{"id":88643,"date":"2023-08-09T23:26:40","date_gmt":"2023-08-10T06:26:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=88643"},"modified":"2025-05-24T05:21:04","modified_gmt":"2025-05-24T12:21:04","slug":"what-does-the-wrench-light-mean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does the Wrench Light Mean?"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 3<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column88643_96e876-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column88643_96e876-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column88643_96e876-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column88643_96e876-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column88643_96e876-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column88643_96e876-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column88643_96e876-a3{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column88643_96e876-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column88643_96e876-a3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column88643_96e876-a3 inner-column-1 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-f9d694  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-a60113\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading88643_438e76-67, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading88643_438e76-67[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading88643_438e76-67\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading88643_438e76-67 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading88643_438e76-67[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading88643_438e76-67\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading88643_438e76-67 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading88643_438e76-67[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading88643_438e76-67\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading88643_438e76-67 summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading88643_438e76-67\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An illuminated wrench light on your dashboard usually indicates that your car requires professional service. This tends to differ depending on your vehicle manufacturer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An illuminated wrench light on Mazda and Nissan vehicles typically indicates the need for maintenance. Honda vehicles use the wrench light to remind the owners of the next scheduled maintenance appointment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ford&rsquo;s wrench light symbol indicates a fault in the powertrain system. Common issues that can trigger the wrench light on Ford vehicles include transmission issues, battery problems, and throttle issues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether or not you can drive with an illuminated wrench light depends on what&rsquo;s causing it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>The dashboard has signs, symbols, and indicators that display crucial information and warnings about your car&rsquo;s condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;re driving a newer vehicle model, it might have a wrench light, and what it means would depend on your ride&rsquo;s make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does the Wrench Light Mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While the exact meaning of an illuminated wrench light on your dashboard depends on your vehicle manufacturer, it usually indicates that your car requires professional service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whatever the case, don&rsquo;t brush it off as something you can deal with later. Here are some of the reasons the light illuminates according to different car brands:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mazda Vehicles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/carparts.com\/mazda\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" aria-label=\"Mazda\">Mazda<\/a> uses the wrench light symbol to remind owners to take their vehicles to an auto shop for maintenance (usually just as an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-to-change-your-oil\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"oil change\">oil change<\/a>. If you drive a Mazda, you can check your owner&rsquo;s manual to see if the model you drive requires other maintenance services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nissan Vehicles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An illuminated wrench light on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/nissan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Nissan vehicles\">Nissan vehicles<\/a> also indicates that need for maintenance. The service needed could be an oil change, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/bad-spark-plug-symptoms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"spark plug replacement\">spark plug replacement<\/a>, and other common repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The wrench light activates when your next scheduled maintenance is not far time-wise or mileage-wise. By design, it doesn&rsquo;t automatically restart, so the mechanic has to reset it themselves after maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you recently took your car to an auto shop for servicing and the warning light still appears, it could be because the timer wasn&rsquo;t reset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Honda Vehicles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Similar to other automakers, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/honda\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Honda\">Honda<\/a> designed the wrench light as a way to alert owners that it&rsquo;s time for their next scheduled maintenance appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ford Vehicles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ford&rsquo;s wrench light symbol indicates a fault in the powertrain system. This system is responsible for moving the vehicle, which involves the engine, motor, transmission, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/driveshaft\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"driveshaft\">driveshaft<\/a>, and other internal systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"article-search-widget\">\n<div class=\"cp-search\">\n<div align=\"center\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/w_auto,dpr_auto\/carparts\/logos\/badge_wordmark\/full_color\/CP_LOGO_COLOUR_RGB\" alt=\"CarParts.com\" width=\"300\" height=\"56\">\n<\/div>\n<form id=\"cpsearchform\" name=\"cpsearchform\" action=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/search\" method=\"get\" target=\"_blank\" accept-charset=\"character_set\" aria-label=\"search CarParts.com\">\n    <input