Automatic Headlight Dimmer and Malfunction Indicator Symbols

Auto Headlamps

These are all Automatic Headlight Dimmer indicator symbols. The system is also known as the High Beam Assistant. Shown in the traditional blue of the high beam indicator or in green, the symbols indicates that the high beams are on and that the system will automatically (AUTO or A) switch between the low and high headlight beams on the automobile depending on whether or not sensors detect oncoming vehicle head lights in the distance.

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

The letter A may or may not be seen inside the drawing representing a lamp. in fact, it often just seems like a game of where else can we drop the letter A! The lines pointing out represent light.

And believe it or not, similar systems have been available in some form on high-end vehicles since the 1950s!

More Versions

One manufacturer has chosen to combine the auto high beam indicator with the park light indicator. With the auto high beam system on, the symbol is seen in blue and green. With the high beam system off, the light is shown in white. The park lights are on in either instance.

This version, in gray scale or black and white, indicates that the high beams have been turned off because a light has been detected in front of the vehicle. The high beams will reactivate when the light is no longer detected. The starker black and white indicates the system is on and working.

Frustratingly, this version, also in black and white, means exactly the opposite — it means that the automated system is on and ready for use! This means that you’ll need to consult your car’s manual to be sure what the light actually means.

These versions are Automatic Headlamp Dimmer Malfunction indicator symbols. They are displayed in yellow/amber/orange. The letter A, for Automatic, sits inside two of the headlamps and an exclamation point is added to the side in one. The other has the word AUTO inside and the color alone is used to indicate a problem. The headlights themselves will continue to function in high or low beam, but they will need to be cycled manually.

Finally, there is this one from Audi which for some reason they use as an Automatic Wiper Fault Indicator as well.  This looks like a hat or a lid open on one side with beams coming out of it to an oval shape in yellow/amber.

All these indicators use the shape of an old style headlamp with lines pointing outward, which are meant to be beams of light. There are others that use these elements, such as those to the right, so don’t confuse them. Click here to learn more.

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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.

These posts are 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.

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.