Maintenance required light
Also called: wrench light, service due
A scheduled service is due, or on some cars, a powertrain fault.
What it means
On most vehicles the wrench light is a reminder that an oil change or scheduled service is due. On some brands, notably Ford, a wrench light means a powertrain or throttle fault and can come with reduced power.
Green, yellow, red: three ways this can look
Match your situation to the closest example.
Keep an eye on it
It's a service reminder and the car runs normally. Book your oil change and have the reminder reset.
Schedule a repair
It came on with no service due, or on a Ford. Get it scanned; it may be a powertrain fault.
Stop and get help
It's on with reduced power or the throttle not responding. Pull over safely and get help.
Common causes
- Oil change or scheduled service due
- Powertrain or throttle fault on some brands
What to do right now
- Check your service records
- Book the service and have the reminder reset
- If the car runs differently, get the codes read
Related guides
Symbols and meanings vary a little by make and model. Your owner's manual has the exact meaning for your vehicle.
Other warning lights
Questions
What does the maintenance required light mean?
A scheduled service is due, or on some cars, a powertrain fault. On most vehicles the wrench light is a reminder that an oil change or scheduled service is due. On some brands, notably Ford, a wrench light means a powertrain or throttle fault and can come with reduced power.
Can I keep driving with the maintenance required light on?
Green: It's a service reminder and the car runs normally. Book your oil change and have the reminder reset. Yellow: It came on with no service due, or on a Ford. Get it scanned; it may be a powertrain fault. Red: It's on with reduced power or the throttle not responding. Pull over safely and get help.
What causes the maintenance required light?
Common causes: oil change or scheduled service due; powertrain or throttle fault on some brands.
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