If only the dashboard light never turned on – because that means our car has zero technical issues to deal with!
Unfortunately, even the highest-quality vehicle needs maintenance from time to time.
Hence, it is important to grasp the hidden message behind every light warning – with the Honda CRV wrench light being a case in point.
What does this wrench icon even mean? Should you have to do anything about it? Keep scrolling through my guidelines for tips.
What Does Honda CRV Wrench Light Mean? The Meaning of Each Code
What Does The Wrench Light Mean On A Honda CRV?
What does wrench light mean Honda CRV?
As a major feature in Honda’s latest Maintenance Reminder system, this wrench light signifies your car’s current condition and informs you whenever extra maintenance is needed.
And here’s some great news: the wrench light on Honda CRV is probably the least worrying out of all Honda CRV’s dashboard messages.
Why do I say so? Simple: it merely alerts you to some recommended maintenance services, which are neither urgent nor compulsory.
Let’s look at my example: The wrench icon was triggered on my dash due to the low oil life (below 15%).
I was in a hurry back then and turned a blind eye to the message for a while, but it didn’t pose any immediate risk to my car’s performance.
Of course, it’s recommended that you change the oil as soon as possible.
Oil life is just one of the numerous reasons behind an activated warning light. Let’s explore more symptoms in the next subsection.
Decoding The Signals
These lights do not just change their colors from black to bright orange.
They also arrive with a specific number or letter shown on the dashboard, which symbolizes the maintenance type your CRV Honda needs.
Each code combines an alphabet letter (A or B) and one number (1 to 7).
Though the owner manual usually stores all relevant information regarding the decoding, I know not many drivers keep these manuals with them all the time.
No worries; you can save the table below on your phone instead:
| Code (Alphabets) | Maintenance Tasks |
| A | Replacing engine oil |
| B | Replacing engineReplacing oil filterReplacing low-pressure fuel filter elementsDraining high-pressure fuel filter Inspecting rear and front brakes Checking parking brakes adjustmentsInspecting boots, steering gearbox, and rod ends Inspecting suspension componentsInspecting the drive shaft bootInspecting brake lines and hoses (including VSA/ ABS)Inspecting fluid conditions and levelsInspecting exhaust systemInspecting fuel connections and lines |
| Code (Number) | |
| 1 | Rotating tires |
| 2 | Replacing air cleaner elements (every 24,000 km or 15,000 miles in dusty driving conditions)Replacing pollen and dust filter (every 24,000 km or 15,000 miles if your urban areas suffer from high soot concentration due to diesel-powered and industry vehicles)Replacing fuel filter elementsInspecting drive beltInspecting valve clearanceInspecting fuel tank |
| 3 | Replacing transmission fluid |
| 4 | Replacing spark plugsInspecting cold valve clearance |
| 5 | Replacing engine coolant |
| 6 | Replacing rear differential fluids |
| 7 | Replacing brake fluids |
How to Prevent Honda CRV Wrench Light In The Future? Tips to Maintain Your Honda CRV
Though this CRV wrench light does not point to any emergency issue, I’m certain no drivers want to see it often (it would be better if it’s never activated at all!).
Here are some maintenance tips to keep in mind:
Check The Car’s Overall Performance Regularly
Take some time to inspect the car (preferably once per week) and search for damage.
Keep an eye out for any cuts, paint cracks, and corrosion in the car’s window and locks; even its roof should not be skimmed over, either.
Struggling to arrange your schedule for that task? Then the least you could do is to have experts do that for you. A typical car service often includes:
- Preventive routine maintenance
- Heater/ Air conditioning service
- Engine diagnostic
Check Your Air Filter
A loose or obstructed filter is often the root of numerous technical issues.
Without proper function, it cannot block contaminants, dust, and pollen to keep your car engine healthy.
Instead of performing its designated job, the dirty filter will rob the Honda CRV of its power, reducing its fuel conservation and overall performance!
Hence, replacing the filter at least quarterly is necessary, regardless of how long the car has been on the run.
Check The Air Pressure
Fuel economy and tire pressure are intertwined, impacting your handling and driving comfort during every trip.
Most owner manuals have the recommended pressure clearly specified.
I check my tire pressure weekly, pitching PSI readings against the manual’s instructions to see whether the tires are over- or under-inflated.
And do not hesitate to call for help if needed; for questions as simple as tire pressure, most retailers are willing to give you answers at zero cost.
Clean The Engine’s Exterior
Professionals have discussed long threads about how a clean engine interior is critical. But don’t forget that the exterior is just as important!
Otherwise, improper sanitization will invite debris to all the wrong places and destroy your engine.
