the oil and filter are done just hides a prompt you still need to act on. Park on level ground with the car safely stopped, and have the display ready. You only need the ignition on for this procedure, never the hybrid system running, and no tools are required. On the Prius+ the ignition is controlled with the START/STOP button, and the trick is to power up the dash without your foot on the brake so the petrol engine and hybrid drive stay off.
How to Reset the Prius+ Service Reminder
- Press the START/STOP button twice (without your foot on the brake) to turn the ignition on — do not start the hybrid system.
- Using the trip-recorder button, select “TRIP A” on the display.
- Press the START/STOP button once to turn the ignition off.
- Press and hold the trip-recorder button.
- Keeping it held, press the START/STOP button twice again to switch the ignition on — keep holding the trip button.
- Hold until “COMPLETE” (the reading zeroes) appears, then release. The service interval is reset.
If It Didn’t Reset
The sequence is timing-sensitive, so if the reminder is still there, work through these points and try again from the start:
- Make sure TRIP A is showing before you start — not TRIP B or the odometer. The reset only works from the TRIP A reading.
- Keep the trip button held the whole time until “COMPLETE” shows. Letting go early stops the counter zeroing.
- Don’t press the brake when pressing START/STOP, or the car will try to power up the hybrid system — you only want ignition ON.
- If nothing happens, switch the ignition fully off, wait a moment, and run the whole sequence again from step one without rushing between button presses.
What to Expect After Resetting
Once “COMPLETE” appears and the reading zeroes, the maintenance message clears and should not return the next time you switch on. The counter starts again from zero and will count back up to the next service point. Nothing else on the car is affected — your trip data for the counter you used is reset, but settings, radio presets and drive behaviour are untouched.
How Often to Reset It
Reset the reminder after every oil service, once the work is actually done. The exact distance or time between services depends on how the car is used and on the oil grade specified for your Prius+, so follow the interval given in your owner’s handbook rather than a fixed number. Whenever the “MAINT REQD” prompt returns, treat it as the cue that the next service is due — carry out the work, then repeat this reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does resetting the reminder change anything mechanical?
No — it only clears the oil-change mileage counter. Always do the actual oil and filter change before resetting.
My car is badged Prius α / Prius V — is it the same?
Yes — the Prius+, Prius α, Prius V and Prius Wagon are the same ZVW40 model, and the reset is identical.
Do I need my foot on the brake at any point?
No — keep your foot off the brake throughout. Pressing the brake while you press START/STOP tells the car to start the hybrid system, whereas you only want the ignition on with the drive off.
Why does the reminder keep coming back?
If it returns immediately, the reset didn’t complete — repeat with TRIP A selected and the trip button held until “COMPLETE”.
Will resetting clear a warning light or fault?
No — this only zeroes the maintenance counter. A genuine warning light is not affected and needs proper diagnosis rather than a service reset.
Is the spanner light the same as a fault light?
No — the maintenance reminder is mileage-based. A separate warning (hybrid system, engine) is a fault — look those up on autodtcs.com.
After a 12 V battery change you may also need to reset settings — see our Prius+ battery disconnect/reconnect guide.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Toyota. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.