type=\"text\" class=\"keyword\" name=\"q\" placeholder=\"Search for parts on CarParts.com\" value=\"\" aria-label=\"Search CarParts.com\"><input type=\"submit\" class=\"btn-search\" value=\"Search\" aria-label=\"Search\">\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some common issues that could lead trigger the wrench light on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/ford\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Ford vehicles\">Ford vehicles<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Transmission Issues<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The transmission transfers the power generated by the engine to the wheels using a system of gears and wiring. Because it&rsquo;s part of the powertrain system, any issue that affects it could activate the wrench light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/engine-control-module\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"engine control module\">engine control module<\/a> (ECM) or powertrain control module (PCM) usually detects issues by interpreting information from the engine sensors. If they identify faults, they would illuminate the wrench light to alert the driver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Transmission problems could reduce your ride&rsquo;s performance and make it risky to drive, so take your vehicle to a nearby auto shop immediately if your wrench light activates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If left unchecked, carburetor issues could cause your vehicle to jolt and overheat. Resolving them usually involves cleaning, rebuilding, or replacing the carburetor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Battery Problems<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Your car&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/battery\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"battery\">battery<\/a> powers different electrical components, including the ECM or PCM. If the module doesn&rsquo;t get enough voltage, it transmits a signal to the internal computer to illuminate the wrench light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out these tutorial videos in case you need to replace your battery:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to replace the Battery 2009-2014 Ford F150 &#9889;\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/FhOvyEAURtw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to replace the Battery 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500 &#9889;\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Chs-WP1LKnA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Not sure if you&rsquo;re dealing with battery issues? Check your vehicle&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/headlight\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"headlights\">headlights<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/tail-light\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"tail lights\">tail lights<\/a>. If they&rsquo;re dim, you probably have a battery problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Throttle Issues<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/bad-throttle-position-sensor-symptoms-what-you-need-to-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"faulty throttle position sensor\">faulty throttle position sensor<\/a> may send incorrect data to the PCM and cause the engine to malfunction, which will illuminate the wrench symbol. Similarly, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/why-clean-the-throttle-body-straight-answers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"dirty throttle body\">dirty throttle body<\/a> may also obstruct airflow into the engine, resulting in similar issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wiring Issues<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Your vehicle has a complex and delicate wiring system that transmits and receives information from the internal electrical components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the PCM or ECM detects something is impeding the flow of information, it will trigger the wrench light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are different ways the wiring could be compromised, from loose connections to damaged or corroded wires. Don&rsquo;t attempt to resolve connection issues on your own unless you&rsquo;re a mechanic. One wrong move can make the problems worse, so it&rsquo;s better to leave the task to professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Oil Change<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In some cases, an illuminated wrench light means you need an oil change because the old one is affecting the performance of your engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out this video on how to change your oil and oil filter:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Change the Oil and the Oil Filter 2009-2014 Ford F150 &#128738;\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xefzDq1skRg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n    <div class=\"ai-summary-widget\">\n\n        <div class=\"ai-summary-grid\">\n\n            <div>\n                <div class=\"ai-avatar\">\n                    <figure>\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/q_auto,dpr_auto,f_auto\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/ai-summary\/ai-bot\" alt=\"AI robot\">\n                    <\/figure>\n                    <span>ELI5<\/span>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div>\n                <p>Imagine your car has a little yellow light that looks like a wrench. When that light turns on, it's like your car saying, \"Hey, I need to see a doctor!\" For some cars, like Mazda, it might just mean it's time for an oil change, like giving your car a fresh drink. For other cars, like Ford, it could mean you need to check the parts that make the car move. So, when you see the wrench light, be sure to take your car to a mechanic so they can figure out what your car needs to feel better. Don't ignore it. It's just like you wouldn't ignore a tummy ache!<\/p>    \n            <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"ai-summary-tooltip\">   \n            <p>Not everyone is an auto repair expert. <strong>ELI5 (&ldquo;Explain Like I&rsquo;m Five&rdquo;)<\/strong> provides layperson-friendly explanations of complex automotive concepts, systems, &amp; parts, so you can fully understand their importance. Great for casual car owners and DIY beginners! Powered by AI.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can You Drive With an Illuminated Wrench Light?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before driving with an illuminated wrench light, you have to figure out what&rsquo;s causing it first. If it&rsquo;s for an oil change or service, then yes, you can drive with one. Otherwise, it&rsquo;s not recommended to take your vehicle out for long periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Before driving with an illuminated wrench light, you have to figure out what&rsquo;s causing it first.