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
These are Active or Advanced Cruise Control (ACC) Indicator symbols. The first symbols add a car to the speedometer (the dial) and arrow (pointer) found in another symbol. Again, unfortunately it is not immediately clear to the average driver just what it is trying to say. The car indicates that the system is responding to traffic ahead and the arrow indicates a speed has been set. Note also that some manufacturers may call these systems Smart or Intelligent Cruise Control. The manufacturer using the blue image with the numbers 999 below the speedometer calls the system Drive Control. It is essentially Active Cruise Control.
There are lots more related symbols shown below. Over time, these indicators have evolved so that it is nearly impossible to distinguish one from another. Each manufacturer takes liberties with very similar images while using them to mean very different things. Please consult the manual from your manufacturer to know exactly why a particular indicator is being displayed in your vehicle.
More variations of the symbol shows a car seemingly being followed by a double arrow, the back one of which is open. It may also appear as simply lane lines around broken lines or broken lines alone. It will show in green when the system is turned on and amber when actually adjusting the distance to a vehicle ahead. They will appear as well when a distance is being set in the system by the driver. And depending on the manufacturer, a specific Follow Mode can be turned OFF and the indicator seen in gray. Other symbols may appear in gray scale as well, showing the relative chosen distance between vehicles.
These additional indicators may or may not appear to have lines radiating like heat waves from the roof. They are meant intended to imply a forward looking radar. The system is active if this indicator is shown. The color is up to the manufacturer, so do check your manual. If it is seen in white, it generally means that the system is on but a speed has not been chosen.
Another variation has the first image above adding a vehicle in front indicating a vehicle has been detected ahead. The images above may simply go from green and turn to yellow/amber or red when a vehicle detected ahead is too close. An image of a foot on a pedal may also be shown, which is a warning to use the brakes. Again, consult you manual to learn what your manufacturer has chosen for color.
In the case of these images, also in green, the vehicle is seen “open” in the first image. That is, the color is not filled in, indicating that there is no vehicle ahead. In the second, the vehicle is colored in, indicating a vehicle is in fact ahead. The third image adds a distance control feature. The number of lines indicates the distance that will be maintained. The more lines, the greater the distance.
Once again, please consult your vehicle manufacturer’s manual to know exactly why one of this wide array of lights is on.
This indicator version attempts to show just the top of a speedometer with an arrow indicating where the speed is set. It doesn’t appear to offer any additional information, useful or otherwise. It appears in gray scale in the vehicle’s information display.
Variously called Radar Controlled, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC) or even Distance Control Assist (DCA), the systems operate the same way. It is not warning of an imminent collision, but rather showing that the cruise control system will maintain the speed needed to maintain the proper distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. The text symbol ACC in yellow/amber indicates a fault in the system.
More advanced systems have the added capability of adjusting a vehicle’s speed to account for an approaching curve in the road. The symbols shown are variations that may appear on the instrument panel indicating that the speed is being adjusted, likely down.
All these symbols indicate a problem with the system. The symbols on the far left add the exclamation point to the car and speedometer in yellow/amber/orange. Your dealer or good service center will be needed to resolve the issue. The same is likely true of the next gray scale images, as they would appear in the message area on the instrument panel. These will be accompanied by text describing the problem, which may be as simple as dirty sensors resolved by a car wash. Your vehicle will otherwise operate normally.
These symbols are meant to indicate that the system’s radar or camera is blocked. To the left is one showing an arrow pointing the front of the vehicle (or a rectangle or box with two lines in it!) and to the right is one with the familiar exclamation point next to a car with lines in front of it (or behind it). The same is true of the gray scale image on the right as it would appear in a message area on the instrument panel.
Cameras or more commonly radar are used to detect another vehicle in front of yours, and so long as they are blocked, the advanced cruise control system cannot function. If cleaning the front of the car does not clear the symbol, there may be a malfunction, which your dealer will need to address. Standard cruise control can continue to operate, if you choose to use it the vehicle itself is fine.
——————————————————————-
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/active-or-advanced-cruise-control-indicators/
Cruise Control Indicator symbols. This first one to the left is a relatively new symbol that replaces the simple word “Cruise” that is sometimes still found. Unfortunately, it is not immediately obvious to many what this symbol represents, until it is explained.
The symbol is, of course a representation of a speedometer (the dial), with a pointer (arrow) indicating a speed has been set, but not the actual set speed.
These symbol variations, which adds the exclamation point and is in yellow/amber color, are Cruise Control Fault Indicators. The color and the exclamation point both state that the system needs to be serviced by a qualified service shop as soon as possible.
There are also a number of Text versions, that can be seen by following this link, including the combined text (Cruise) and image symbol seen here.
