What does a small wrench displayed on the dashboard mean?
2 Answers
A small wrench indicator light on the dashboard is a reminder for the driver to perform vehicle maintenance. In other words, when this light stays on for a long time, it's time to take the car to a 4S shop for servicing. After the maintenance is completed, there is a reset procedure that needs to be followed to reset the maintenance light. If not reset, the indicator light will remain on even after maintenance has been performed. Steps to reset the maintenance light: 1. With the engine off, press and hold the trip meter reset button located below the tachometer; 2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, release the trip meter reset button, and the SERVICE sign will appear on the display; 3. Pull out the minute button on the clock and turn it to the right, the mileage will appear on the display; 4. Turn off the engine to reset the reminder message; 5. Turn the ignition to the ON position again, and the SERVICE sign will disappear.
The small wrench icon on the dashboard is actually the vehicle's maintenance reminder light, similar to a phone alarm. When I first encountered it, I thought it was a malfunction, but after checking the manual, I realized it automatically lights up based on mileage or time to remind you of scheduled maintenance. For example, my Japanese car lights up every 5,000 kilometers—after an oil change, the technician resets it using a computer to turn it off. Some people manually reset it by holding down a dashboard button (depending on the car model), but I personally recommend going to a proper maintenance center for a check-up. After all, maintenance isn't just about changing the oil; things like brake pad thickness and tire wear should also be inspected by a professional for peace of mind.