Ford powertrain fault light
Ford's light for a fault in the powertrain: it comes on when the powertrain needs service.
Easily confused with
How to read it
Ford's 2024 Escape manual says the powertrain fault light illuminates when the powertrain requires service, and to have the system checked as soon as possible. The 2020 F-150 manual calls it the powertrain malfunction/reduced power/electronic throttle control light, and says it comes on when the system has detected a powertrain or four-wheel-drive fault.
Also searched as: Ford wrench light, powertrain malfunction light, wrench light.
Ford lights vary by model and year. The owner’s manual for the vehicle says what each light means on it, and a Ford dealer or a qualified mechanic can say what it means for a particular car.
Not the check engine light
The F-150 manual lists it separately from the service engine soon light, Ford's name for the check engine light, which reports a malfunction in the emission control system.
More ford dashboard symbols
Sources
- 2024 Ford Escape Owner’s Manual, Ford Motor Company, Instrument Cluster: warning lamps
- 2020 F-150 Owner's Manual, Ford Motor Company, Instrument Cluster: warning lamps and indicators
Last reviewed September 28, 2026 by Rory Hansen. How we research