Your Multi-Information Display (MID) shows warning messages when systems malfunction, operations are performed incorrectly, or maintenance is needed. Understanding message priority levels helps you know when to stop immediately versus when you can schedule service at your convenience.
(Reference: Owner's Manual, pg. 579-581)
The Multi-Information Display shows warnings of system malfunctions, incorrectly performed operations, and messages that indicate a need for maintenance. When a message is shown, perform the correction procedure appropriate to the message.
Important coordination with warning lights: If a warning light comes on or flashes at the same time that a warning message is displayed, take the appropriate corrective action for the warning light.
Warning messages vary in urgency. Here's how to prioritize them:
CRITICAL - Stop Immediately
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Toyota dealer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
This applies to these specific messages:
High Priority - Inspect Soon
Have vehicle inspected by Toyota dealer immediately. Safe to drive cautiously.
Moderate - Service at Convenience
Schedule service appointment. Normal driving OK.
Informational - Follow Instructions
Perform indicated action. No immediate service needed.
Operational Messages
These messages guide you when specific vehicle operations are detected or required:
Brake or accelerator pedal operations: Warning messages may appear while driving assist systems (PCS, dynamic radar cruise control) are operating. If shown, decelerate the vehicle or follow instructions on the multi-information display.
Engine switch operations: Instruction shown when incorrect engine starting procedure is performed. Follow the instructions on the multi-information display to operate the engine switch again.
Shift lever operations: Message shown to prevent incorrect shifting or unexpected vehicle movement. Follow the instruction and shift the shift lever as directed.
Open/close state or consumable replenishment: Messages indicate doors/compartments open or consumables needing refill. Confirm the part indicated by the multi-information display, then close door or replenish consumable.
Malfunction Messages
When a message indicates the need for visiting your Toyota dealer, the system or part shown on the multi-information display is malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Maintenance Messages
"Maintenance Required Soon":
"Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer":
"Oil Maintenance Required Soon":
Indicates engine oil should be scheduled to be changed. Check and change if necessary, then reset the message (P.526).
"Oil Maintenance Required":
Indicates engine oil should be changed. Check and change engine oil and oil filter (recommend Toyota dealer service), then reset the message (P.526).
"Engine Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer":
The engine or an engine component is malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
Safety System Messages
"System Malfunction Visit Your Dealer":
Indicates one of the following Toyota Safety Sense systems is disabled: PCS (Pre-Collision System), LDA (Lane Departure Alert), LTA (Lane Tracing Assist), AHB (Automatic High Beam), Dynamic radar cruise control. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
"Shift to P Before Exiting Vehicle"
When displayed: Driver's door opened without turning engine switch to OFF, with shift lever in any position other than P
Response: Shift the shift lever to P
"Auto Power OFF to Conserve Battery"
When displayed: Power was turned off due to automatic power off function
Response: Next time when starting the engine, increase the engine speed slightly and maintain that level for about 5 minutes to recharge the battery
"Engine Oil Level Low Add or Replace"
When displayed: Engine oil level may be low
Response:
Note: This message may be displayed if the vehicle is stopped on a slope. Move the vehicle to a level surface and check if the message disappears.
"Engine Stopped Steering Power Low"
When displayed: Engine is stopped while driving
Response: Steering wheel operations are heavier than usual. Grip the steering wheel firmly and operate it using more force than usual.
"Parking Assist Unavailable Sensor Blocked"
When displayed: Parking assist sensor may be covered with water drops, ice, snow, dirt, etc.
Response:
Note: At low temperatures, ice forming on a sensor may cause a warning message or prevent detection. Once the ice melts, the system will return to normal.
If an abnormality is displayed even though there are no water drops, ice, snow or dirt, the sensor may be operating abnormally. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
"Parking Assist Unavailable Low Visibility See Owner's Manual"
Indicates: One of the following systems is disabled: RCD (Rear Camera Detection), PKSB (Parking Support Brake)
Response: Remove any dirt or foreign matter from the rear camera.
Navigating warning messages: Use the steering wheel toggle buttons to switch between different warning message screens on the MID. This allows you to review multiple messages without taking your hands off the wheel.
Understanding the color coding system: Yellow/amber icons indicate items of importance (like low fuel) but aren't necessarily urgent warnings, while red icons indicate conditions requiring immediate attention such as open doors or low engine oil pressure.
Master warning light behavior: When the master warning light appears (flashing caution sign with warning buzzer), always consult the multi-information display immediately. It will show exactly what the system has detected, from low brake fluid to abnormal engine oil pressure.
4th gen-specific issue: False rear seatbelt alerts - Many 2024 Tacoma owners experience false seatbelt alert problems where rear seats give dashboard red alerts when items like briefcases or groceries are placed there, triggering loud alarm bells while driving.
This is a known 4th gen characteristic, not a malfunction.
