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 Power Steering or Electronic Power Steering warning lights or symbols. The exclamation point is used here, a common sight with newer warning lights, alongside the image of a steering wheel. This is a warning, indicating a problem with the steering system. Depending on the manufacturer, it may appear in red or yellow/amber.
The red indicators are failure lights here and the yellow/amber/orange version is a fault light. In any case, if as an electronic system, there is a chance it can be “reset”. Pull over as soon as possible and shut down the engine and restart it. If the warning light does not go out you will need to take the vehicle to your dealer or authorized repair facility quickly.
The good news is that the vehicle can be driven with a power steering failure. However, the steering will lack the power assist and will be more difficult to steer. So if you choose to proceed, please do so with caution.
——————————————————————-
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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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/power-steering-or-electronic-power-steering-trouble-light/
These are Drivetrain, Shift or Powertrain trouble symbols or lights, and will be red or yellow/amber if it comes up. This same symbol is also used as an Electric Shift Control System Warning Indicator. It indicates a problem has been detected generally in an automatic transmission or transaxle, or its shift system. This part of the drivetrain should be serviced as soon as possible.
This version in black and white will be seen in the vehicle’s information display. It may indicate that the transmission is overheated or there is a park lock malfunction or a major transmission malfunction. Fortunately, a text description will be seen as well.
This version is also seen in black and white. It accommodates all of the shift positions with their first letter, D, P, R, etc. If all are seen together and is found to be blinking, there is an issue with the transmission the will need service as soon as possible.
There is little that is user-serviceable in these systems, so you will need the help of your dealer or authorized service center. Some manufacturers also use these to indicate an engine problem, but the Check Engine light is generally reserved for this.
While the exclamation point is a recurring motif in automotive instrument panel symbols, the wrench is a bit more rare. Neither is it very informative unless, a) the driver is already familiar with it or, b) the driver stops and reads the owners manual. It often indicates a transmission problem, particularly if seen in red, but it also is used for other purposes. Do consult your manual.
Do not confuse the first image with the Settings Indicator symbol on the left. It is nearly identical to the bumpy circle used when referring to the transmission, but lacks any addition in the center and is shown in gray scale. The settings indicator will most generally be seen in the separate Information Display and is the what we have become used to seeing on our phones and computers.
——————————————————————-
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/drivetrain-shift-or-powertrain-trouble-symbols/
These are Low Coolant Warning lights. With or without the arrow or “chimney”, their meaning is somewhat straightforward, in that the engine’s cooling system is low on fluid. Topping off the cooling system with the proper fluid may resolve the issue. Please do this only when the engine is cool! Repeat, may resolve the issue.
However, most cooling systems are sealed and a leak or other issue may be indicated. It would be best to have the system serviced as soon as possible.
** Note that as of 2024, the first image can be found in Kia hybrid vehicles and involves its electrical inverter. Click this link for more.
The shape of the symbols is meant to resemble a radiator and the wavy lines at the bottom indicates fluid level. The waves have also been described as mountains! They are used in a number of symbols and when seen usually means the coolant level is low.
The symbol on the left looks more like the Greek Parthenon than a radiator, but there you are. The center image includes a fan, which Certainly fits with a cooling problem.
——————————————————————-
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/low-coolant-warning-symbols/
One of the first idiot lights, the warning light to the far left, featuring an old-school oil can or what could be even Aladdin’s lamp, is the Oil Warning Light, either level or pressure symbol. A wavy line below the oil can is more specific and indicates the oil level is low, as seen in the second symbol. Without the wavy line, your engine is telling you that the oil pressure is low.
So, what do you do next?
In either case, the oil level must be checked. The text symbols Oil Level or Low Oil Pressure are used by some manufacturers and is also an admonition to check the oil. In either case, if the oil level is good, the engine needs servicing as soon as possible as an oil pump failure is likely and will lead to serious engine damage.
This is also a Low Oil Pressure Warning Indicator. The exclamation point in the warning indicator, accompanied by a dial and a pointer, indicates that the engine’s RPM has been reduced. The dial and pointer are intended to be a gauge, however, there are no markings to indicate actual oil pressure. As with the text messages above, low oil pressure can result in serious engine damage, even at reduced RPMs, so have the engine serviced as soon as possible.