——————————————————————-
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/cruise-control-indicator-symbols/
This first image is the Cruise Control Indicator light in text form. The light is illuminated when the cruise control is engaged. It is perfectly straightforward, as opposed to the many image symbols below that are now often used in its place.
Note that some manufacturers use this light in yellow/amber when the system is on but not engaged. The indicator will also be yellow/amber if there is a system malfunction.
Alternatively, some manufacturers use the Text Symbol to the left, Cruise Main, to indicate that the cruise control system is turned on. Once a speed is set, it reverts to the Text Symbol to the right, Cruise Control.
Alternate Cruise Control Indicator symbols. This is a new symbol that sometimes replaces the simple Text Symbols that remain in use. Unfortunately, it is not immediately obvious to most what this symbol represents, until it is explained. Which itself may explain the combination symbol, also in use. Seen in black and white simply means a speed has not been chosen.
It is, of course a representation of a speedometer (the dial), with a pointer (arrow) indicating a speed. A second version in more advanced systems is even more confusing.
And last but not least, the Active Cruise Control Indicator symbol. This symbol adds a car to the speedometer and arrow in the previous symbol. Again, unfortunately it is not immediately clear to the average driver just what it is trying to say.
Variously called Radar Controlled or Adaptive, the systems operate the same way. It is not warning of an imminent collision, but rather showing that the cruise control system will maintain the speed needed to maintain the proper distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. Click this link for more.
These are a Set Indicator symbol and a Set Speed symbol. Some manufacturers use Set to indicate that a speed has been chosen. The second and third will include the chosen speed, while the first may be used to indicate a system problem. It will blink if that is the case.
——————————————————————-
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/cruise-or-speed-control-text-indicators/
These are Fuel, Low Fuel and Fuel Sensor Indicator symbols. They are often seen in or near a vehicle’s fuel gauge. The symbols may also be illuminated when the fuel is low, or a smaller light may illuminate near this symbol when the fuel is low. The oval symbol will only be illuminated when the fuel is low.
The first symbol is a simple image of gas pump and filler hose in yellow/amber. If an arrow is present, it points to the side of the vehicle used to refill the tank. That is, the side the gas cap is on. The second symbol is a simple oval, also in yellow/amber.
This symbol is a Fuel Sensor Fault Indicator. It indicates a failure of the sensor and that the level shown on the fuel gauge cannot be relied upon. It is identical to the fuel indicator, except that an exclamation point is added to one side.
This final version adds the letter and number H2 below the image of the pump. H2 stands for hydrogen and the symbol will be seen only in vehicles powered by the gas, and only when the fuel level drops.
Do not confuse this symbol with the one on the right. Click here for more information.
——————————————————————-
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/fuel-low-fuel-and-fuel-sensor-indicators/
This is a Park or Tail Lamps On Indicator symbol. The latter is used in Canada. This symbol is only illuminated when all the lights, except the headlights, are in use. The lines (or eyelashes!) pointing outward are meant to symbolize light coming from the drawing of what is meant to represent a lamp.
——————————————————————-
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/park-or-tail-lamps-on-indicator/
This symbol is a Tail or Stop Light Out Indicator symbols. The replacement of a light bulb or two will restore order. Some manufacturers add a text message in the instrument panel noting exactly which light is out. The symbol is often described as eyelashes coming out of the back of a car! The lines or eyelashes pointing out are meant to represent light.
And there’s still another…
These two versions are a Stop Light or Brake Lamp Out Indicator. They specifically point to a burned out brake light bulb. Again, the eyelashes pointing back are part of the equation, and the words STOP or BRAKE are there for obvious reasons. There may be a further message in the instrument panel noting the exact bulb. Again, have the light bulb replaced.
Note that in all cases, there is the outside possibility of a bad fuse or a broken wire or some other electrical issue affecting the tail lights.
Also, don’t confuse the stop or tail light indicators with these symbols. Click here, here or here, left to right.
——————————————————————-
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/tail-or-stop-light-out-indicators/
These symbols are versions of the High, Low, or Main Beam On indicator. The light is active only when the high beams are active (turned on) and has been a standard in vehicles for decades is one of only a select few presented in a blue color and features what is supposed to be the image of an old-style headlamp with lines coming out from it.
This next one is used by only a few manufacturers and is a Low or Dipped Beam On indicator. The image is in green and now shows the lines coming out from the headlamp pointing down indicating that the lights are aimed down. The same symbol with the A inside is part of a Auto Low Beam system, similar to auto high beam systems.
The terms low and high beam are commonly used in North America, while dipped and main beam are in more common use in Europe.
Finally, these are, respectively, Low and High Beam Fault Indicators. They appear in yellow/amber/orange. Like the on lamps above, the lines point down for the low beam warning light and straight out for the high beam warning light.
Do not confuse the light with these. Follow these links, left, center and right for more information.
——————————————————————-
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/high-low-or-main-beam-on-indicators/