Solution: You can disable these false alerts using an OBD2 reader like Carista, or have the dealer turn them off. Note that NHTSA safety regulations mandate seatbelt warnings at engine start, though they can be technically disabled via OBD tools or dealer service.
Message persistence indicates real issues: If a warning message continues to appear after you've performed the recommended corrective action, this indicates a genuine system malfunction requiring dealer diagnosis rather than just a temporary sensor alert.
Cold weather and slope considerations:
The "System Malfunction Visit Your Dealer" message for TSS systems (PCS, LDA, LTA, AHB, DRCC) is specific to the 4th gen Tacoma's TSS 3.0 system. This represents Toyota's most advanced safety suite, and any malfunction message should be taken seriously as these systems are critical for both active and passive safety.
Note: While not shown in these specific pages, be aware that TSS system messages may also appear after windshield replacement. TSS 3.0 requires professional calibration. This is not a DIY reset.
If a warning message is displayed again after the appropriate actions have been performed, contact your Toyota dealer.
This indicates a persistent issue that needs professional diagnosis.
Don't ignore recurring messages. They're telling you something needs attention beyond the initial corrective action.
See attached pages-reference.pdf for the original manual pages.
Owner's Manual: Pages 579-581
Additional Sources:
Disclaimer:
This guide is derived from the official 2024 Toyota Tacoma Owner's Manual with supplementary information from the owner community. Always follow your official owner's manual for warranty compliance. This is a reference guide only.
(Reference: Owner's Manual, pg. 579-581)
Warning Message, Dashboard Message, MID Display, System Malfunction, Maintenance Required
The Multi-Information Display shows warnings of system malfunctions, incorrectly performed operations, and messages that indicate a need for maintenance. When a message is shown, perform the correction procedure appropriate to the message.
Important coordination with warning lights: If a warning light comes on or flashes at the same time that a warning message is displayed, take the appropriate corrective action for the warning light.
Understanding Message Priority Levels
Warning messages vary in urgency. Here's how to prioritize them:
CRITICAL - Stop Immediately
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Toyota dealer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
This applies to these specific messages:
- "Transmission Oil Temp. High Stop in a Safe Place and See Owner's Manual"
- "Smart Key System Malfunction See Owner's Manual"
- "Oil pressure low Stop in a safe place See owner's manual"
- "Braking Power Low Stop in a Safe Place See Owner's Manual"
- "Engine Coolant Temp High Stop in a Safe Place See Owner's Manual"
High Priority - Inspect Soon
Have vehicle inspected by Toyota dealer immediately. Safe to drive cautiously.
- "System Malfunction Visit Your Dealer" (TSS systems: PCS, LDA, LTA, AHB, DRCC)
- "Engine Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer"
- "Headlight System Malfunction Visit Your Dealer"
- "Oil Maintenance Required"
Moderate - Service at Convenience
Schedule service appointment. Normal driving OK.
- "Maintenance Required Soon" (appears around 4500 miles after reset)
- "Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer" (appears around 5000 miles after reset)
- "Oil Maintenance Required Soon"
- "Parking Assist Unavailable Sensor Blocked"
Informational - Follow Instructions
Perform indicated action. No immediate service needed.
- "Shift to P Before Exiting Vehicle"
- "Auto Power OFF to Conserve Battery"
- "Engine Oil Level Low Add or Replace"
- "Engine Stopped Steering Power Low"
Types of Warning Messages
Operational Messages
These messages guide you when specific vehicle operations are detected or required:
Brake or accelerator pedal operations: Warning messages may appear while driving assist systems (PCS, dynamic radar cruise control) are operating. If shown, decelerate the vehicle or follow instructions on the multi-information display.
Engine switch operations: Instruction shown when incorrect engine starting procedure is performed. Follow the instructions on the multi-information display to operate the engine switch again.
Shift lever operations: Message shown to prevent incorrect shifting or unexpected vehicle movement. Follow the instruction and shift the shift lever as directed.
Open/close state or consumable replenishment: Messages indicate doors/compartments open or consumables needing refill. Confirm the part indicated by the multi-information display, then close door or replenish consumable.
Malfunction Messages
When a message indicates the need for visiting your Toyota dealer, the system or part shown on the multi-information display is malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Maintenance Messages
"Maintenance Required Soon":
- Appears around 4500 miles after message reset
- Indicates maintenance according to the schedule should be performed soon
- Perform maintenance if necessary, then reset the message (P.515)
"Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer":
- Appears around 5000 miles after message reset
- Indicates maintenance is required
- Perform necessary maintenance, then reset the message (P.515)
- Note: Indicator will not work properly unless message has been reset
"Oil Maintenance Required Soon":
Indicates engine oil should be scheduled to be changed. Check and change if necessary, then reset the message (P.526).
"Oil Maintenance Required":
Indicates engine oil should be changed. Check and change engine oil and oil filter (recommend Toyota dealer service), then reset the message (P.526).
