Late Ford models, particularly AWD or 4WD vehicles, have an amber warning light in the form of a wrench. An indicator light for a powertrain issue is the wrench light on Ford cars. The wrench light illuminates and the vehicle’s performance is limited when the computer in the car senses an issue with the engine or transmission.
Why Is There A Spanner Light?
The wrench light has a similar significance as the check engine light. The wrench light comes on when the computer notices something wrong with the engine or transmission. The check engine light might come on simultaneously or afterward.
What Distinguishes The Wrench Light From The Check Engine Light?
Many aspects about two indicator lights are the same. They might both shine at once. The check engine light is a component of the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system that is standardized on all vehicles made in the U.S. from the model year 1996 and later. Additionally, the wrench light denotes gearbox and throttle control-specific issues.
What Should You Do If The Wrench Light Illuminates?
First of all, because a car may have severely limited acceleration or transmission shifting, you might not have many options besides pulling over. What you do next after stopping the car is crucial.
Even if the check engine light isn’t on, the computer almost certainly saves the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). The check motor light is not activated by pending codes. Get the codes if you have an OBD diagnostic tool. Visit a nearby parts shop if you don’t have one; they might scan the computer for you at no cost. Due to decreased engine power, your car might be in a state that makes it difficult to get to the stores. The wrench light might then go out if you restart the engine after turning it off for a while, and your vehicle might start and operate normally after that. You may perform self-diagnosis if restarting the engine momentarily resolves the issues, provided you feel safe doing so. It implies that you can attempt to determine precisely when the wrench indicator turns on.
Most Inexpensive OBD Scan Tools
For instance, after doing this a few times, you discover that the wrench light turns on each time the vehicle shifts into third gear. You can infer from this that the communication is the likely source of the issue. Even though you’re not a DIY enthusiast, this knowledge will aid a technician in identifying and resolving the wrench light issue.
Please be aware that most inexpensive OBD scan tools cannot detect the pending codes and the manufacturer-specific codes if you are thinking about purchasing an OBD scan tool (B-codes, C-codes, or U-codes, neither.)
Blue Driver Connections
In my experience, the wrench indicator typically has manufacturer-specific codes that begin with P1xxx. As a result, you’ll need an excellent one. Until recently, only expensive, professional-grade scan equipment could read all of these codes. However, you can now purchase one for a much lower price. An OBD scan tool called Blue Driver connects to a software on a smartphone. You can obtain all these codes for a few makers, including Ford.
When the wrench light illuminates, you should examine an electronic throttle body (ETB) and obtain DTCs, particularly if your car has a lot of mileage. The ECB’s carbon buildup and sticky gunk can hinder the throttle plate’s movement and make it difficult for the computer to determine the proper throttle location. The computer activates the wrench lamp and switches the engine to limp-home mode when this occurs. In order to perform the idle relearn process, clean the ETB with the proper cleaner if it is dirty.
Contrast This With The Reminder Signal For An Oil Change.
Some individuals mistake the tool light for an oil change notification light. Ford vehicle oil life reset procedures are covered in a number of YouTube films. Some films, however, misidentify the wrench light as the oil reminder light. The proper way to reset the oil change reminder light is demonstrated in the videos. But the meaning of these two lights is completely distinct. One light serves as a caution, while the other only serves as a reminder. This indicator light is only found in a select few types and years. They are the Ford Fiesta 2011, 2012, and 2013, as far as I’m aware. Fiestas in other and even more recent versions lack one. Instead, the “Engine oil change due” message that appears on the information display in the majority of Ford cars serves as a reminder.
Conclusion
A powertrain malfunction warning light is the wrench light. You might notice a significant drop in the vehicle’s efficiency when it turns on. Throttle control and/or the gearbox are to blame for the issue. The check motor light may illuminate simultaneously with the light. Get the codes with a decent OBD scan tool, regardless of whether the check engine light is on or not, and eliminate potential causes of the issue. Additionally, you should inspect the control body’s interior. Clean it up if it’s dirty, then practice inactive reteaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my car with the wrench light on?
The Light Means you are ready for regular Scheduled Maintenance. You can Drive a little while longer on a Service Light. You should call or go online at stampsauto.com and schedule your next Service. If you have a Warning Light that is Flashing you should pull over and have your Vehicle Towed.
What causes wrench light to come on?
The amber wrench light indicates that your Ford car’s oil needs to be changed, so if it has been a while since you last did so, you should get to it as soon as possible. Ford recommends an oil change every three months, with a maximum cap of six.
How serious is a powertrain malfunction?
You should pull over immediately and get a tow. What is this? Either way, have a nearby repair shop or dealership inspect your car before you drive it again. Continuing to use your car with a powertrain fault might lead to more severe transmission or engine damage.
How do I reset my wrench light?
On your touchscreen/main menu, scroll to Applications —> Vehicle Status Monitor —> Maintenance —> Oil Change —> Reset. At this point, your system will ask if you want to reset the oil-change/life meter. Select YES. Congrats, you’ve just reset your Mazda wrench light!
What is yellow wrench light?
The yellow wrench icon is the indication that the car needs service. It can be oil change, tuning or changing of worn parts.