Have the engine scrubbed and checked at least twice per month. While DIY endeavors can lift a lot of financial burdens, I still suggest turning to auto shops if your schedule is packed full.
Protect The Headlights
Park on flat surfaces, then switch the headlights on. Ask yourself these two important questions while walking through the car:
- Are the lights working well?
- Are they still in great shape?
For brake lights, I asked a second person to perch at the car’s back while I used the brakes. He helped me confirm whether the brake lights malfunctioned.
Check The Batteries
I cannot stress enough the importance of car batteries – among the most (if not THE most) vital components required for a smooth and proper run.
It offers major electrical power to the starter, engine, and other featured electronic accessories.
Extreme driving conditions (rough terrains, severe temperatures, etc.) tear down its performance faster than lightning. Hence, make sure your battery tests are carried out every few weeks.
Replace The Spark Plugs When Needed
The job of a spark plug is to ignite the air and gas mixture, ultimately powering your Honda CRV.
Their failure to operate the way they should, otherwise, cut the engine power short and reduce the car’s optimal capacity.
Unless you are an average mechanic yourself, it would be best to have someone experienced check out these plugs.
Restore and Rotate The Tires
And, of course, how could one undermine the role of tire rotations in sustaining a car’s performance and safety?
Some benefits of regular tire rotation:
- Smoother ride
- Agile steering responses
- Even-out corrosion, leading to a longer tire’s lifespan (and the car’s, as a result)
Rotate the tire every few months – especially before embarking on long rides or carrying overloaded items.
Check The Cooling System
Over time, the radiator’s natural tear and wear might create a collateral flow that interrupts Honda’s cooling system.
Thankfully, a quick and inexpensive radiator flush can solve the problem in a blink.
It also doesn’t require regular intervals (only every 2 years), which is both a bonus and a downside: drivers tend to forget it completely.
Jot down the task somewhere noticeable and easily accessible (the phone’s note app or Honda’s door sticker, for instance), so you will remember what to do when the due date arrives.
Look For Dust on Your Brakes/Wheels
When applying the brake, particles (known as brake dust or dirt) may come into straight contact with the brake pad and rotors.
Though these specks of dust do not pose any immediate risk to the brake’s function (thank god), they DO ruin the wheel’s smooth run and even leave tough spots that refuse to go away.
I usually use some damp sponge to clean them off my wheels.
Protect The Vehicle From Tough Weather
Nature, severe weather, and harmful radiation might take a toll on your car’s exterior. Apply these simple tips to foster its good shape:
- Keep your car from harsh sunlight. Find a good tree shade on the road whenever you can.
- Wash the car frequently with protective solutions on the rubber and plastic parts.
- Invest in a good car cover to keep the vehicle running well for years to come. Higher-end cars like BMW even offer cold weather packages; check them out.
Leave Complicated Jobs to Mechanics
Mechanics and technicians have already been mentioned a lot throughout this article. Still, I DO understand if some people still want to do everything at home to save budgets.
In the face of global economic meltdowns due to Covid’s 19’s leftover effects, no household is safe!
But here’s one important piece of advice: do not overdo it.
There are certain things you cannot fix on your own, and striving to do it regardless of your limited technical skills only risks worsening the situation.
When the issues are beyond your control, contact a repair service and let it take charge of the rest.
FAQs
Can You Still Drive With The Wrench Light Honda CRV On?
Yes. As mentioned in the first few sections, yellow wrench lights signify a recommended maintenance task rather than something urgent.
But that doesn’t give you a cue to undermine its importance. Certain issues (ex: spark plugs, brake fluids, etc.)
DO get worse if neglected for too long. By then, not only the wrench light, but even your check engine light will also be activated!
Can You Reset The Wrench Light on Honda CR V Without Fixing The Car Issues First?
Technically, you can, by following this simple 3-step guide:
- Step 1. Run the ignition without starting your engine.
- Step 2. Press Reset/Select button (on the dash’s knob or the steering wheel). Keep scrolling/pressing until the wrench icon is displayed.
- Step 3. Press the Reset/Select button and hold it for about 10 seconds. The wrench will start blinking and reset.
But what is the point of this Honda CRV wrench light reset if all your technical problems remain? It’s not like they will vanish into thin air once the maintenance Honda wrench light is erased.
That’s why I still suggest getting to the root of the issue and carrying out all your maintenance task(s).
Conclusion
I hope my inclusive guideline has addressed your questions about the Honda CRV wrench light.
While this maintenance light is pretty unalarming, your refusal to follow through with its recommendations might soon trigger other lights on the dashboard.
Drop by an auto shop before it’s too late!