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Suspension Setting
These are Suspension Setting and Malfunction Indicator symbols. In green, they denote settings. In yellow/amber/orange they indicate a problem with the suspension system, with one notable exception. Many high-end vehicles provide the ability to adjust the shock absorber damping mode. A Sport setting will stiffen the ride, while a Comfort or Soft setting will soften the ride.
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If neither setting is selected, the shock absorber damping will be “Normal” and no indicator will be shown. Note that most vehicle manufacturers require that the vehicle be stopped in order to change these settings.
This yellow/amber/orange indicator is seen when the latest Alfa Romeo models have their suspensions set to the softest setting. Hence the word soft. There is no indication of a fault in the system and only the comfort setting in green, above, is also used by the company.
Malfunction Indicators
The ability to control settings are likely electronically controlled. Other manufacturers use the same type of system to control the suspension response automatically depending on road conditions. If a failure occurs, an yellow/amber text symbol may be shown. CK SUSP stands for Check Suspension. And the ECS text symbol above is an acronym for Electronically Controlled Suspension.
This acronym, IDS+, translates to Interactive Dynamic Driving System Plus. The manufacturer associates it with their Continuous Damping Control (CDC) and Sport Mode settings. It too indicates a fault in the system if it is seen while driving.
The amber or black an white shock absorber or spring, with or without an exclamation point, is an Active Suspension Warning symbol. In black and white, it is seen in the information screen and will be accompanied by text describing the issue and what can be done.
These show a vehicle, SUV or van, one on an uneven line, meant to be the ground, and the second seen from behind with up down arrow. They too indicate an active suspension issue that needs to be checked. The first version is called an Active Damper System (ADS), where a damper is actually a shock absorber. The second, with two additional indicators below, is the Electronic Air Suspension system from Toyota.
This is yet another version of an Air Suspension system, shown as a rectangle pinched in the center with arrows above and below and an exclamation point inside, which denotes a malfunction. In any of these cases, if the advanced system fails, the suspension will default to an average and perfectly safe response mode and the car will be safe to drive. Have the advanced system checked out by you dealer or authorized repair shop as soon as possible.
This is another version of an indicator for an Air Suspension system. It is seen as arrows pointing both up and down in black and white in the information screen. The arrows will fill in as the ride height is adjusted up or down.
A yellow/amber picture symbol that shows a car with two arrows under it or the text AIR SUSP are other Suspension Malfunction Indicators. Here, the symbols are connected to an air suspension system, which has the ability to raise or lower the vehicle. The arrows are meant denote up or down motion.
In red, the symbol indicates that the suspension system will not operate. A malfunction in an air suspension system will likely leave the vehicle at the bottom of its height range and thus too close to the ground for anything but the smoothest road surfaces.
Air Suspension Malfunctions
These are Air Suspension Fault Indicators. It will illuminate in the event of a problem with the air suspension system. Reducing the vehicle’s speed would be prudent under this condition as vehicle control could be compromised. The red version is from Vauxhall.
Cadillac, GMC Variations
A similar set of images are shown here for an SUV or pick-up from Cadillac and/or GMC. The first will be seen when the suspension system air in this case is raised (up arrow) or lowered (down arrow) changing the ground clearance. It will flash green and give an alert to indicate that the vehicle is changing the ride height.
The indicator light with the padlock and two arrows comes on when the air suspension is in Service or Alignment Mode. Three lines below a down arrow indicates the vehicle has been lowered for easy entry or exit (two lines) or low rider mode (three lines).
Note that if any symbol appears in red, reduce speed and have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible. Control of the vehicle is likely compromised and potentially dangerous.
Toyota Variations
These two indicators are part of the Electronic Air Suspension system from Toyota, with the fault indicator above. The N indicates normal mode for ordinary driving, and where the height is adjusted automatically. High from High mode is for driving on bumpy roads at below 18 mph. Low mode is used for easier entry or exit and is unavailable when the vehicle’s speed exceeds 8 mph. Either mode can be chosen, but if the speed exceeds those shown, the height automatically returns to normal.
The Man. indicator is shown when the auto function is turned off. The air suspension system is then in manual mode.
Jeep Variations
And then we move to a set of eight, yes eight symbols from Jeep, all associated with its air suspension system. The first two are Air Suspension Active Indicators, which will be on when the system is actively adjusting the ride height up or down.
Next are a series of mode settings in text. First is the Entry/Exit Indicator, which means the vehicle has been lowered to make it easier to get in and out of the vehicle. Next up is the Air Suspension Aerodynamic (AERO) Height Indicator, which says that the system is set to optimize aerodynamics.
Then we have the OFF RD (road) 1 and OFF RD 2 settings. As might be expected, the text symbols are height adjustments to account for off road condition. Setting 1 raises the vehicle and setting 2 is higher still.
These are actually earlier versions of the Air Suspension Indicators. They simply show up and down arrows in what are likely supposed to be air bladders. They look more like hats and are of course intended to indicate where the vehicle’s height is set.
These four Air Suspension Indicators include a bit of text description, which identifies the function. Up or down arrows are added as well. The first two indicate that the vehicle is being Lowered or Raised. The third, Alt, or alternate, Height, is used when hauling a trailer and automatically keeps the vehicle level. Finally, Bed Low is a simple reminder that the bed has been lowered.
Ford Variations
These are Suspension Setting Indicators associated with the Ford Bronco G.O.A.T. system. Left to right are Normal, with a shock absorber; Off-road, adding the flag and cactus; and Sport, with the cap S, modes.
Maserati Variations
These two symbols from Maserati are related to the company’s own Air Suspension System it refers to as a Lift System. The first symbol indicates a fault with the system and Maserati suggests it not be used until it can be serviced. The second is an overload warning. In this case, relieving some load from the vehicle will restore functionality.
These two black and white symbols that include the full length of the vehicle and up and down arrows are used to simply indicate that the vehicle is being lifted (first image) or lowered (second image).
The company also uses these two symbols, which are essentially drive modes. The first features the letter S at the top is a suspension setting for Sport Mode. The second indicates a Hard suspension mode is chosen.
Linked Systems
Since these systems are likely be tied to the vehicle’s Stability Control System (as well as the steering system), a second light, similar to the one to the right, may appear as well, indicating that the System has been turned off. Click here (first image) or or here (second image) for more information or see our Multiple Symbols page for more information.
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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.
The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY