If you own a 2006 Honda Accord, you know this is a long-lasting vehicle with much to offer drivers.
To keep it going, you do have to maintain it. A display of something like a wrench light on your dash means your vehicle needs some type of attention.
What does the wrench light mean on the 2006 Honda Accord?
Many vehicles display a light on the dashboard when the vehicle needs attention. A lit wrench-like symbol on the dash indicates the Honda Accord needs some type of minor maintenance. This may include an oil change. You may also see a percentage sign next to this. That’s the oil life indicator.
Understanding what these features are and how to take care of them is important for all owners. We’ll break down that information here for you to ensure you’re properly maintaining your engine. Be sure to learn more about the 2006 Honda Accord’s Vehicle History to keep up on the maintenance.
What is the Dashboard Light?
As you are driving your vehicle, you are probably checking your speed and your fuel levels on the dashboard. This area is an information center for you, as the driver. It is important to monitor it for any changes that occur.
Your vehicle’s engine and other components have sensors throughout them. These sensors help to provide information to you about what’s happening within the vehicle. This includes when you need to do something to ensure your vehicle is properly maintained, safe, and reliable. Dash light indicators are a simple way for the car to tell you what it needs.
The wrench symbol is one of the most common you’ll likely see. It is the maintenance light. Most of the time, when this light comes on, it is your Maintenance Minder feature letting you know that the vehicle needs to be serviced. The manufacturer always recommends taking your vehicle into the dealership for any type of maintenance, but there are some things you may wish to do on your own.
Honda’s Maintenance Minder tool is one of the best features on the vehicle (aside from the power and performance)! This tool helps you to follow the factory-recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle.
Doing this helps to protect your warranty and ensures the best lifespan for each component of your vehicle. Get to know how it works.
How to Read the Maintenance Minder Lights
On the Honda Accord, the wrench symbol simply means maintenance. It is not always an oil change, but something that needs to be done to ensure the vehicle is operating properly. The dash displays the yellow/orange wrench as well as a letter and number. This gives you insight into what needs to be done.
Here is a look at what the codes mean:
- Engine oil needs to be replaced
- Replace the engine oil and the oil filter, inspect the front and rear brakes, inspect the tie rod ends, driveshaft boots, brake hoses and lines, steering gear box and boots, exhaust system, fuel lines and connections, and all fluid levels and conditions
One of those two codes will be displayed. You also have a series of maintenance sub-items, as Honda calls them.
These are displayed with a number. Here’s what they mean:
- Rotate the tires.
- Replace the air cleaner element, replace the dust and pollen filter, inspect the drive belt.
- The transmission fluid needs to be replaced.
- Inspect the valve clearance and replace the spark plugs.
- Replace the engine coolant.
- Replace the brake fluid.
That sounds like a lot of work! Most of the time, the wrench light is easy enough to read from these codes, allowing you to make the changes right away.
Is There a Percentage?
Some vehicles also display a percentage next to the wrench symbol. This may be, for example, 15%. If you see this, it is telling you what the oil life is. When you put new, clean oil into the system, it is at 100% oil life.
Over time, the oil wears down. The computer system keeps track of this by monitoring the oil condition. Ideally, you do not want it to get below 10% before you do something about it.
How to Reset the Maintenance Wrench on the 2006 Honda Accord
Let’s say you did the hard work, changed the oil, and handled anything else necessary to maintain the vehicle. Now, how do you tell the computer that you did it? You’ll need to reset the maintenance light/wrench. The process isn’t too hard to do.
This video provides you with an example:
Here are the steps to follow to reset the maintenance light on the 2006 Honda Accord:
- Turn on the vehicle. You’ll notice the wrench is displayed.
- Depress the small button that is located on the dash display, a few inches from the actual wrench light.
- With the key in place, hold down the button for about 15 seconds.
- The screen next to the speedometer will begin to flash. Wait for all of the numbers to flash.
- Let go and press the button a second time. Hold it in place for another 15 seconds.
- The numbers will change back to the temperature and trip mileage. The wrench light is gone.
That means the maintenance light is reset. You should not do this unless you really have changed the oil and met all maintenance requirements. Remember, these are not just warning lights to disregard but notices that something needs to be done.
Your Honda Accord needs other types of maintenance on a routine basis as well. It is important to check the owner’s manual to ensure you are always providing the right level of maintenance to keep your vehicle running properly.
Keep Your Vehicle in Good Condition
Be sure to check out all of the maintenance your car needs on a routine basis. Your dealership can help you. You can also learn more by looking at the 2006 Honda Accord’s Vehicle History.
