How to get wrench light off?

The wrench light usually means a maintenance reminder or a fault. The quickest path is to perform the indicated service or run a diagnostic with an OBD-II scanner, then reset the reminder in the vehicle’s settings or have the dealer reset it. Exact steps depend on your car's make and model.

Understanding what the wrench light can indicate

In many modern cars, the wrench icon serves as a generic maintenance reminder or a fault indicator tied to the powertrain. Understanding whether it is a routine service alert or a diagnostic code is the first step before attempting a reset.

• Maintenance reminder: The light often accompanies a message such as "Service due," "Oil life X%," or "Maintenance required" in the Driver Information Display.


• Powertrain or other fault: The wrench may appear alongside other warning lights (check engine, transmission, ABS) or with a driving symptom suggesting an issue.


• Check your manual: Vehicle symbols can vary by make and model; consulting the owner’s manual will confirm what the wrench means for your car.


• Recent service: If you recently had maintenance, the light may reappear until the reminder is reset in the system.

Understanding the symbol for your specific model is essential to choosing the right path—maintenance vs. repair. If you remain unsure, a professional diagnostic can prevent guessing and unnecessary resets.

Resetting the wrench light when it’s a maintenance reminder

If the light is signaling a routine maintenance reminder, you can usually switch it off after the service by resetting the maintenance interval in the vehicle's settings or display menu. The exact steps vary by manufacturer, but the general approach is similar.

1. Complete the indicated service (for example, oil change, filter replacement, tire rotation, or inspection) and keep the service receipt.


2. Access the vehicle’s maintenance or service menu. This is typically found in the Driver Information Center, infotainment system, or settings menu labeled "Maintenance," "Vehicle," or "Service."


3. Select the option to "Reset" or "Clear Maintenance" and confirm. Some systems require a sequence such as turning the ignition on, not starting the engine, and holding a button while navigating menus.


4. Restart the engine and confirm that the wrench light is off. If it reappears, revisit the service items or consult a technician.

Note: If your car uses a dealer tool or requires a specific reset procedure, the owner’s manual or dealer service department can perform the reset without leaving the car in an unsafe state.

What if the wrench light signals a fault? Steps to diagnose and fix

When the wrench denotes a fault, the priority is to identify and address the underlying issue. A diagnostic scan helps determine the likely causes and guides repairs.

1. Use an OBD-II scanner to read codes and retrieve live data if supported by your tool. Record any freeze-frame data and the specific fault codes.


2. Identify probable causes based on codes and symptoms (for example, misfire, sensor faults, emissions issues, or transmission concerns) and perform the appropriate repairs or component replacements.


3. After the repair, clear the codes with the scanner or via the vehicle’s reset procedure. Some vehicles require a drive cycle to complete relearns or adaptions.


4. Test drive to ensure the light does not return and verify normal operation of affected systems. If the light returns, review new codes or seek professional diagnostics.

Note: Some vehicles require professional diagnoses and resetting by a dealer or qualified mechanic, especially for complex powertrain or transmission faults.

When to seek professional help

If you are unsure of the light’s meaning, if the car exhibits performance issues, or if the light returns after a reset, it is prudent to seek help from a certified technician. A misinterpretation or incorrect reset can mask serious problems.

Summary

The wrench light is a guidepost from your vehicle’s computer, telling you to service or inspect something. Whether it’s a straightforward maintenance reminder or a deeper fault, the general path is the same: perform or arrange the indicated service, or diagnose and fix faults with a scan tool, then reset the reminder or have a technician perform the reset. Always consult your owner’s manual for model-specific steps and, when in doubt, contact a dealership or repair shop for accurate guidance.

How do I turn off the wrench light on my Honda?

To turn off the wrench light on a Honda, you must reset the maintenance minder system, which is typically done after an oil change. First, turn the ignition to the "ON" position (with the engine off). Next, press and hold the "SEL/RESET" or "ODOMETER RESET" button until the oil life percentage starts blinking. Finally, hold the button again until the light disappears and the oil life is reset to 100%.
 
This video shows how to reset the maintenance light on a Honda Civic: 56sYour Car Guy DRYouTube · Sep 29, 2018
Step 1: Prepare the vehicle 

• Turn the key to the "ON" position without starting the engine. The dashboard lights should be on. 
• Ensure the vehicle is in park if it's an automatic transmission. 

Step 2: Navigate to the oil life display 

• Locate the "SEL/RESET" or "ODOMETER RESET" button, which is usually a small knob or button near the speedometer.
• Press the button repeatedly until the "Engine Oil Life" or "Engine Oil Indicator %" appears on the display. 

Step 3: Reset the maintenance minder 

• Press and hold the "SEL/RESET" or "ODOMETER RESET" button for at least 10 seconds. 
• Release the button when the oil life percentage begins to flash. 
• Press and hold the same button again for a few more seconds. The oil life should reset to 100%, and the wrench light will turn off. 

Is it okay to drive with the wrench light on?

Driving your car when it has a fault or is otherwise not in top condition could seriously compromise the amount of use and enjoyment you get from it. A professional can see what's causing the wrench warning lights to illuminate, and will explain what needs to be done to get your car in better shape.

How to reset wrench light after oil change?

The wrench light indicates maintenance reminders, often triggered after an oil change. To resolve, reset the oil life monitor via the dashboard menu: turn ignition on, navigate to oil life, then hold the reset button until it resets to 100%.

What causes the wrench light to come on?

The wrench light indicates either a scheduled maintenance reminder or a problem with the powertrain or electronic throttle control system. To determine the exact cause, it's best to consult your car's owner's manual, as the meaning varies by manufacturer. For a maintenance reminder, scheduling a service like an oil change will likely resolve it. If there is an actual problem, you should have a mechanic scan the vehicle for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) to identify and fix the underlying issue. 
You can watch this video to learn what the wrench light means and how to clear it on a Honda vehicle: 59sDIY ManualYouTube · Sep 23, 2021
Common causes

• Scheduled maintenance: The most common reason is that the car is due for a routine service, such as an oil change or a 5,000-mile inspection. 
• Powertrain issues: On some vehicles, like Fords, the wrench light signifies a problem with the powertrain, which can include the engine, transmission, or four-wheel-drive system. 
• Electronic throttle control (ETC) issues: A malfunction in the ETC system can trigger the light, potentially causing symptoms like inconsistent acceleration. 
• Sensor failures: Problems with various sensors, such as the mass air flow sensor, crankshaft position sensor, or oxygen sensor, can activate the light. 
• Low battery voltage: A weak battery or alternator can cause the light to come on, particularly if it's intermittent. 

This video explains what the wrench symbol on your dashboard means: 18sSteven WelchYouTube · Sep 25, 2023
What to do

• Check your owner's manual: The manual will provide the specific meaning of the light for your make and model. 
• Note any other symptoms: Pay attention to how the car is behaving. Is it driving normally, or are there other issues like loss of power, rough idling, or erratic shifting? 
• Schedule maintenance: If the light is a simple maintenance reminder, schedule the recommended service, such as an oil change. 
• Get a diagnostic scan: If the light appears with other symptoms or for no apparent reason, take the vehicle to a mechanic to have the diagnostic trouble codes read and the issue diagnosed. 
• Avoid driving if necessary: If you experience severe symptoms like significant power loss or engine shaking, have the vehicle towed to a repair shop instead of driving it.