"Engine Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer":
The engine or an engine component is malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
Safety System Messages
"System Malfunction Visit Your Dealer":
Indicates one of the following Toyota Safety Sense systems is disabled: PCS (Pre-Collision System), LDA (Lane Departure Alert), LTA (Lane Tracing Assist), AHB (Automatic High Beam), Dynamic radar cruise control. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
Common Specific Messages
"Shift to P Before Exiting Vehicle"
When displayed: Driver's door opened without turning engine switch to OFF, with shift lever in any position other than P
Response: Shift the shift lever to P
"Auto Power OFF to Conserve Battery"
When displayed: Power was turned off due to automatic power off function
Response: Next time when starting the engine, increase the engine speed slightly and maintain that level for about 5 minutes to recharge the battery
"Engine Oil Level Low Add or Replace"
When displayed: Engine oil level may be low
Response:
- Check the level of the engine oil
- Add engine oil if necessary (P.524)
Note: This message may be displayed if the vehicle is stopped on a slope. Move the vehicle to a level surface and check if the message disappears.
"Engine Stopped Steering Power Low"
When displayed: Engine is stopped while driving
Response: Steering wheel operations are heavier than usual. Grip the steering wheel firmly and operate it using more force than usual.
"Parking Assist Unavailable Sensor Blocked"
When displayed: Parking assist sensor may be covered with water drops, ice, snow, dirt, etc.
Response:
- Remove water drops, ice, snow, dirt, etc., from the sensor to return the system to normal
- If sensor is dirty, the position of the dirty sensor will be shown on the display
Note: At low temperatures, ice forming on a sensor may cause a warning message or prevent detection. Once the ice melts, the system will return to normal.
If an abnormality is displayed even though there are no water drops, ice, snow or dirt, the sensor may be operating abnormally. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
"Parking Assist Unavailable Low Visibility See Owner's Manual"
Indicates: One of the following systems is disabled: RCD (Rear Camera Detection), PKSB (Parking Support Brake)
Response: Remove any dirt or foreign matter from the rear camera.
Real-World Tips from the Community
Navigating warning messages: Use the steering wheel toggle buttons to switch between different warning message screens on the MID. This allows you to review multiple messages without taking your hands off the wheel.
Understanding the color coding system: Yellow/amber icons indicate items of importance (like low fuel) but aren't necessarily urgent warnings, while red icons indicate conditions requiring immediate attention such as open doors or low engine oil pressure.
Master warning light behavior: When the master warning light appears (flashing caution sign with warning buzzer), always consult the multi-information display immediately. It will show exactly what the system has detected, from low brake fluid to abnormal engine oil pressure.
4th gen-specific issue: False rear seatbelt alerts - Many 2024 Tacoma owners experience false seatbelt alert problems where rear seats give dashboard red alerts when items like briefcases or groceries are placed there, triggering loud alarm bells while driving.
This is a known 4th gen characteristic, not a malfunction.
Solution: You can disable these false alerts using an OBD2 reader like Carista, or have the dealer turn them off. Note that NHTSA safety regulations mandate seatbelt warnings at engine start, though they can be technically disabled via OBD tools or dealer service.
Message persistence indicates real issues: If a warning message continues to appear after you've performed the recommended corrective action, this indicates a genuine system malfunction requiring dealer diagnosis rather than just a temporary sensor alert.
Cold weather and slope considerations:
- Parking assist sensor messages are common in winter due to ice buildup on sensors. This is normal and resolves when ice melts.
- "Engine Oil Level Low" message may appear when parked on a steep slope. Always verify on level ground before adding oil, as overfilling can damage the PCV system.
Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0 Context
The "System Malfunction Visit Your Dealer" message for TSS systems (PCS, LDA, LTA, AHB, DRCC) is specific to the 4th gen Tacoma's TSS 3.0 system. This represents Toyota's most advanced safety suite, and any malfunction message should be taken seriously as these systems are critical for both active and passive safety.
Note: While not shown in these specific pages, be aware that TSS system messages may also appear after windshield replacement. TSS 3.0 requires professional calibration. This is not a DIY reset.
What To Do When Messages Persist
If a warning message is displayed again after the appropriate actions have been performed, contact your Toyota dealer.
This indicates a persistent issue that needs professional diagnosis.
Don't ignore recurring messages. They're telling you something needs attention beyond the initial corrective action.
Manual Reference
See attached pages-reference.pdf for the original manual pages.
Source Attribution
Owner's Manual: Pages 579-581
Additional Sources:
- 4thGentacoma.com
- TacomaWorld.com
- Toyota dealer official guidance
Disclaimer:
This guide is derived from the official 2024 Toyota Tacoma Owner's Manual with supplementary information from the owner community. Always follow your official owner's manual for warranty compliance. This is a reference guide only.
