When you own a Ford Fusion, you know it is a reliable vehicle that keeps your fuel usage in check and your family safe. However, every vehicle needs help sometimes.
If you see a wrench light on the dash, you may be unsure of what that means or what to do. It’s not as bad as it seems.
What does the Ford Fusion wrench light on the dash mean?
The Ford Fusion will display a wrench light when there is a need to have the vehicle inspected. It means that, for some reason, the car’s computer is registering a fault code. The code itself will tell you what’s wrong with the vehicle. It works much like a check engine light but can apply to various areas of the car.
What does that mean? What do you have to do next? You probably still have a lot of key questions weighing on your mind. That’s why we’ll provide you with some insight and support here about the next steps. You’ll learn everything you need to know about the Ford Fusion wrench light.
What are Error Codes?
The Ford Fusion has a computer system within it. It helps control all aspects of the car’s function. It monitors the function while you drive. To do this, there are sensors throughout the vehicle. When the vehicle’s sensors pick up a problem, the computer needs to tell you about it. It displays an indicator on the dash of most Ford Fusion models. That gives you an indication that something is wrong.
What Does the Wrench Light on the Dash Mean?
The wrench light looks like a tool. It lights up when there is a problem with the vehicle. This usually means there is a problem with the powertrain on the Ford Fusion. When you see this light, it is time to bring your vehicle in for repairs.
It is not wise to operate your vehicle while the light is on for an extended amount of time. Rather, you should get home or to the dealership as soon as possible.
The powertrain of your vehicle is the mechanism that provides power to the wheels of your vehicle.
That’s a lot of components! Generally, it includes the engine itself as well as the transmission and driveshaft. When you see a wrench light come on, then that means that any one of these components, or others, could be having a problem.
Generally, this happens because there is a malfunction in the powertrain components. It could also mean something is causing a drop in the power to the transmission. When the sensors notice this, they then light up so that you can take appropriate action to find out what’s wrong.
What can happen if you keep driving with a lighted wrench on your Ford Fusion dash? In rare cases, it may be nothing to worry about. Most of the time, though, these sensors are very accurate. They generally will light up only when there is a significant problem.
If you keep driving, that means you could do damage to your transmission or your engine. These are some of the most valuable components of your vehicle.
With the Ford Fusion, some of the most common causes for the wrench to light up include:
- The all-wheel-drive on the vehicle is malfunctioning
- The powertrain is not getting enough power
- The engine is misfiring
What Should You Do if You Have a Wrench Light on the Dash?
When that wrench light pops up, your first step should be to seek out a repair shop. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to learn what the specific code or problem is to your vehicle unless you have it read by a professional mechanic.
The mechanic has a device they can plug into your car. This will pull up any error codes presented.
This will tell you what is wrong with the vehicle. It is often a pretty clear indication of what happened but sometimes may not provide enough information to make a repair.
If you have a powertrain fault, Ford recommends calling your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have a technician take a closer look.
Are There Problems with the Ford Fusion Powertrain?
Every vehicle can develop problems with the powertrain. That may include small concerns or much larger ones. Sometimes, you just need to have the transmission flushed. Other times, it may be due to a failed component.
There are some recalls issued over the last few years for the Ford Fusion related to the powertrain.
- Ford recalled the 2017 Ford Fusion vehicles with a 2.0L (122 ci) gas engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. These vehicles have problems with the torque converter weld studs being improperly secured. This could lead to the vehicle’s powertrain failing and even cause the car to stall. This can be a key reason why the wrench light is on.
- Ford recalled the 2013 to 2016 Ford Fusion vehicles with a 2.5L (152 ci) engine in 2019. These vehicles have bushings that hold the transmission shifter cable to the transmission itself. Over time, they become worn and can cause the bushing to detach from the transmission. This would cause the wrench dashboard light to occur.
Consumers also have reported a number of problems with the powertrain over the years. Some of the most common include:
- Stalling out
- Transmission fluctuations that lead to jerking movements
- Loss of acceleration or ability to increase speed on the highway
- Transmission slipping
- Trouble with the engine moving after a stop, such as at a light
If you’ve had any of these issues and you see a wrench light on your dash, that’s a good reason to bring your car in for a repair.
Know About Your Ford Fusion
If you’re thinking about buying a pre-owned Ford Fusion or want more information about the make and model you own, check out its Vehicle History. You may find this can open the door to more insights about your vehicle.
