The author has 25 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 College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
This is a Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) or Electronic Stability / Stabilization Program (ESP) symbol. These are electronic suspension control systems combining elements of braking, steering and suspension to keep the vehicle under control. If an exclamation point is seen next to the symbol, it indicates a system failure.
These are a unique set of symbols that are part of the main group of Stability Control indicators. It will have an on off switch, and will most often be lit if the system is turned off. Some manufacturers use the symbol to denote systems that they call Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) (meaning traction control) and Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), which is disabled if a fault in the ASR is detected.
Note that Stability Control systems work by applying brake action to individual wheels when a loss of steering control is detected. Braking may be applied to an outer front wheel to counter oversteer, or an inner rear wheel to counter understeer. Its important to note that some systems, depending on the manufacturer, may reduce engine power until control is reestablished.
A flashing symbol likely means the system requires service. The inclusion of the ‘4 x 4’ is a variation in the appearance of the symbol used in 4-wheel drive vehicles.
Remember that these advanced systems come into play in extreme driving conditions, such as poor weather or rounding a curve excessively fast. Your vehicle is safe to drive with them disabled under most conditions. Contact your dealer or authorized service center for repairs.
Here’s a video describing when and how these lights may appear.
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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.
The author has 25 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 College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/dynamic-stability-control-electronic-stability-program/
This is first the 
ECB, or Electronically Controlled Brake Systems symbol, also known as Electronic Brake Force Distribution. Note that the only difference between this and the Canadian brake warning symbol – the exclamation point in a circle – is the color. Yellow/amber indicates a less serious problem than the red version. The electronic control represents a functional enhancement and may be inoperable, including a brake booster issue, but the brakes themselves will still operate.
Second, and before continuing, note that if you have a hybrid vehicle, at least one manufacturer uses the symbol above to indicate a problem with the Regenerative Brake System. Click the link for more.
However, as electronic control of overall brake systems expands, the symbol above is used in Canada to alert to a problem any part of the brake system controlled electronically. These can include Automatic Brake Hold or Electronic Parking Brake system issues, as well as those described above.
In the U.S., the text symbol to the left, Brake System, is used in yellow/amber. Again as above, the brakes themselves, as operated by the brake pedal, remains a hydraulic system and will continue to function normally.
However, if the red BRAKE text warning symbol is also lit, contact your dealer or authorized service center immediately.
Note that the symbol of a circle with “brackets” on either side, broken or otherwise, represents brake components. What is shown inside and the details of the “brackets” and color specify the nature of the problem.
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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.
The author has 25 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 College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/electronically-controlled-brake-system-symbols/
These are Seat Belt Reminder Indicator symbols. Either may appear in the center of the reminder light for the driver or to the right as a passenger reminder. The second version, showing two belted occupants, indicates either the driver or passenger is unbuckled. The third, adding the number 2, points to the front passenger. Regardless, the indicators simply want you to put on your seat belt or belts.
If the illuminated and the vehicle is moving, it is likely to be flashing. The flashing can cause the first light to take on the appearance of a man riding a horse and has been described this way!
For some reason, one manufacturer has added the blue symbol to indicate that a person seated and the seat belt is fastened. Evidently, the fact that the red indicator is not on is not sufficient to indicate that the person’s seat belt is fastened.
This is a Rear Seat Unoccupied Indicator. The light is used to show the driver that a rear seat is unoccupied and he or she does not need to be concerned that a seat belt is unbuckled. It is part of a scan of all seats and seat belts and appears in black and white.
There have since been a large number of these, like those to the right. We’ve addressed them on a separate page. Click here for 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.
The author has 25 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 College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/seat-belt-reminder-indicator-symbols/
This is the Passenger Air Bag Indicator. Either the word on or off will be active in the symbol. The passenger airbags are a hazard to smaller individuals and are designed to be turned off automatically when a small amount of weight is placed on the seat. This can also occur when a package or bag is placed there. If an adult is in the seat and the air bag is off, take the vehicle to your dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible.
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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.
The author has 25 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 College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/passenger-air-bag-on-off-indicator/
These are the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Air Bag Indicator symbols. Either of these warning lights indicate that a problem exists with one of the many airbags in the vehicle, which should be taken to the dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible. The picture symbol has been described as a beach ball on a lap.
In most later-model vehicles, the picture symbol replaces the original text symbol, SRS, shown to the above right. This was likely done to help non English-speaking motorists. Older vehicles used the simple Supplemental Restraint System acronym (SRS). And there’s still another…
Yet another version, used by some European manufacturers, is a simple Air Bag text symbol, as shown at left. All versions warn of a failure in one of the air bags, which can only be repaired by your dealer or authorized service center.
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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.
The author has 25 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 College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/supplemental-restraint-system-air-bag-indicator-symbols/
These are the Headlamp Leveling System symbols. They include the curving arrow and may or may not have the exclamation point inside the drawing representing a lamp. The lines pointing out and down represent light. Regardless, if one of these symbols is seen, it indicates a problem with the system. The vehicle should be taken to your dealer or authorized service center.
Heavy loads can push the rear of a vehicle down causing the headlamps to point upwards, but leveling system sensors will detect the horizontal level of the vehicle and adjusts the lights accordingly, unless the leveling system is not operating.
Do not confuse the symbols with one of these. Click here or here for more, right to left.
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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.
The author has 25 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 College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/headlamp-leveling-system-warning-symbols/
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.
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!
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.
The author has 25 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 College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/automatic-headlight-dimmer-or-malfunction-indicator-symbols/