This one is an Oil Temperature Indicator symbol. It adds a thermometer above the image of the oil can. It is found in vehicles with high-performance engines that may be run very hard. If it is seen on the instrument panel, pull over and shut down the engine as soon as possible to allow it to cool down.
Are you seeing one of these to the right?? Follow this link.
——————————————————————-
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/oil-warning-dashboard-lights/
One of the original idiot lights, at least in red, this is the Temperature Warning lights or symbols. The text symbol Hot Coolant Temp (temperature) spells it out plainly. In red, it indicates quite simply that the engine temperature is too high. If you see this light, your vehicle should be stopped and the engine turned off as quickly as possible. Turning on the heater to the highest setting will remove some of the heat as well.
Note: The Ford Lightning Electric Vehicle now uses the same first symbol as a Powertrain Temperature Warning Indicator. The rules remain the same stop and allow things to cool down. If the problem persists, contact your dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible.
In blue, the symbol, which resembles a thermometer placed in water, indicates that the coolant temperature is below what is needed for optimum performance. If the light blinks red then blue, an electrical malfunction in the cooling system is indicated.
Again, contact your dealer or authorized repair center soon.
Finally, shown in yellow/amber, the symbol of the thermometer alone speaks to fuel having entered the engine oil. Run the engine until warm to allow the fuel to evaporate. Also, avoid running at a high rpm as well.
Note that this unlit symbol may appear inside the temperature gauge and have no function other than to describe the gauge it is sitting in.
——————————————————————-
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/temperature-warning-dashboard-indicators/
These are both Master Dashboard Warning Light and Attention symbols, in red. If this light is on, there will likely be text displayed as well on the instrument panel, or another warning light. Look for text in particular. It could very well point out something as serious as low oil pressure. However, despite the serious look to the symbol, it is generally associated with simple reminders such as a door ajar or that it is time to change the oil.
So, what’s up with the next one??
This same symbol, an exclamation point in a triangle, in yellow/amber has been used by European and Asian vehicle manufacturers in two ways. First, it indicates a fault in the vehicle’s Stability Control System, as well as a slip indicator. Click here for more. The vehicle can be driven with caution, but without the benefit of the advanced electronic control system.
Second, it is used in many cases to indicate that a text warning is available in the vehicle’s Information Display. It may involve a malfunction in any system. A Check Control message will likely require changing screens to discover the root problem.
And then there are these, which feature a lower case letter “i” in a square. It too is meant to alert the driver to look for a message in the information center, but the message will not involve a serious drivability issue. The manufacturer uses the red triangles for this. It may be seen in yellow/amber or black and white.
Finally, this version with a single triangle plus the exclamation point may be used to indicate a failure of a High Voltage System or Battery in a hybrid or electric vehicle (EV). Click this link for more.
If you’re seeing red, see your dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible.
——————————————————————-
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/master-dashboard-warning-light-and-attention-indicators/
This a Low Brake Pad warning light. Some vehicle manufacturers include this symbol, which is intended to notify you that your vehicle’s brake pads are worn, or low, and need servicing. The dashed lines are meant to represent the pads themselves, with the circle representing the brake disk. Your brakes may also pulse or squeak as a warning when the brake pads are low.
This version uses a simple and very easy to understand text symbol, BRAKE WEAR, in red. As with other warnings, there may also be an audible squeak or a physical pulse when applying the brakes. Do not ignore any of these warnings. Have your brakes checked and relined as soon as possible.
This one includes the acronym CCB inside the traditional brake components symbol (see the note below). CCB stands for Carbon Ceramic Brake, a material not typically used in brake pads. The lines around the circle are not broken, but the light still indicates that the pads are worn and need to be replaced.
Please be aware that if the brake pads are allowed to wear too much, damage will be done to the brake rotors, which are the metal component of the brake system that the pads contact when pressing the brake pedal. The light will not give you an indication as to how long you can drive before this occurs, so contact an authorized service center or your dealer as soon as possible. Damage aside, good brakes are essential to your safety!
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/or color specify the nature of the problem.
——————————————————————-
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/low-brake-pad-warning-lights/