Service Due Reminder

What it means

Shown in amber as a wrench, on most cars this light means routine service is due or near, based on distance, time or calculated oil life; it is not a fault. Important: on some makes, such as Ford, an amber wrench signals a powertrain or throttle fault rather than a service reminder. It is normal for it to glow briefly at key-on.

Related lights: Low Engine Oil Level LightOil Pressure Warning LightBrake Pad Wear Warning LightCheck Engine Light

Symptoms4

• The light or a service message appears at start-up and either stays or clears after a few seconds.
• A countdown of distance or days until service on the display.
• No change in how the car drives for a normal reminder.
• Loss of power with the light on makes that use this symbol for faults.

Possible causes4

• Oil change or scheduled service due per the manufacturer schedule.
• The system calculating that oil life has run out because of harsh conditions such as heat and traffic.
• Service done without resetting the reminder afterwards.
• On some makes, a powertrain or throttle fault shown with this symbol.

How to diagnose5

1. Read the display message and the owner's manual to learn what the symbol means on your car.
2. Check the service record and the date and mileage of the last oil change.
3. Check the oil level on the dipstick if the car has one.
4. If it comes with loss of power or limp mode, have the codes read at a workshop.
5. The workshop checks which service items are due at this interval per the manufacturer schedule.

How to fix5

1. Carry out the required service, such as oil and filter change and the scheduled checks.
2. Reset the service reminder from the display menu or as the owner's manual describes.
3. Use a scan tool for the reset if there is no manual method.
4. If the symbol signals a fault on your make, repair the fault the codes point to.
5. After the reset, confirm the new distance to the next service is shown.

The cost depends on the service items due: an oil and filter change at the low end, a major service with several filters and fluids at the high end.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions