Door Ajar and Other Open Indicators

Door Ajar etc.

These are Door Ajar or Door Open Indicators. Other related symbols are below. Close the door, trunk lid, rear hatch, hood, or whatever is shown as open in the image as soon as possible. The second image is that of a mini van with the sliding doors shown open on either side. These symbols are usually seen in red, but may also show up in a message center in gray scale and could be in yellow/amber. In a message center, they could be larger as well.

• But first, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on below.
• Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

This is a special case that will show up with a door ajar indicator in some instances. It an exclamation point in red, as is obvious. It is seen when the ignition is on and Driver’s Door is the one open. So long as the vehicle is not in gear, there should be nothing to be concerned about.

Volvo, Polestar special

Some late model (~2025 and newer) Polestar and Volvo models have rather pointlessly added seat coloring, or rather de-coloring, to evidently reinforce the view of which door is open. The driver’s seat is turned white and the driver’s door is shown open.

Any other seat turned white coupled with an open door points to the proper door to look for, including the middle back seat added to the open tailgate.

Trunk lid or tailgate

These versions indicate that the Trunk Lid, Hatch or Tailgate is open or not properly latched. The image to the left adds only a bar behind the vehicle. If the lid, hatch or gate is not obviously open, the image’s meaning may not be obvious.

The fourth image is from Lincoln, and is the third of three possible representation. Only the top or bottom line may be seen or the one shown where the separate rear glass and the liftgate have been left open.

Note that a simple obstruction in a door jamb or trunk latch area may hold any of these slightly open triggering the light. Some manufacturers will have the bar or open door flash, which can help identify the light’s meaning.

Rear doors

These are Rear Door  Open indicators. The first  belongs to a Jeep that has a swing out door. The image has it protruding. The second and third belong to a van and an SUV which have a swing out door rather than a a lift gate. The first two images have a bit at the end looks like a staple.

Hood and sunroof

Finally, these Hood Ajar and Sunroof Open indicators. Take the first one seriously. While every car has a secondary latch to keep the hood from flying up while driving, counting on it alone is dangerous. If this light is on, be sure the hood is closed and/or that nothing is preventing the hood from fully closing. Otherwise, have the light and its trigger serviced as soon as possible. Close the sunroof if you wish.

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The information on this website is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.