<\/p>\n<cite><em>&ndash;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/anthonyharlin\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician\">Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>In most cases, it&rsquo;s best to take your car to a mechanic first to get a proper diagnosis.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 3<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>The dashboard has signs, symbols, and indicators that display crucial information and warnings about your car&rsquo;s condition. If you&rsquo;re driving&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1651,"featured_media":88886,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[52,3751],"tags":[66,100,184,80],"ppma_author":[2607,3742],"class_list":{"0":"post-88643","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-diy","8":"category-warning-lights","9":"tag-ford","10":"tag-honda","11":"tag-mazda","12":"tag-nissan","13":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Does the Wrench Light Mean? - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you\u2019re driving a newer vehicle model, it might have a wrench light. Read on to know what it means on your dashboard and more.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Does the Wrench Light Mean? - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you\u2019re driving a newer vehicle model, it might have a wrench light. Read on to know what it means on your dashboard and more.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-08-10T06:26:40+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-05-24T12:21:04+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/wrench-light-symbol-on-different-car-makes.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1333\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"CarParts.com Research Team, Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@https:\/\/twitter.com\/CarPartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"CarParts.com Research Team\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\\\/\"},\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"$id\":\"1651\",\"name\":\"CarParts.com Research Team\",\"jobTitle\":\"Expert Automotive Writer\",\"description\":\"The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com&#039;s thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.\",\"knowsAbout\":\"Auto Repair, Car Maintenance, Auto Parts, Car Reviews\",\"publishingPrinciples\":\"\\\/blog\\\/our-team\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/thecpteam\\\/\",\"sameAs\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/carpartscom, https:\\\/\\\/twitter.com\\\/CarPartscom, https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/@CarPartscomOfficial\\\/, https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/carpartscom\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"$id\":\"1651\",\"name\":\"Anthony Harlin\",\"jobTitle\":\"ASE Master Automobile Technician\",\"description\":\"Tony Harlin is a Master Gas and Diesel Diagnostic Technician with over 18 years of experience. He works full-time at a large independent automotive shop as a driveability and repair technician working on all types of vehicles with a focus on diesels. ASE certifications include A1-A9, L1 and L2, as well as X1.\",\"knowsAbout\":\"Auto Repair, Car Maintenance, Auto Parts, Car Reviews\",\"publishingPrinciples\":\"\\\/blog\\\/our-team\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/anthonyharlin\\\/\",\"sameAs\":\"https:\\\/\\\/youtube.com\\\/c\\\/nutsboltswithtone, https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/nuts_n_bolts_with_tone\\\/, https:\\\/\\\/vm.tiktok.com\\\/ZMeESTrYT\\\/\"}],\"headline\":\"What Does the Wrench Light Mean?\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-08-10T06:26:40+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-24T12:21:04+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":917,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/wrench-light-symbol-on-different-car-makes.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"ford\",\"honda\",\"mazda\",\"nissan\"],\"articleSection\":[\"DIY\",\"Warning Lights\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\\\/\",\"name\":\"What Does the Wrench Light Mean? - In The Garage with CarParts.com\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/wrench-light-symbol-on-different-car-makes.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-08-10T06:26:40+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-24T12:21:04+00:00\",\"description\":\"If you\u2019re driving a newer vehicle model, it might have a wrench light. Read on to know what it means on your dashboard and more.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/wrench-light-symbol-on-different-car-makes.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/wrench-light-symbol-on-different-car-makes.jpg\",\"width\":2000,\"height\":1333,\"caption\":\"wrench light symbol on different car makes\"},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"In The Garage with CarParts.com\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"CarParts.com\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/cp-itg-logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/cp-itg-logo.png\",\"width\":2048,\"height\":398,\"caption\":\"CarParts.com\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/carpartscom\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/carpartscom\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/carpartscom\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/@CarPartscomOfficial\\\/\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9f8a8b00e1b9f62f86295617b525e1f0\",\"name\":\"CarParts.com Research Team\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/thecpteam.jpg485c93be26f8b27acc17cbe4a2313397\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/thecpteam.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/thecpteam.jpg\",\"caption\":\"CarParts.com Research Team\"},\"description\":\"The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/thecpteam\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/carpartscom\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/carpartscom\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/https:\\\/\\\/twitter.com\\\/CarPartscom\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/@CarPartscomOfficial\\\/\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/thecpteam\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"What Does the Wrench Light Mean? - In The Garage with CarParts.com","description":"If you\u2019re driving a newer vehicle model, it might have a wrench light. Read on to know what it means on your dashboard and more.