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Terrain Assist
These are Low Speed, Crawl, Grade and Terrain Assist Indicator symbols. The symbols have a similar look, depicting and SUV-like vehicle on surfaces of various angles and composition. A given symbol will be active only when the system is activated, so if its a surprise, look for an off switch. It will likely have the same symbol on it. Makers of 4-wheel drive vehicles have developed systems to help drivers in off-road environments such as rugged or slippery terrain or steep grades.
- But first, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on below.
- Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!
Symbols seen in black and white are commonly accompanied by a text message. The systems are either on standby and available to use or unavailable. The text message provide the necessary information.
The fifth (last) version is a Hill Start Assist indicator.
Crawl Control
One manufacturer offers this indicator with the set of bars and the word CRAWL above it. It indicates that simply that Crawl Control is turned on. Then the system mode can be chosen: Lo, Lo-Mid, Mid, Mid-Hi and Hi. The range moves from essentially rough roads to very gravelly or snow covered roads.
Grade Assist
Grade assist automatically applies a continuous balance of braking and throttle adjustments to avoid slipping or getting stuck on difficult or slick terrain. Thus the speedometer shown in some images. Generally, these versions will also show a vehicle on a slope. The choice of color is left to the manufacturer, so a yellow/amber/orange indicator is not due to a malfunction.
The system is similar to the Start Assist shown next. The yellow amber version and the green one next to it are All Terrain Progress Control (ATPC) indicators. It is shown to confirm that the ATPC system is enabled. The color is chosen by the manufacturer.
In this case, the color is black and white, as the indicator is displayed on the vehicle’s information screen. The acronym DSR stands for Downhill Speed Regulation. In this instance, the appearance of the symbol indicates a problem with the system, which will be spelled out in text on the screen.
Jeep
One manufacturer, Jeep, sees this as Selec-Speed Control (SSC) and is intended for off-road driving in 4WD Low only. The company has also chosen to use the image both in black and white and green. They mean exactly the dame thing, which is that SSC is active.
As with the other systems, SSC maintains vehicle speed by actively controlling engine torque and brakes. It is activated by pushing the SSC switch.
Note that the company also uses versions seen at the opening of this page.
BMW and Mini Mix
BMW and Mini use these two indicators, although the versions used by BMW feature a more rounded vehicle. The first, in green, says the system is active. The color gray indicates that the system is on standby or is temporarily off line. Note in both cases that a set speed is shown. This is set by the driver and can vary between 2 mph and 20 mph.
Volvo Set
This is a set used by Volvo and points specifically to Hill Descent Control. The yellow/amber/orange version is in fact a fault indicator, as those below. The green version says that hill descent control is active and working. And in black and white the function is enabled but inactive.
Hill Start Assist
The symbol to the right is a Hill Start Assist (HSA) Off Indicator symbol, which will be on if there are any malfunctions while the engine is running indicating that the system is deactivated. The symbol very much resembles those used for grade assist and so are included here.
Hill Hold
To the right are Hill Holder Indicator symbols, which will be illuminated when the hill holder switch is activated. Since the system makes use of the vehicle’s brakes, a brake problem is indicated if the light does not come on when the switch is activated. If this occurs, contact you dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible. Again, these symbols very much resemble those for grade assist and are thus included here.
Malfunction Indicators
These versions indicates a problem with the Hill Start or Hold Assist system or has been turned off. This is why they is seen in yellow/amber/orange. If it is seen, your dealer or a qualified service shop will be needed. The symbol is shown as a car on an angled line alone or inside a circle which itself is inside brackets. The circle and brackets are commonly used in symbols that involve the the vehicle’s brake system.
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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