Tow or Haul Mode and Fault Indicators

Tow Mode

These are Tow or Haul Mode and Fault Indicator symbols. If your vehicle is equipped with Tow Mode, one of these lights will be lit when the mode is selected. The symbol may be in text, using the word TOW and or HAUL, or as an image of one of several forms of a trailer.

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

In green or blue, the indicators simply mean that Tow or Trailer Mode is active. The mode detects a proper connection for trailer lights and possibly the hitch itself and the indicator illuminates. Many manufacturers are moving to the use of black and white images in the information screen for the same purpose.

Many More Versions

In more advanced models, the second image above with the trailer is used to indicate that a Trailer Merge Assist system has been activated. It is tied directly to the towing vehicle’s blind spot monitoring system. Click the link for more.

The image with arrows above the trailer is no more than a Trailer Connected indicator. It illuminates when a trailer is connected and will go out when it is disconnected. The same is true of the image of the trailer hitch ball and the trailer, both shown in green.  The color makes more sense too. There’s little need for a warning color when simply noting something normal. The final image looks like a 19th century covered wagon.

If any of these illuminate unexpectedly, including the text versions to the left, the system has likely been switched on accidently. Find the proper switch to turn it off, or, lacking a switch, check with a service center. Tow + mode is shown here. This mode, from Toyota, is used when towing trailers that weigh more than 5000 lb. (2268 kg).

These versions however, are trailering fault warnings. The exclamation point in the triangle above the trailer in the first image is the give away. If illuminated, check all electrical connections as well as the physical trailer connection(s). Otherwise, the issue may involve the main vehicle’s suspension or stability control systems and a qualified service shop will be needed.

The second has the line through what is the trailer image again set inside the circle and brackets. The latter is the standard image depicting brakes. It indicates that the trailer’s brakes are in fact disconnected. It is likely an electronic system and thus a wiring issue.

The third and fourth are simply seen in white. Make the same checks as above.

Some vehicles offer Sway Control for use while towing, a system that works in in conjunction with the Stability Control System. And like that system, the Sway Control Indicator will flash when sway is detected and being corrected.

The indicator to the left is usually associated with lighting issues, but the Smart division of Mercedes-Benz uses this to indicate a Trailer Towing Module fault. The Towing module is associated with Trailer Stability Assist, as above, but may also indicate a trailer lighting issue. Do check the wiring connections.

Similar to the symbol directly above, the symbol to the left is a Trailer Lighting Fault indicator used on some Volvo vehicles. It points strictly to a lighting issue. Once again, be sure to do a thorough check of the wiring connections.

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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.