Marc Favreau

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

Most commented posts

  1. Information Displays and Message Centers — 10 comments

Author's posts

Electronic Steering Wheel Lock Indicators

Wheel Lock

Steering Lock IndicatorThis is an Electronic Steering Wheel Lock Indicator symbol. It may be seen in either yellow/amber or red. Either indicates a malfunction in the electronic steering wheel lock system. This is part of the electronic start and immobilization system.

  • Before continuing, are you sure one of these is your symbol?? If yes, then read on below.
  • Otherwise, you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

Steering locked indicatorThe symbol may also appear as a steering wheel alone with arrows on both side and in gray scale. The arrows are suggesting a shake of the wheel to free it. The symbol above is represented by an image of a key and that of a steering wheel. If the symbol appears in red, it will not be possible to start or steer the vehicle.

Manufacturers also caution not to tow the vehicle. In any color, contact a qualified service center immediately. This one can leave you stranded.

——————————————————————-

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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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.

 

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2017/05/electronic-steering-lock-indicators/

Engine Start System Fault Indicator

Engine Start

Engine Start System FaultThese are Engine Start System Fault Indicator symbols. They can appear in yellow/amber or red and indicate a fault in the electronics. If it is red, it is suggested that the engine NOT be switched off, if its running, and a service center be contacted and headed for immediately. If it is amber, a service facility should still be contacted as soon as possible.

  • Before continuing, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on read on below.
  • Otherwise, you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

And there’s still more …

Engine Start Symbol Fault 2Engine start systemThe symbols appear as a physical key with or without its associated keyhole, even though an actual physical key is not used. We included it with routine indicators because, as electronics takes over everything, these symbols will indeed become routine due to any problems with starters, start/stop systems and other associated electronics.

Security Indicator SymbolKeyless system malfunctionDo not confuse these with other automotive trouble symbols that make use of the image a key. Click here or here, right to left, 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2017/05/engine-start-system-fault-indicator/

Predictive Efficiency Assist Indicators

Predictive Efficiency

Predictive Efficiency AssistEfficiency assist exitEfficiency assist circleEfficiency assist intersectionThese symbols, which will appear in green, are Predictive Efficiency Assist Indicator symbols. The assistance system adds an automobile’s version of anticipation of the road ahead. The first symbol uses the image of a shoe or foot with an arrow below pointing upwards. It is again seen in green and indicates the system is active and in use.

  • Before continuing, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, read on below.
  • Otherwise, you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

The second, with a line curving to the right, indicates that an exit is approaching. The third, shown as a circle in a circle broken by three entering lanes, means that a traffic circle is ahead. And last one shows that an intersection is upcoming. They are nearly self explanatory.

The system is intended to save fuel, using data from the navigation system, traffic signs, and even topography. The symbol is meant specifically to indicate that the driver should decelerate (remove his/her foot from the accelerator) because a lower speed is needed up ahead. The system is not active if Adaptive Cruise Control is engaged.

Similar Symbol

Shift Lock IndicatorIts important to distinguish the first symbol above from Shift Lock Indicator symbols that appear in yellow/amber. These will also feature a foot or shoe, but have no connection to any advanced fuel saving feature.

——————————————————————-

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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2017/05/predictive-efficiency-assist-indicator/

Electronic Brake Force Distribution Trouble Indicators

Brake Force Distribution

Electronic Brake Force Distribution IndicatorThis is an Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) Indicator symbol. If this amber lamp is illuminated, it indicates that the system is unavailable or has a fault. In either case, an authorized repair facility will be needed to resolve its issue.

  • Before continuing, are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then read on below.
  • Otherwise, you can return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

More Versions

Brake force dist indicatorABS Trouble Indicator CanadaABS Trouble Indicator CanadaBrake Trouble IndicatorThese two combinations of warning lights used by manufacturers also warn of a fault in the system. The first is already a combination of what is more typically seen as three separate brake system warnings, and the second indicates a fault with the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS). The second uses the ABS light and the more typical BRAKE warning light.

EBD is best seen as an enhancement of or an addition to the ABS. ABS, oversimplified, varies the brake force on a given wheel to prevent wheel lock up while braking based on road contact. EBD goes further by varying the brake force on a given wheel using factors such as the load on each wheel, the condition of the road, the speed of the vehicle.

If the first indicator light is seen in conjunction with the ABS and Stability Control warning indicators, it indicates a fault in the EBD system, and that the ABS and Stability Control are also unavailable. Once a vehicle is equipped with EBD, the ABS and Stability Control systems rely on the proper function of the EBD system.

Your vehicle’s brakes and steering will continue to function in a normal fashion. Risk exists only in extreme braking or steering conditions or in poor weather. Drive 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2017/04/electronic-brake-force-distribution-indicator/

Night Vision Assist Indicators

Night Vision

Night vision on indicatorNight vision fault indicatorThese are Night Vision Assist Indicator symbols. The first is a gray scale image of lane markers (broken and straight lines) and a quarter or half moon. Depending on the manufacturer, it will simply indicate that the system is on and functioning or that the system is unavailable! You will need to check your owner’s manual. If it is seen in green, the system is on and active active. In yellow/amber/orange the system is malfunctioning and should not be relied on.

