What the Wrench Warning Light Means

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The ultimate online guide for translating ambiguous wrench lights on your dashboard
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A lot of car indicators are pretty obvious, but a random wrench is likely to have you scratching your head—especially since there’s no universal meaning behind the dashboard warning. Luckily, the wrench is usually a sign that something mundane is going on. In most makes and models, this is a reminder that your car needs basic maintenance. However, this can be a more serious issue depending on your model. Read on to learn what the wrench indicator means on your car.

What Does the Wrench Light Indicate?

Generally speaking, a wrench icon on your car means that it’s time for some scheduled maintenance. However, some manufacturers use the wrench icon to indicate issues with the throttle control, battery charger, or parking brakes, so refer to your manual for more information.

Section 1 of 12:

Chevrolet

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    Chevrolet vehicles have built-in maintenance reminders based on the mileage of the car. Don’t ignore these indicators and get your vehicle inspected by a mechanic soon, but this isn’t a huge deal. Your car will be fine. [1]
    • You may need to have your spark plugs swapped out, your brake pads replaced, or your coolant flushed. In any case, it’s not going to be a particularly expensive or serious.
    • There are three different wrench indicators, but they all mean the same thing. Depending on when your car was manufactured, your wrench indicator may look like a wrench pointed upwards, a wrench with a line running through it, or a wrench inside a car outline. These are all identical.
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Section 2 of 12:

Buick

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    Your gas pedal and throttle are not physically connected. You press the pedal and your vehicle’s computer receives the message to accelerate. The throttle control helps this process by controlling the amount of air and fuel that enters the engine whenever you press the gas pedal. In Buicks, a wrench indicator will appear alongside a lightning bolt (and sometimes a check engine light) if your vehicle’s throttle control is encountering errors or failing. [2]
    • Can you drive with the wrench light on? If the car is handling fine, you can make it short distances. Don’t push it, though. Ignoring this issue could lead to serious engine or transmission issues.
    • What if there’s no lightning bolt? This is probably just a reminder to see a mechanic for routine service, but it doesn’t appear this indicator pops on alone in most Buick models.
    • How do you fix throttle control issues? See a mechanic. They’ll either recalibrate the throttle control or replace it.
    • How much will this cost? A simple recalibration may only run $100-200. If you need a new throttle body, it may run up to $1,000.
Section 3 of 12:

Cadillac & GMC

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    On Cadillac and GMC vehicles, the wrench will likely illuminate alongside the parking brake light (which looks like a P with a circle around it). This indicates that your electronic parking brake needs to be serviced soon. See a mechanic to have the parking brake inspected and reset. [3]
    • Can you drive with the wrench light on? So long as you can park, sure! Just don’t leave your vehicle on any inclines where you’d need the parking brake.
    • Is the wrench flashing alongside the parking brake light? This indicates that your parking brake has failed. You can still park 99% of the time—the electronic functions just aren’t working correctly. If you can’t park , drive to a mechanic immediately.
    • Is the wrench light on but not the parking brake light? In this case, the wrench indicates that you need mileage-based service soon.
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Section 4 of 12:

Ford & Lincoln

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    This may indicate an issue with your throttle control, but most of the time the wrench indicator kicks on due to a problem with your transmission. See a qualified Ford mechanic to have your transmission inspected, repaired, and replaced, if necessary. [4]
    • Can you drive with the wrench light on? No, it’s really not a good idea to keep driving. If you think you can make it to the mechanic, go for it.
    • Why is my car not going as fast as normal? Ford vehicles have a setting known as “limp mode” that turns on automatically whenever the vehicle detects an issue with the transmission.
    • How do you fix transmission issues? Unfortunately, transmissions are difficult to work on. See a mechanic to have them determine what kind of work needs to be done. It could run you $200-400 for a basic valve replacement, while a new transmission may run $1,800-3,400.
Section 5 of 12:

Honda & Acura

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    Honda (and Acura) have a system known as the “Maintenance Minder.” Basically, your vehicle is equipped with a bunch of sensors that monitor when components need to be replaced or inspected. If one of those sensors detects a minor issue, you’ll see the wrench icon pop up alongside an error code. [5]
    • Can you drive with the wrench light on? This is likely something extremely minor. You may need an oil change, new brakes, a coolant flush, or a tire rotation. Don’t ignore the maintenance, but you’re okay to drive a short period.
    • What does the number next to the wrench mean? This is a code that refers to a specific maintenance issue. The codes are listed in your manual, so if you’re a gearhead feel free to reference the code to see if it’s a DIY job!
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Section 6 of 12:

Kia, Hyundai, Genesis, Toyota, & Lexus

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    he For cars manufactured by Hyundai or Toyota, the wrench is a basic maintenance reminder. See a mechanic to get your car serviced, but don’t worry—you can drive in the meantime so long as you don’t notice any other serious issues. Alternatively, you can change the oil yourself or rotate the tires yourself and then reset the error light by turning the car off, waiting 5 minutes, and turning the car back on. [6]
    • How do I know if I need an oil change or tire rotation? This is a simple exclusion test. Check the sticker on the top left of your windshield or ask yourself when the last time you got an oil change was. If it has been 6 months or 6,000 miles (9,700 km), you need an oil change. If that isn’t the case, rotate your tires.
    • One major exception for Toyotas: a red wrench. The yellow wrench is a basic maintenance reminder. If it’s red though, it’s a sign something serious is wrong. See a mechanic ASAP.
Section 7 of 12:

Volkswagen

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    For Audi and Volkswagen models, the meaning of the wrench light on your dashboard depends on whether the light appears on its own or alongside other lights. [7] Here’s what they mean:
    • If the light is on and nothing else is illuminated: This is a basic service reminder. See a mechanic to have your oil changed, fluids topped off, or tires rotated.
    • If some other light is illuminated: The wrench light is now a modifier. Your vehicle is basically saying that there is a serious malfunction with whatever other light is on. For example, if your check engine light is on and the wrench appears, it indicates there’s a serious issue with your engine. See a mechanic to have your car serviced as soon as you can.
    • Can you drive with the wrench light on? It really depends. If the light is on and nothing else is illuminated, you can probably drive a short period.
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Section 8 of 12:

Dodge, Chrysler, Fiat, & Jeep

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    Don’t worry! This is a basic reminder that your vehicle requires mileage-based maintenance. In most cases, you just need an oil change. However, your vehicle may need some other minor work done (like a coolant flush or brake inspection). You can probably drive just fine for a little in the meantime, though. [8]
    • Why isn’t there anything in the OBD-2 scanner or manual about this? We can’t figure this one out. It’s possible that when Stellantis purchased Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep that they never updated their software or manuals regarding the wrench icon.
Section 9 of 12:

BMW

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    It looks like there is no wrench warning light for older ICE models. There is a wrench light in BMW’s hybrids and EVs, though. This indicator usually appears when the charging port isn’t inserted all the way, so if you’re charging your battery just reconnect the cable. If you aren’t charging your car, see a mechanic. The port may be damaged. [9]
    • Do you have reduced engine power as well? Some BMW drivers have encountered engine issues alongside the wrench light. This is probably an issue with your throttle control, EV engine, or air valve. Don’t take your time on these repairs—continuing to drive may cause serious damage to your engine or transmission.
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Section 10 of 12:

Mitsubishi & Porsche

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    Like Stellantis vehicles, Mitsubishi and Porsche only use the wrench indicator to remind you that you need an oil change, tire rotation, or some other mundane service. Hat’s off to these manufacturers, though—they include the word SERVICE next to the wrench so you’re unlikely to mix this on up for anything else. [10]
    • Can you drive with the wrench light on? Yes, you’re good to go. Don’t ignore the service reminder, but if there are no other symptoms you’re alright.
Section 11 of 12:

Mazda, Nissan, & Subaru

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    This is no big deal. You likely need an oil change, a tire rotation, a coolant flush, or some other minor service. See a mechanic at your earliest convenience to have them take a look and perform the necessary work, but you can drive in the meantime.
    • We can’t actually confirm that Subaru or Mazda still use a wrench indicator, but it looks like older models may have used a wrench to note it’s time for routine maintenance.
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Section 12 of 12:

Mercedes

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    Mercedes vehicles have two built-in service schedules called Service A and Service B. A single wrench indicates that it’s time for Service A. See a Mercedes dealership to have the work performed by someone who is familiar with the work required. [11]
    • What do mechanics do to complete Service A? Service A involves an oil change, full brake inspection, tire inflation check, fluid check, and a reset of the maintenance counter so that your vehicle knows the first Service A has been completed.
    • What if I see two wrench icons? Two wrenches are a sign it’s time for Service B! Service B is maintenance on the electronics, fuel lines, central computer, and heating and cooling.

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.esterobaychevrolet.com/chevy-dashboard-symbols-and-meanings/
      2. ↑ https://repairpal.com/throttle-control-warning-light
      3. ↑ https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2017/MC-10116553-9999.pdf
      4. ↑ https://branchautomotive.com/what-to-expect-at-the-mechanic-ford-wrench-light-diagnosis-and-repair/
      5. ↑ https://www.pattypeckhonda.com/blog/honda-cr-v-maintenance-due-soon-wrench-light-recommended-service/
      6. ↑ https://www.seidelhyundai.com/vehicle-warning-lights.htm
      7. ↑ https://www.idevw.com/jetta-warning-lights/
      8. ↑ https://www.dickscjdrwilsonville.com/what-do-dodge-dashboard-warning-lights-and-symbols-mean
      9. ↑ http://e38.org/BMW-2004-NavOwnersManual.pdf
      1. ↑ https://www.performancemitsubishidelray.com/mitsubishi-dashboard-lights-what-do-they-mean/
      2. ↑ https://warnervancenter.com/service-a-and-b-maintenance-for-mercedes-benz-sprinters

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