What does the wrench light mean in Honda Pilot?

The wrench icon on a Honda Pilot is the Maintenance Minder indicator. It signals scheduled maintenance or, less commonly, a fault in the maintenance reminder system. This article explains what the wrench light indicates, how Honda's A/B maintenance codes work, and what steps to take when it lights up.

Understanding what the wrench light indicates

The wrench icon serves as Honda's Maintenance Minder signal. It can appear for several reasons related to service needs or system status:

• Maintenance due or overdue: The dashboard wrench appears with an A or B code when oil life, tire rotation, or other inspections are scheduled or overdue based on Honda's maintenance schedule.


• Maintenance Minder system reset required: If maintenance was recently performed but the system wasn't reset, the wrench can remain lit until it's cleared.


• Possible fault in the Maintenance Minder system: A sensor, control module, or data fault can trigger a fault indication in rare cases.


• Concurrent warning lights: If the wrench is on alongside the check engine light, there may be an additional diagnostic that needs attention; treat the check engine light as a separate issue requiring diagnosis.

The items due depend on mileage, driving conditions, and the model year of the Pilot, and the A/B code specifies which services are required. When in doubt, consult your owner's manual or a Honda dealer to interpret the code and schedule service.

What to do when the wrench light comes on

Responding appropriately means checking the vehicle's maintenance minder readout and deciding whether service is due or if there may be a fault in the system:

1. Check the Maintenance Minder information on the instrument panel to see which items are due (A or B) and the oil life percentage if displayed.


2. If maintenance is due, contact a Honda dealer or qualified shop to schedule service. Depending on the code, this could involve an oil change, tire rotation, or other inspections.


3. If no maintenance is due, but the light is on, the system may be reporting a fault. Have a technician diagnose the maintenance minder system or read the vehicle's diagnostic codes to rule out a sensor or module fault.


4. If the wrench light is flashing or accompanied by poor performance, warning lights, or unusual noises, reduce driving and seek service promptly; urgent issues may require immediate attention.

After maintenance, the system should be reset so the light clears and future reminders are accurate. A dealer or qualified shop can perform the reset using diagnostic equipment or the manual procedure described in the owner's manual.

Additional guidance for Honda Pilot owners

To keep your Pilot running smoothly, follow Honda's maintenance schedule, perform regular inspections, and address any warning lights promptly. The Maintenance Minder helps optimize service intervals based on usage, so following the indicated A/B codes helps maintain reliability and resale value.

Summary

The wrench light on a Honda Pilot is the Maintenance Minder indicator. It signals that scheduled maintenance is due or that there is an issue with the maintenance reminder system. Read the A/B code or the oil-life display to determine what service is needed, and seek professional service if in doubt. If no maintenance is due, a technician can diagnose a potential fault in the system. After service, ensure the Minder is reset so the next reminders reflect current conditions.

What causes a wrench light to come on?

A wrench light typically indicates that your vehicle needs scheduled maintenance, such as an oil change, or that the onboard diagnostics have detected a minor problem with the powertrain. Common causes include an overdue oil change, issues with the electronic throttle control system, transmission problems, or a fault in the four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive system. It's best to consult your owner's manual for the exact meaning for your car and have a mechanic use a diagnostic tool to read the fault codes.
 
This video explains what the wrench light means and what to do when it comes on: 18sSteven WelchYouTube · Sep 25, 2023
Maintenance reminders

• Overdue service: In many cases, the light is simply a reminder that a scheduled maintenance item, like an oil change or filter replacement, is due. 
• Mileage-based reset: The light may be accompanied by a mileage countdown for the next service interval. 

Powertrain or sensor issues

• Electronic throttle control (ETC): A fault in this system can trigger the light. 
• Transmission problems: Issues with the transmission, such as shifting problems or leaks, can cause the light to illuminate. 
• Four-wheel-drive (4WD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD): Problems with these systems can also trigger the warning. 
• Other powertrain errors: The light can also signal a more general issue with the powertrain control module (PCM). 

What to do when you see the light

1. Check your owner's manual: This is the first and best step to understand what the light specifically means for your vehicle. 
2. Observe your car's performance: Pay attention to any unusual sounds, vibrations, or a noticeable loss of power. This can help a mechanic diagnose the issue. 
3. Get a diagnostic scan: A mechanic can use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve specific fault codes, which will pinpoint the exact problem. 
4. Drive cautiously or avoid driving: If the light is accompanied by severe performance issues, it's safest to drive minimally and arrange for a tow. 
5. Schedule maintenance: If it's a maintenance reminder, perform the required service. The light can often be reset after the service is completed. 

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. 

Can I drive with the wrench light on a Honda?

While the maintenance minder system is signaling that routine service is due soon on your sedan, driving with the wrench icon illuminated is not an emergency. Still, it's important to understand how long you can comfortably postpone your car's scheduled upkeep once you see this dashboard light.

What does wrench light mean on a Honda Pilot?

Oil life light in your Honda. So uh if you zoom in here on the dashboard. And you take a look at the fuel gauge you'll see my wrench is lit up.