Got a '97 SC300. Car was set for a 160,500 mile checkup via the
sticker on the windshield from my last service.
At 160,505 miles my Engine Check light went on... seemd like too
much of a Coincidence. Can the Dealer program when an Engine Check
light will go on by the mileage???

 

Don't think they can, but it would be pretty shady if they could. Check the code yourself for free: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-1st-gen-1992-2000/22890-check-engine-light-code-retrival.html

 

I am a service advisor at the local Toyota/Lexus dealership, and no we can't program any lights to come on at certain times. The US Toyota do have "maintenance required" lights that the Canadian Toyota's don't have...but that is different.

 

So how do the "maintenance required" lights work????
Are they preset at time of manufacture.. or can the dealer do it later??/