Seeing the Ford wrench light can be alarming, especially if you don’t know what it means. Simply put, a wrench light on Ford trucks is the powertrain malfunction indicator light. Anytime you see the Ford wrench light, it’s an indication that your onboard computer system has detected an issue.
It’s imperative to have your Ford wrench light properly diagnosed by an experienced diesel mechanic in Littleton CO. In fact, it’s suggested that you visit a diesel mechanic as soon as possible.
Failure to do so could turn a minor issue into an exponentially more expensive repair while causing irreversible damage. Let’s take a closer look at what the wrench light on Ford vehicles means. And if you see the Ford wrench light, the experts at Branch Automotive in Littleton CO can and will help.
A Closer Look at the Ford Wrench Light in Littleton CO
While your diesel can’t talk, it can communicate with you. And one of the top ways your diesel communicates is through dashboard indicator lights. If you see the Ford wrench light, it means the sensors in your transmission and accelerator have detected a problem with the
- Temperature,
- Oil pressure, or
- Electronic communication in your drivetrain.
Contrary to popular belief, the wrench light on Ford trucks is designed to protect your transmission and electronic throttle from expensive damage by alerting you as soon as the onboard computer diagnostics detect a problem. Fortunately, a wrench light doesn’t mean you will have an expensive diesel repair bill.
It is, however, your vehicle’s way of requesting a visit to a diesel mechanic in Littleton CO. While the Ford wrench light doesn’t guarantee an expensive repair bill, ignoring it does. In either case, it’s imperative to have your Ford wrench light properly diagnosed and the underlying issue repaired by a diesel mechanic in Littleton CO.
Is the Ford Wrench Light the Same As the Check Engine Light?
No, there is a difference between the wrench light on Ford F-250s and the Check Engine Light. The wrench light is designed to monitor your transmission and other parts. In contrast, the Check Engine Light is a warning light for your Powerstroke diesel engine and/or exhaust system, which is responsible for managing the combustion process and getting rid of toxins.
The Check Engine Light can be triggered if engine sensors are not working, the engine is misfiring, or exhaust fumes are out of specification. While the lights are different, they do share two very important commonalities:
- Neither light should be ignored. If you see any dashboard indicator, it’s best to have a digital vehicle inspection in Littleton CO as soon as possible.
- If you do choose to ignore the Check Engine Light or the Ford wrench light, it can result in catastrophic failure.
What Happens If I Ignore the Ford Wrench Light in Littleton CO?
If you ignore the wrench light on Ford F-250s, your truck may be absolutely fine for a while — until it’s not. There is a possibility if you pull over, turn your truck off, wait a few minutes, and start it back up, the error light will clear. If this occurs, you should closely watch the indicator lights carefully. It is still best to have vehicle diagnostics performed to ensure all parts are functioning properly.
Beware of Ford Limp Mode
However, when your Ford F-250 detects a significant problem that makes your vehicle unsafe, it will automatically put your engine in limp mode, which will greatly impact your ability to drive and accelerate. Once your truck is in limp mode, you will need to visit an experienced diesel mechanic in Littleton CO to have the underlying code cleared and repaired.
Contact Branch Automotive in Littleton CO for Fast Ford Wrench Light Service & Repair
At Branch Automotive in Littleton CO, we are the top Ford F-250 and diesel repair shop in the area. Our ASE-certified mechanics boast years of experience working on all types of diesel engines and heavy-duty trucks. As your local specialists, we leverage state-of-the-art equipment and tools to quickly diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair any dashboard indicator light. Don’t wait! If you see the Ford wrench light, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Contact Branch Automotive today by calling (303) 771-2224, or stop by to see us at 6030 E County Line Road in Littleton, CO.