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

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  1. Information Displays and Message Centers — 10 comments

Author's posts

What the Hell is that Light on My Dashboard?

Warning Symbols and Tell-tales

DashboardSymbols.comWhat the Hell is that Light on My Dashboard? Automotive service departments across the country are inundated with questions like this on a daily basis. So, what IS that light? That new acronym? What do they mean? Do you know?

Here at DashboardSymbols.com, we will show you, to help you understand what is happening to your vehicle at the first sign of trouble — a new warning light illuminated on your instrument panel. And, with this site, we put the tools you need to get the proper service in the palm of your hand.

Cars are changing, and among those changes is the growing number of symbols and indicators that will invariably show up on your instrument panel. Every year, new features are added to vehicles, each of which is accompanied by a new symbol or acronym. Drivers are frustrated, afraid and sometimes even angry at the growing number of these seemingly senseless symbols. Known as tell-tales in the industry, we are dedicated to keeping them sorted out for you.

On this site you will find pictorial representations of all the little warning lights, symbols and signs that show up from time to time on your instrument panel, including the text versions. We can’t fix a problem for you. What we can do is give you enough information to know what you need to do and perhaps let you breath a little easier.

The intent of DashboadSymbols.com is show you what the symbol is and supply a summary of the function it describes as well as what, if anything, you can do. Certainly we can tell you what the manufacturer expects you to do. For the full function of any feature of your vehicle, refer to your owners manual or contact your dealer.

The point is to help you relax — and keep moving if at all possible — rather than leave you fretting whenever one of these lights shows up. And ultimately to create information tools you can keep with you for use 24/7.

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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/2010/12/welcome/

Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) Indicator

KDSS

KDSS IndicatorThis is a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) Indicator symbol. If this yellow/amber light appears, it is likely that the system has detected a fault that will need to be addressed by your dealer or authorized service center. The vehicle and suspension will operate normally in the interim, but without the advanced system.

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

Stability Control Fault IndicatorSince this system will be tied to the vehicle’s Stability Control System, a second light, similar to the one to the right that shows a skidding car with or without a line through it, may appear as well, indicating that the Stability Control System has been turned off. Click this link for more or see our Multiple Symbols page for more information.

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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/2010/12/kinetic-dynamic-suspension-system-kdss-indicator/

Height High Indicators

Height High

Height High IndicatorHeight indicatorThese are Height High Indicator symbols. This text symbol as well as the picture symbol will be available on vehicles equipped with an adjustable air suspension system. A symbol will likely be on the instrument panel telling you which mode the suspension is set to. The system will have a control switch on the dashboard or more likely the center console for height choices.

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

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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/2010/12/height-high-indicator/

A/T Park Warning Indicator Symbol

A/T Park

A/T P Indicator SymbolThis is an A/T Park (Automatic Transmission) (P) Indicator Warning symbol. This light comes on when a vehicle’s 4 wheel drive shifter is in neutral (N). A drive gear cannot be engaged until either the 4 Low or the 4 High option is chosen.

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

The light will also be active when there is a malfunction in the Park mechanism of the transmission. If this is the case, the vehicle must be inspected by 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2010/12/at-p-indicator-symbol/

Brake Hold Indicator Symbols

Brake Hold

Auto hold indicatorBrake Hold Indicator SymbolAuto brake holdAutomatic Hold IndicatorThese are Brake Hold Indicator and the Automatic Hold Indicator symbols. The lights describe systems that keeps the brakes applied when the vehicle is stopped and other conditions are met. They indicate that the system is on and functioning properly. The image is the circle between brackets used as a standard for brakes, which may hold the letter A or H inside for automatic or hold.

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

Many More Versions

Auto brake indicatorAuto brake hold indicatorNote that some manufacturers use the gray or black and white to indicate that the brake is actively keeping the vehicle from rolling away! That is, it senses a force trying to move the vehicle while it is not in park.

Automatic hold indicatorIn an electric vehicle (EV), the Park function is supplied by the brakes. So, when placing the car in Park, it is effectively in Auto Hold mode. To that end, the symbol to the left may be seen, indicating that the vehicle is secure. Note as well that the activation button or lever is also used to activate the emergency brake.

Hold Operation IndicatorBrake hold indicatorDepending on the vehicle’s manufacturer, when in actual use, the indicator may show Hold or Brake Hold, as shown to the left. The brakes are released when the driver steps on the accelerator while in a drive gear. They are generally seen in green.

AVH indicatorAuto vehicle hold indicatorAlso in green is another set from a system called Auto Vehicle Hold or AVH. The AVH indicator states that the system is active and available. The circle in brackets, which is a common combination intended to indicate brake components, in this case shows that the vehicle is in fact being held.

Auto Hold IndicatorAuto hold faultAuto brake hold malfunctionThe word or words in yellow/amber or the Hold indicator in red indicate a fault in the system. It may include an exclamation point. Find a qualified service shop as soon as possible. And finally, a line through the words indicates that the system is temporarily unavailable. The light will return to green when the system returns to normal use.

Auto hold unavailableThis is another pair of symbols, again starting in green and moving to yellow/amber. The symbols include the image of a hand, palm out. In green, the system in available. In yellow/amber, the system is not available. This may or may not indicate a system problem. If the light persists, see your dealer or qualified repair shop.

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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/2010/12/brake-hold-indicator-symbol/

2nd Start Indicator

2nd Start

2nd Start IndicatorThis is a 2nd Start Indicator symbol. This feature, if switched on, causes the vehicle to move from a standing start in the higher, second, gear in slippery conditions. The light will be on when the feature is activated, which is done manually using a button on the dashboard or more likely the center console.

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

If the light is on unexpectedly, the system has likely been activated accidently. Look for the on/off switch to deactivate it.

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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/2010/12/2nd-start-indicator/

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Brake Assist (BAS) Trouble Indicator

ESP/BAS

ESP / BAS IndicatorThis combined system warning indicator covers the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and the Brake Assist System (BAS). These systems work together, and a fault in either, or both, will cause the light to come on. If it remains on, see your dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible.

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

ESP is what one manufacturer calls its Stability Control System. Click this link to learn more. BAS helps in emergency braking situations when the driver can’t push the brake pedal hard enough. A sensor recognizes the attempt at full braking and transmits the signal calling for full brake pressure from the hydraulic booster reducing the vehicle’s stopping distance.

Brake Assist and Stability Control Fault IndicatorThis is essentially the same as the BAS/ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) system, but do match the acronyms. You can learn more about BAS/ASR here.

The systems are all electronic enhancements. The enhancements will not be available until repairs are performed. However, the brakes will operate normally and the vehicle will be safe to drive. Do so with care.

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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/2010/11/esp-bas-trouble-indicator/