What the Hell is that Light on My Dashboard?

Warning Symbols and Tell-tales

What the Hell is that Light on My Dashboard? Automotive service departments across the country are inundated with questions like this on a daily basis. So, what IS that light? That new acronym? What do they mean? Do you know?

Here at DashboardSymbols.com, we will show you, to help you understand what is happening to your vehicle at the first sign of trouble — a new warning light illuminated on your instrument panel. And, with this site, we put the tools you need to get the proper service in the palm of your hand.

Cars are changing, and among those changes is the growing number of symbols and indicators that will invariably show up on your instrument panel. Every year, new features are added to vehicles, each of which is accompanied by a new symbol or acronym. Drivers are frustrated, afraid and sometimes even angry at the growing number of these seemingly senseless symbols. Known as tell-tales in the industry, we are dedicated to keeping them sorted out for you.

On this site you will find pictorial representations of all the little warning lights, symbols and signs that show up from time to time on your instrument panel, including the text versions. We can’t fix a problem for you. What we can do is give you enough information to know what you need to do and perhaps let you breath a little easier.

The intent of DashboadSymbols.com is show you what the symbol is and supply a summary of the function it describes as well as what, if anything, you can do. Certainly we can tell you what the manufacturer expects you to do. For the full function of any feature of your vehicle, refer to your owners manual or contact your dealer.

The point is to help you relax — and keep moving if at all possible — rather than leave you fretting whenever one of these lights shows up. And ultimately to create information tools you can keep with you for use 24/7.

——————————————————————-

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.

Disclaimer and Privacy Policy

View Comments

Recent Posts

Back-up open and start page gets major overhaul

Back-up open and start We've just completed a major overhaul of the back-up open and…

34 minutes ago

Latest Niro re-charge produces only a small range gain

Range gain A week of generally warmer weather and a re-charge added only a modest…

1 day ago

A full 23 new entries added to Chevrolet symbols list

Chevrolet symbols A full review of 2026 Chevrolet symbols adds 23 new indicators to the…

2 days ago

NY International Auto Show adds a Kids EV Test Track

NY International Auto Show This year's NY International Auto Show, to be held April 3–12,…

3 days ago

Performance transmission active indicator

Performance transmission This is a Performance Transmission Active Indicator symbol. Found in the Chevrolet Corvette,…

4 days ago

How to increase your EV’s battery life

EV's battery life In assembling yesterday's post on an EV's battery life, I ran across…

5 days ago