M 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

Exhaust Particulate Filter Warning Indicators

Exhaust Particulates

Diesel Particulate Filter symbol indicator 1Diesel Particulate Filter symbol indicator 2Diesel particle filterExhaust filter indicatorThese are variants of Exhaust Particulate Filter Warning symbol indicators. Initially used only for diesel powered vehicles, filters have been added to exhaust systems in direct injected gasoline powered vehicles as well. They are Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF), respectively.

  • But first, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, then continue on below. 
  • Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

This is an emissions control system and the filters exist to trap soot before it can be emitted to the atmosphere. Under normal driving conditions, the exhaust becomes hot enough to burn off the soot, regenerating the filter.

The light will be green during DPF of GPF regeneration. A yellow/amber light means that regeneration is needed, which is done automatically while driving. A manual regeneration procedure is generally available and involves driving at 50 mph (80 kph) long enough for the light to resolve. There are also recommendations to hold the rpm above 2,000, so a lower gear may be needed, and another that calls for intermittently releasing the accelerator for a few seconds.

More Versions

A red light indicates that the DPF requires regeneration immediately, so follow the procedure above. If the filter is not attended to, the check engine or service engine soon light will come on and engine power will be reduced. Check out some similar symbols below, which apply to diesel powered vehicles only.

Diesel Exhaust FilterDiesel Exhaust Filter 2AdBlue indicatorThe symbols to the left indicates that the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) (AdBlue) is low. The fluid creates a catalytic reaction that removes particles from the exhaust. When low, the fluid must be topped off. The fluid will need to be replaced if it is contaminated. To the right is another particle filter symbol. It may appear with an exclamation point in it indicating a failure of the system or that engine emissions are too high. Contact your dealer or authorized service center in order to properly address any failures.

All of these odd looking images are meant to indicate exhaust flow through a pipe. Lots of wavy lines, pipe openings and what could even be interpreted as flames are used.

Water Trap IndicatorWater in Fuel Indicator 2Water in Fuel Indicator SymbolNote that the diesel symbols seen to the right may be in play as well. 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2011/08/diesel-particulate-filter-dpf-warning-symbol-indicators/

Glow Plug Indicator Symbol

Glow Plug

Glow Plug Indicator SymbolThis is the Glow Plug Indicator symbol, which is found only in diesel-powered vehicles, sedans or trucks. Diesel engines require heat in the cylinders to operate, which is supplied initially by the glow plugs when the engine is cold.

  • But moving on, are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then continue on.
  • Otherwise you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

This light will be illuminated when the ignition is turned on until the plugs are heated sufficiently to start the engine. The engine simply won’t start until then. The image will look like a coil or loops in amber or yellow.

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2011/08/glow-plug-indicator-symbol/

4 Wheel Active Steer Warning Symbol

4 Wheel Steer

4WAS Indicator Symbol This is the 4 Wheel Active Steer (4WASWarning Indicator Symbol. If the light comes on while the engine is running, it may indicate that there is a malfunction in the 4WAS system. If a malfunction has occurred in the system, the 4WAS function will not function, but the vehicle can be steered and can continue to be driven with caution. Only the rear wheel steering is deactivated.

  • 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!

This is an electronic system, so the manufacturer may recommend turning the ignition Off and back On to cycle the engine and the 4WAS system. The light may then go out. If the light does not resolve, see your dealer or authorized repair 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2011/07/4-wheel-active-steer-warning-symbol/

Variable Gear Ratio Steering Indicator Symbol

Variable Gear Ratio

VGRS Indicator SymbolThis is a Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) Indicator symbol. This light indicates a malfunction in the variable gear ratio steering system. The vehicle must be inspected by your dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible, particularly if there is difficulty steering the vehicle. Continued driving is not recommended.

  • So, are you sure this is your symbol??
  • If not, you can return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

——————————————————————-

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/2011/07/variable-gear-ratio-steering-indicator-symbol/

Night View Indicator Symbol

Night View

Night View IndicatorThis is a Night View Indicator Symbol. It is a rare system, that uses a near-infrared floodlight to illuminate the road ahead. The waring light indicates that its infrared bulb is burned out. Have your dealer or authorized service center replace it. No other system in the vehicle will be impacted and it can be driven safely.

  • So, are you sure this is your symbol??
  • If not, return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

A near infrared light will help detect people or animals that me have intruded on the roadway.

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2011/07/night-view-indicator-symbol/

Electronic Power Control Indicator Symbols

Electronic Power Control

Electronic Power ControlThese are EPC Indicator SymbolEPC (Electronic Power Control) indicator symbols. It may also be known as an Engine Speed Limitation indicator. Depending on your vehicle’s manufacturer, one of these indicators will come on when a problem is detected in the engine electronics and may appear in red or yellow/amber.

The vehicle’s throttle may be limited when this light is illuminated in order to protect the engine from damage, essentially putting the vehicle in Limp Mode. You will have power enough to limp to your dealer or service center for repairs, which is what should be done. If the light is seen in red, the issue is critical and the vehicle should be shut down.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) will be turned off automatically, if the vehicle is equipped with the system. Its indicator light will then appear as well, indicating the Off condition. The EPC light needs to be addressed, after which both lights will be resolved.

EV system fault indicatorEV System IndicatorThe first image looks very much like those to the right. They are seen in Hybrid or Electric Vehicles (EVs) as a High Voltage Battery warning. 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2011/04/epc-electronic-power-control-indicator-symbol/

The Single Most Misunderstood Warning Indicator on Your Instrument Panel – Part I

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Tire Pressure Monitor SymbolHave you seen or are you seeing this light on your instrument panel?  What the heck does the symbol mean and what the heck do you do about it? It is the TPMS – Tire Pressure Monitoring System – indicator. Rare Tire Pressure Light w/ArrowsAnd it is the single most misunderstood warning indicator you will see on your instrument panel. A number of issues with today’s cars and and the people who service them come gift wrapped in this one symbol. The symbol shown to the right is a rarer version and is discussed below.

Is the Car At Fault?

We are accustomed to warning lights pointing to a fault with a system in the car. That is rarely the case here, as the light is primarily shown to inform a driver that the tire pressure or pressures in the tires—including the spare—are low and there is likely no actual fault with the vehicle! So here we will discuss the merits of the TPMS light.

Under the category of misunderstood, this light has been described by drivers variously as:

  • An exclamation point in parenthesis
  • An exclamation point in brackets
  • An exclamation point in a horseshoe
  • Flames – destined to be a classic!
  • A wishbone
  • An exclamation point in a fish bowl
  • An exclamation point in a cup
  • And, a real favorite, a candle in a glass!

Never has anyone called and said “I have an exclamation point in the cutaway of a tire” – which is exactly what it is!

Everyone from motorists to service personnel, believe it is nothing but a pain in the neck. But, in truth, it is doing its job, calling attention to the fact that the pressure in one or more of your tires is low. Addressing the issue when it comes up will save you money on tires and fuel by extending the life of your tires and by reducing rolling resistance, respectively.

The light suggests four possible scenarios:

Continue Reading …

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2011/02/the-single-most-misunderstood-warning-indicator-on-your-instrument-panel/