What Does the Wrench Symbol on the Car Dashboard Mean?
2 Answers
When a wrench symbol appears on the car dashboard, it is the maintenance reminder light, alerting the owner to take the vehicle to a 4S shop for servicing. Here are the details: 1. After the vehicle has been driven for a certain mileage, the maintenance reminder light prompts the driver to service the vehicle. 2. Note that different manufacturers set different maintenance intervals for their models, so always refer to the vehicle's user manual. 3. After the maintenance is completed, the technician will reset the maintenance light through a setup procedure. If the vehicle is serviced as usual, the "small wrench" symbol can be manually cleared as follows: 1. Insert the key, but do not turn it. 2. Hold down the operating lever next to the odometer for 5–10 seconds, then turn the key to power on. 3. After another 5–10 seconds, start the engine. Keep holding the lever throughout this process without releasing it. 4. Generally, following these steps will clear the small wrench symbol. If it doesn't clear, repeat the same process a few more times.
I was driving on the highway that day when suddenly the little wrench icon on the dashboard lit up, giving me a start. Later, I asked a friend and learned that it was the car's built-in maintenance reminder system at work. It usually activates when reaching a specific mileage or time interval, like after driving 5,000 kilometers or going six months without maintenance, automatically alerting you to change the oil or check the brake system. Ignoring it could lead to gradually increased fuel consumption, noisier engine sounds, or even reduced engine lifespan. Last time I delayed for a month, and the mechanic said the spark plugs were dirty, costing me several hundred bucks. This feature is a smart design by car manufacturers to prevent major issues. It's recommended that owners check the manual for maintenance items as soon as they see the icon and not skimp to save money.
