How to Reset the Maintenance Light on a 2012 Toyota Camry?

Learn how to reset the maintenance light on a 2012 Toyota Camry in simple steps, keeping your car in top condition with ease.

by Mathelene

Updated Jul 29, 2023

How to Reset the Maintenance Light on a 2012 Toyota Camry?
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How to Reset the Maintenance Light on a 2012 Toyota Camry?

To reset the maintenance required light on a 2012 Toyota Camry (also applicable to 2013 and 2014 models), follow these steps:

  • Preparation: Before you begin, make sure your car is parked in a safe location, and the engine is turned off.
  • Trip Meter Reading: Look at your instrument cluster and locate the trip meter display. There are two trip meters, often labeled "Trip A" and "Trip B." You need to reset "Trip A" to zero.
  • Ignition to Run Position: Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the run position. In the run position, all the dashboard warning lights will turn on, but the engine will not start. The run position is one step before starting the engine.
  • Select Trip Meter A: Ensure that the display is showing "Trip A" on the trip meter. If it displays "Trip B," you can switch between the two by pressing the trip meter reset knob briefly until "Trip A" is displayed.
  • Turn Ignition Off: Once you've confirmed that "Trip A" is displayed, turn the ignition off completely. At this point, all the warning lights on the dashboard should turn off.
  • Reset Maintenance Light: Now comes the crucial part. Press and hold down the trip meter reset knob (the same knob you used to switch between trip meters) with one hand.
  • Turn the Ignition to Run Position Again: While continuing to hold down the trip meter reset knob, turn the ignition back to the run position (one step before starting the engine). Keep the knob pressed throughout this step.
  • Wait for Display Change: As you hold the knob, you will notice the trip meter display counting down from the current mileage to "000000." Keep holding the knob until it reaches all zeros.
  • Release the Knob: Once the trip meter shows all zeros, release the trip meter reset knob.
  • Confirmation: Turn the ignition off, and then start the engine. The maintenance required light should be reset and not illuminated on the dashboard anymore. You have successfully completed the reset procedure.

Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry, introduced in 1982, is a popular automobile manufactured by Toyota and has gone through multiple generations. Initially compact (narrow-body), the Camry later evolved into a mid-size car (wide-body) since the 1990s, co-existing with narrow-body models for some time. Toyota promoted the Camry as its second "world car" after the Corolla. As of 2022, the Camry is positioned above the Corolla but below the Avalon or Crown in various markets.

In Japan, the Camry was initially sold exclusively through Toyota Corolla Store dealerships. Additionally, there was a rebadged version called the Toyota Vista, sold at Toyota Vista Store locations. In the past, there were also diesel fuel versions available at Toyota Diesel Store. The Camry lineup has included sedans, wagons, and liftback models over the years.

In the early years, the Camry nameplate was used for a four-door sedan model known as the Celica Camry. Later, with the V10 series in 1982, the Camry became an independent model available as both a sedan and a five-door liftback. The subsequent V20 series introduced in 1986 included a station wagon, and Japan saw exclusive hardtop sedan variants.

The V20 was replaced with the V30 in 1990, which retained the narrow body for Japanese markets while overseas markets received the wider-bodied XV10 sedan and station wagon, also known as the Toyota Scepter in Japan. Toyota introduced a coupé version of the XV10 in 1993, later becoming the Camry Solara in 1998.

The Japanese market received a narrow-body V40 series in 1994, while the wider XV10 continued in other markets. The XV20 arrived in 1996 (known as Camry Gracia in Japan), and eventually, the Japanese Camry aligned with the international versions after the V40 ended production in 1998.

With subsequent generations like the XV30 (2001) and XV40 (2006), the Camry underwent further design variations for different global markets. The XV50 series (2011-2019) saw more markets adopting alternative body panels, and the current generation is called the XV70.

Outside Japan, the Camry has had various badge-engineered versions, such as the Lexus ES, which was based on earlier Camry/Vista models but has since diverged. In Japan, the Daihatsu Altis and Holden Apollo were badge-engineered Camry versions. Sales of the Camry are set to end in the Japanese market in late 2023 due to poor sales after 43 years of availability. However, it remains a popular and enduring model in many other markets worldwide.

When was the Toyota Camry First Introduced?

The Toyota Camry was first introduced by the Japanese auto manufacturer Toyota in 1982. It marked the beginning of a successful and enduring lineage that has spanned multiple generations. Initially launched as a compact car with a narrow-body design, the Camry's primary focus was on providing reliable transportation for consumers.

Over the years, the Camry evolved and grew in size, transitioning into the mid-size classification with a wide-body design, which further enhanced its appeal in the global automotive market. Throughout its journey, the Toyota Camry has garnered a reputation for its dependability, practicality, and fuel efficiency, making it a top choice for families and commuters alike.

Its international success led Toyota to position it as their second "world car" after the Corolla. The Camry has undergone several significant updates and design changes, adapting to evolving market demands while staying true to its core values of reliability and quality. With its enduring legacy and continuous improvements, the Toyota Camry remains a prominent and sought-after model in various markets worldwide.

In Which Markets is the Toyota Camry Positioned Above the Corolla?

The Toyota Camry is positioned above the Corolla but below the Avalon or Crown in several markets worldwide. This positioning places the Camry in the mid-size sedan segment, offering a step-up in size, features, and performance compared to the compact Corolla but still positioned below the larger and more luxurious Avalon or Crown models.

In North America, including the United States and Canada, the Toyota Camry is a well-established mid-size sedan that sits above the compact Corolla in Toyota's lineup. It caters to consumers looking for a larger and more comfortable car without venturing into the premium segment occupied by the Avalon.

In other global markets, such as certain countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, the Toyota Camry follows a similar positioning strategy. It serves as a mid-size sedan option, offering more space and features than the compact Corolla while being more attainable than the full-size Avalon or Crown models.

This positioning strategy allows Toyota to cover a broader range of consumer preferences, offering various options for customers seeking different sizes and levels of luxury within the sedan market.

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How to Reset the Maintenance Light on a 2012 Toyota Camry? - FAQs

1. When was the Toyota Camry first introduced?  

The Toyota Camry was first introduced by Toyota in 1982.

2.  How has the size classification of the Toyota Camry changed over the years?  

Initially, the Camry was a compact car (narrow-body), but since the 1990s, it has grown to fit the mid-size classification (wide-body), co-existing with narrow-body models during that decade.

3.  In which markets is the Toyota Camry positioned above the Corolla but below the Avalon or Crown?  

The Toyota Camry is positioned above the Corolla but below the Avalon or Crown in various markets worldwide, including North America, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

4.  What is the significance of the 'maint reqd' light in the 2012-2014 Toyota Camry?  

The 'maint reqd' light indicates that a service interval has been met, specifically for an engine oil change. It comes on after approximately 5,000 miles since the last reset.

5. Is the 'maint reqd' light a cause for concern in the Toyota Camry?  

No, the 'maint reqd' light is solely based on mileage and is not an indication of any issues with the car. It is a routine reminder for regular maintenance.