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Jun 28, 2019 - 7 minute read

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What Does The Wrench Light Mean On A Ford

What Does The Wrench Light Mean On A Ford
(Last Updated On: September 29, 2020)

What Does The Wrench Light Mean On A Ford - Ford Wrench Light Meaning

Are you a worried Ford driver because you saw a little wrench light pop up on your dashboard?

This issue has led to the common question of what does the wrench light mean on a ford escape? We are here to help.

There are a few causes for this light to pop up on a ford.  These are some of the top reasons the wrench light pops up on your Ford’s dashboard.

Short Answer: A wrench light can pop up on your Ford dashboard due to several issues including throttle issues, transmission issues, carburetor issues (if your vehicle has one), writing or electrical issues, battery problems or your oil could need changing.

Lets explain in more detail:

Wrench Symbol On Dashboard Ford Issues - Ford Wrench Light Meaning

Issue 1. Throttle Issues

Many have found that when the wrench light pops up on their Ford, it is likely to be a throttle problem.

They usually find this light coming on when they are trying to get their car to crank, or it has stalled on them and will not start up again.

It is suggested that you have your car towed into a mechanic’s garage, or, if you are one of the lucky few who still have your car on and able to drive, you drive your vehicle to a garage immediately.

Ford wrench light throttle

Ford wrench light throttle

It is unsafe to drive with this light on for long as it may stall and won’t come back on at any given moment. In most cases, you will have your vehicle finished the same day it is brought in.

Step 2. Transmission Issues

Another top issue for the wrench to pop up on your Ford dash is your transmission. Your wrench light could pop on out of nowhere and your vehicle could be driving just fine.

Or, in some cases, little problems here are there may have been creeping on over time and your wrench light in your Ford’s dashboard may have come on.

Ford wrench light Transmission Issues

Ford wrench light Transmission Issues

No matter the way your light has come on, it is time to take your Ford into a mechanic to be looked at.

Auto mechanic experts will be able to tell you if it is your transmission and how they will go about fixing it for you. Sometimes the transmission just dies on you, and sometimes it can be a simple wire from your transmission that has come undone.

Unfortunately, you may be without your Ford for a few days while it is being repaired.

Step 3. Carburetor Issue

Another top issue when your wrench light comes on is your carburetor. In most cases, your carburetor will cause your vehicle to start jolting or becoming overly hot, as it has been reported by several Ford owners.

When this happens, the wrench light will come on and it will be time to take your vehicle in to be serviced.

Ford Carburetor wrench light

Ford Carburetor wrench light

You may be lucky and your carburetor might need a simple cleaning, or you will need your carburetor to be rebuilt or get a brand new one altogether.

It depends on the damage and issue behind the carburetor damage. You can either have your vehicle back the same day or it may be in the shop a couple of days, depending on how it will be fixed.

Step 4. Wiring Issue

And sometimes, it may not be anything but a loose wire. Some Ford owners have received the wrench light and have taken their vehicle in to be serviced and found out very good – however annoying – news.

They have a wire that has slipped off or the wire needs to be repaired.

Ford wrench light wiring Issues

Ford wrench light wiring Issues

It, in most cases, it is a wire to the vehicle’s computer. This usually takes no more than an hour or two depending on the wire and you and your Ford will be good to leave the mechanic’s shop.

Step 5. Battery Issue

Your car’s battery may play a part in your wrench light coming on as well. This could be due to your battery running low, or your battery dying altogether.

When this happens, you need to take your car in right away to a professional mechanic and have them look it over.

Ford battery issue wrench light

Ford battery issue wrench light

They can usually find the problem and have it fixed or changed in a matter of an hour. Most mechanics have found that the battery is going bad and that is messing with Ford’s lighting system, including the wrench.

You should have your car fixed and ready to drive out of the shop the same day it is brought in.

Step 6. Oil Change

The best news you could receive is that your oil needs changing. A lucky few have gone to the mechanic with their wrench light coming on in their Ford’s dash and they have gotten a quick oil change and the light mysteriously went away.

Ford oil wrench symbol

Ford oil wrench symbol

The light may have indicated that you were past ready for an oil change (oil should be changed a minimum of every three months or a maximum of every six months).

An oil change will only take a half hour to forty-five minutes and you will be able to drive off with a vehicle running like new!

Should I Worry About The Wrench Light Mean My Ford?

Being a driver can have its perks, but it also has its cons as well. Having trouble with our vehicles can be an agonizing process of elimination, as well as stressful.

Should I Worry About The Wrench Light Mean My Ford

Should I Worry About The Wrench Light Mean My Ford

It also puts a damper on our finances. Not knowing what could be the issue with our transportation can lead to fear, as well as worrying if you will have enough money to be able to fix the issue.

However, the process of finding out what the issue may be can also be worrisome, as well as agitating. This is why many people ignore the wrench light on their Ford.

However, don’t be one of those persons. That wrench light can indicate serious problems that need to be addressed like transmission issues so try to find out the problem as soon as possible.

Conclusion

For some of us, who own Fords at some point in our lives, we will have a Ford that has a problem with its wrench light.

Despite being stressed, it does not mean your car is destined for the junkyard. There are many issues that cause the ford wrench light and so finding out the Ford wrench light meaning should be your first concern.

Ford Wrench Light Meaning

Ford Wrench Light Meaning

The best case scenario is you will have a loose wire or your oil needs changing, and the worst-case scenario is your transmission or some other major part will need repairing.

It is never a good idea to take it upon yourself to find the problem.

When you see your wrench light come on in your Ford’s dash, have it towed or driven into a mechanic immediately. They will be able to fix the issue and have you driving in no time.

So there you go, the answer to the question what does the wrench light mean on a ford fusion?

Vehicle issues may be stressful, but getting your vehicle fixed doesn’t have to be. Your Ford isn’t on its last legs, which is good news.

We always recommend having your vehicle looked at by a professional mechanic. Best of luck with its repair. You’ll be driving again in no time! So that’s it, ford wrench light meaning explained!