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Steering Assist
These are Steering and Lane Change Assist Alert Indicator symbols. It will be displayed when hands are not in contact with the steering wheel. If this is the case, steering assist is then disabled. It appears as a steering wheel in gray scale or red.
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It may also appear with two hands shown in red, yellow/amber/orange, green or white. The image of the steering wheel may also be shown in green and yellow/amber/orange under the appropriate conditions, without the hands. Red hands are a warning that the systems is unavailable and requires driver control. White is a standby more while green indicates the system is operating properly.
Audi, Skoda Adaptive Cruise Control
Audi uses both a red and a yellow/amber/orange version as an Adaptive Cruise Control Assist system. How much time has passed since a hand was detected on the steering wheel will determine the color, which is to say it will start yellow/amber/orange and move to red. A steering intervention request will also be seen if the system has reached its operational limits in situations where mapping or lane lines are unclear. Sister company Skoda uses the red version as well as the black and white one.
Steering assist helps to keep the vehicle in its lane and otherwise under control. However, the driver’s hands are to remain on the wheel. When steering wheel operation is detected, the warning is turned off and the steering assist function is restored.
Alternatively, the light may be activated when conditions for steering assist cannot be met. In this case when when steering wheel operation is detected steering assist remains deactivated.
More Steering Assist Symbols
This pair from another manufacturer, seen in green and gray, offer a different perspective. In green, the symbol simply means the system is active. If it is displayed in gray, it means the system is inactive. This can occur if conditions do not allow lane keeping, such as when lane lines are not detected or poor weather conditions.
Similarly from yet another manufacturer, the symbol in gray indicates the system is active. The same symbol in red indicates that the system is off or about to be switched off. Yellow/amber indicates that the system is about to be deactivated or has detected a lane crossing. The wheel may vibrate as well. It should be noted that this particular system takes a more active role in steering the vehicle.
BMW and Mini Lane Change Assist
This system adds Lane Change Assist to Steering Assist. The system has control of the wheel. The symbols are seen in gray when unavailable or green when available and uses an arrow or line on the side required, in response to a turn signal.
The line indicates that a lane change is not currently possible. The arrow in gray means that a lane change is not possible, because of improper parameters, such as poor lane markings. The line in gray means that the lane change is not immediately possibly, likely a traffic concern. In all green, the system changes lanes.
And More Steering Assist Symbols
Another manufacturer uses the images to the left. The first, in red, is a warning that the car has detected a drowsy driver and that he/she must take the wheel. The second, in yellow/amber/orange, says only that the Steering Assist System is active. The third indicates that the system is off.
BMW and Mini Assisted Driving
This set is also from BMW and Mini and includes sets with and without the hands on the wheel. This set also includes gray scale images. It is named Assisted Driving Mode, and we start with the red indicator with hands on the wheel, although it is a warning that the driver’s hands are not on the wheel. The car may bring itself the a stop. In yellow/amber/orange and the manual actually says to not grab the wheel and follows up with do grab the wheel! Clearly a misprint as the system relies on the driver’s hands touching the steering wheel. It will progress to red.
The second set moves from red through gray scale. There is no clear indication as to difference between the two sets or if they are shown together. The red indicator will flash warning that the system is about to disengage. In yellow/amber/orange, the system is warning of a lane crossing, which will shake the wheel. The green indicator says the system is functioning and keeping the vehicle in its lane. In gray, the system is on standby and ready.
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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