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"What Does the Wrench Light Mean? - In The Garage with CarParts.com","og_description":"If you\u2019re driving a newer vehicle model, it might have a wrench light. Read on to know what it means on your dashboard and more.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\/","og_site_name":"In The Garage with CarParts.com","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom","article_author":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom","article_published_time":"2023-08-10T06:26:40+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-05-24T12:21:04+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2000,"height":1333,"url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/wrench-light-symbol-on-different-car-makes.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"CarParts.com Research Team, Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@https:\/\/twitter.com\/CarPartscom","twitter_site":"@carpartscom","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"CarParts.com Research Team","Est. reading time":"4 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\/"},"author":[{"@type":"Person","$id":"1651","name":"CarParts.com Research Team","jobTitle":"Expert Automotive Writer","description":"The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com&#039;s thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.","knowsAbout":"Auto Repair, Car Maintenance, Auto Parts, Car Reviews","publishingPrinciples":"\/blog\/our-team\/","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/thecpteam\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom, https:\/\/twitter.com\/CarPartscom, https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@CarPartscomOfficial\/, https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/carpartscom\/"},{"@type":"Person","$id":"1651","name":"Anthony Harlin","jobTitle":"ASE Master Automobile Technician","description":"Tony Harlin is a Master Gas and Diesel Diagnostic Technician with over 18 years of experience. He works full-time at a large independent automotive shop as a driveability and repair technician working on all types of vehicles with a focus on diesels. ASE certifications include A1-A9, L1 and L2, as well as X1.","knowsAbout":"Auto Repair, Car Maintenance, Auto Parts, Car Reviews","publishingPrinciples":"\/blog\/our-team\/","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/anthonyharlin\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/youtube.com\/c\/nutsboltswithtone, https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/nuts_n_bolts_with_tone\/, https:\/\/vm.tiktok.com\/ZMeESTrYT\/"}],"headline":"What Does the Wrench Light Mean?","datePublished":"2023-08-10T06:26:40+00:00","dateModified":"2025-05-24T12:21:04+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\/"},"wordCount":917,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/wrench-light-symbol-on-different-car-makes.jpg","keywords":["ford","honda","mazda","nissan"],"articleSection":["DIY","Warning Lights"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\/","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\/","name":"What Does the Wrench Light Mean? - In The Garage with CarParts.com","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/wrench-light-symbol-on-different-car-makes.jpg","datePublished":"2023-08-10T06:26:40+00:00","dateModified":"2025-05-24T12:21:04+00:00","description":"If you\u2019re driving a newer vehicle model, it might have a wrench light. Read on to know what it means on your dashboard and more.","inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-does-the-wrench-light-mean\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/wrench-light-symbol-on-different-car-makes.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/wrench-light-symbol-on-different-car-makes.jpg","width":2000,"height":1333,"caption":"wrench light symbol on different car makes"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/","name":"In The Garage with CarParts.com","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"CarParts.com","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cp-itg-logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cp-itg-logo.png","width":2048,"height":398,"caption":"CarParts.com"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom","https:\/\/x.com\/carpartscom","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/carpartscom","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@CarPartscomOfficial\/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/9f8a8b00e1b9f62f86295617b525e1f0","name":"CarParts.com Research Team","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/thecpteam.jpg485c93be26f8b27acc17cbe4a2313397","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/thecpteam.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/thecpteam.jpg","caption":"CarParts.com Research Team"},"description":"The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/thecpteam\/","https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/carpartscom\/","https:\/\/x.com\/https:\/\/twitter.com\/CarPartscom","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@CarPartscomOfficial\/"],"url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/thecpteam\/"}]}},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/wrench-light-symbol-on-different-car-makes.jpg","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/wrench-light-symbol-on-different-car-makes.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"CarParts.com Research Team","author_link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/thecpteam\/"},"authors":[{"term_id":2607,"user_id":1651,"is_guest":0,"slug":"thecpteam","display_name":"CarParts.com Research Team","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/thecpteam.jpg","url2x":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/thecpteam.jpg"},"0":null,"1":"","2":"","3":"","4":"","5":"","6":"","7":"","8":""},{"term_id":3742,"user_id":1647,"is_guest":0,"slug":"anthonyharlin","display_name":"Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/anthony-harlin.png","url2x":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/anthony-harlin.png"},"0":null,"1":"","2":"","3":"","4":"","5":"","6":"","7":"","8":""}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88643","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1651"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=88643"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88643\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/88886"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=88643"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=88643"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=88643"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=88643"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}