  • Before continuing, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, read on below.
  • Otherwise, you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

Night Vision Animal WarningThe red indicators feature an image inside the somewhat familiar triangle. Those images are either a running deer or a walking man and are meant to indicate either a wild animal or a pedestrian has been detected. They appear in red only.

Night Vision Pedestrian WarningAn infrared camera is used to detect the presence of a warm blooded animal or person. The system is dependent on a temperature differential and becomes unusable above about 75 degrees F. The system is deactivated in these conditions as well as in daylight.

Similar Symbol

Pedestrian Warning Symbol 2Check this post — Pedestrian or Animal Detection Warning Indicators — for a set of very similar indicators associated with a very similar system.

——————————————————————-

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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2017/04/night-vision-assist-indicators/

Sport Differential or Dynamic Drive Warning Indicators

Sport Differential

Sport Differential WarningDynamic Drive Control FailureThese are versions of a Sport Differential or Dynamic Drive Control Warning Indicator symbol. On vehicles equipped with the sport differential, the warning light, when illuminated, indicates that the differential is either overheated or has malfunctioned. There is no distinction or additional information available to the driver.

  • Before continuing, are you sure one of these is your symbol?? If yes, then read on below.
  • Otherwise, you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

If the vehicle has been driven hard for a time however, taking it slow for a time may resolve the warning light. In addition, it is likely an electronic system, and a restart of the vehicle may resolve the issue as well. If not, it will need servicing by a qualified service shop.

The images are variations of similar warning images found in all-wheel drive vehicles. The first is a stick figure with what are wheels turned to one side at one end. There is a single circle between two of the wheels rather than one each between the two sets of wheels, indicating a two wheel drive vehicle. Further, the drive wheels are at the rear.

The second symbol has an X inside what is intended to be a single axle and two wheels It is part of what Alfa Romeo calls its Alfa DNA system: Dynamic, Natural, and Advanced efficiency.

Similar Symbols

All Wheel Lock IndicatorAll Wheel Drive DisabledAWD Malfunction IndicatorAll wheel drive failureDo not confuse them with the all wheel drive symbols noted above and shown to 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2017/04/sport-differential-warning-indicator/

Your Floor Mats Could Be Hazardous to Your Health

Floor Mat Safety

Reality TV star Savannah Chrisley of Chrisley Knows Best was seriously injured in a car accident in 2017. She has since recovered. The connection here is that she reported that the accident occurred when her floor mat got stuck behind the pedals of her car and she looked down to move them.

Savannah ChrisleyShe used the accident as a call to reconnect with her maker. We’ll use it to speak instead of floor mat safety.

That’s right, safety. The lowly floor mat can be a massive hazard if it does not fit the car or is not properly installed and secured.

A poor fitting mat can be carelessly placed over the gas pedal itself. A carpeted mat draped over the pedal could easily get snagged between the pedal and the side wall or simply not allow the pedal to return when foot pressure is removed. And if not placed properly beneath the gas pedal, a mat can snag a the pedal while driving if it has slipped too far up the side.

Look for Mounting Clips

Nearly every vehicle manufactured for the last 15 to 20 years has mounting clips just in front of the seats, front and back. The driver’s location is clearly the Mat clipmost important. Factory-made mats attach to these clips in order to ensure they are placed properly. Many of the more expensive aftermarket mats also use these clips but only if they are made for a specific make and model.

The most common attachment style is simply pressed into place and lock with a snap. Another common style is a hook that needs to be approached from behind. A Nissan we examined used the hook style, but the back side of the mat stuck to the carpet below like Velcro. This made the mat very difficult to position and a user may quit on it. However, that stickiness will likely keep the mats away from the pedals.

You might remember that some years ago Toyota and Lexus were involved in what was a far reaching recall for unintended acceleration. What is not widely realized is the primary fix was to first, raise the gas pedal and second, replace the factory floor mats with new ones cut short of the pedals. The originals needed to be slipped beneath the gas pedal, and unfortunately, they were often simply draped over the pedal itself, something I saw first hand.

To its credit, Toyota never blamed a driver or overzealous car wash employee or anyone else — they simply removed the potential for the problem at a cost exceeding billions of dollars. However, a teaching moment was missed.

So, be vigilant. Stay away from aftermarket mats, particularly long ones that do not attach to the car. If you’re coming out of a car wash, check that the driver’s mat is re-attached — it often isn’t. And when cleaning your own car, be sure to replace the mats properly. They’ll look better and keep you safer as well.

——————————————————————-

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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2017/01/your-floor-mats-could-be-hazardous-to-your-health/