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 all Traction and Active Traction Control Indicator symbols. They indicate that the system has been activated and doing its job to maintain traction in slippery conditions, hence the green color. Like other text indicators, they intend to inform more directly than diagrams.
Color is important. A yellow/amber indicator that remains lit and has not been turned off, particularly if it is accompanied by the Master Warning light, indicates a problem with the system that your dealer or authorized service center should address. If the Check Engine light is on, these systems will likely be turned off as well, turning the light on.
These symbols indicate Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Traction Control System (TCS) Precision Control System (PCS) Warnings, simply variants in the name. Again, green or yellow/amber indicates the system is on and functioning or that the system has a malfunction, respectively.
The text OFF symbols
(below) will also be illuminated if any of these system variants is turned off using its control switch. If an OFF symbol is not used by the manufacturer, one of the symbols shown will simply remain lit. Again, if the system has not been turned off, have the system serviced as soon as possible.
One of these lights will be active when the traction control system is switched off and is generally yellow/amber. If the switch is on, a malfunction is indicated. Note that traction control systems use the vehicle’s brakes and throttle in their operations and the malfunctions may be in the antilock brakes or the engine. The ABS or Check Engine light(s) may be on as well.
This indicator, TRAC. MODE, means that the Stability Control System has been turned off and that a Traction Control Mode may be chosen to suit the driver or the conditions. This is usually an off-road or racing option.
These symbols indicate a malfunction in the traction control or a related Stability Control system. Separate warning lights are generally the rule, but some of the first vehicles that employed the systems had their warning lights combined. The vehicle should be taken to the dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible for repair.
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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.
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/2010/10/traction-and-active-traction-control-indicators/
These are Suspension Setting and Malfunction Indicator symbols. In green, they denote settings. In yellow/amber they indicate a problem with the suspension system. Many high-end vehicles provide the ability to adjust the shock absorber damping mode. A Sport setting will stiffen the ride, while a Comfort or Soft setting will soften the ride.
If neither setting is selected, the shock absorber damping will be “Normal” and no indicator will be shown. Note that most vehicle manufacturers require that the vehicle be stopped in order to change these settings.
The ability to control settings are likely electronically controlled. Other manufacturers use the same type of system to control the suspension response automatically depending on road conditions. If a failure occurs, an yellow/amber text symbol may be shown. CK SUSP stands for Check Suspension. And the ECS text symbol above is an acronym for Electronically Controlled Suspension.
This acronym, IDS+, translates to Interactive Dynamic Driving System Plus. The manufacturer associates it with their Continuous Damping Control (CDC) and Sport Mode settings. It too indicates a fault in the system if it is seen while driving.
The amber or black an white shock absorber or spring, with or without an exclamation point, is an Active Suspension Warning symbol. In black and white, it is seen in the information screen and will be accompanied by text describing the issue and what can be done.
This version shows a vehicle, SUV or van on an uneven line, meant to be the ground. It too indicates a active suspension issue that needs to be checked. This version is called an Active Damper System (ADS), where a damper is actually a shock absorber.
This is yet another version of an Air Suspension system, shown as a rectangle pinched in the center with arrows above and below and an exclamation point inside, which denotes a malfunction. In any of these cases, if the advanced system fails, the suspension will default to an average and perfectly safe response mode and the car will be safe to drive. Have the advanced system checked out by you dealer or authorized repair shop as soon as possible.
This is another version of an indicator for an Air Suspension system. It is seen as arrows pointing both up and down in black and white in the information screen. The arrows will fill in as the ride height is adjusted up or down.
A yellow/amber picture symbol that shows a car with two arrows under it or the text AIR SUSP are other Suspension Malfunction Indicators. Here, the symbols are connected to an air suspension system, which has the ability to raise or lower the vehicle. The arrows are meant denote up or down motion. A malfunction in an air suspension system will likely leave the vehicle at the bottom of its height range and thus too close to the ground for anything but the smoothest road surfaces.
A similar set of images are shown here for a pick up truck or SUV. The first will be seen when the suspension system air in this case is raised (up arrow) or lowered (down arrow) changing the ground clearance. It will flash green and give an alert to indicate that the vehicle is changing the ride height.
The indicator light with the padlock and two arrows comes on when the air suspension is in Service or Alignment Mode. Three lines below a down arrow indicates the vehicle has been lowered for easy entry or exit.
Note that if any symbol appears in red, reduce speed and have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible. Control of the vehicle is likely compromised and potentially dangerous.
And then we move to a set of eight, yes eight symbols from Jeep, all associated with its air suspension system. The first two are Air Suspension Active Indicators, which will be on when the system is actively adjusting the ride height up or down.
Next are a series of mode settings in text. First is the Entry/Exit Indicator, which means the vehicle has been lowered to make it easier to get in and out of the vehicle. Next up is the Air Suspension Aerodynamic (AERO) Height Indicator, which says that the system is set to optimize aerodynamics.
Then we have the OFF RD (road) 1 and OFF RD 2 settings. As might be expected, the text symbols are height adjustments to account for off road condition. Setting 1 raises the vehicle and setting 2 is higher still.
These are actually earlier versions of the Air Suspension Indicators. They simply show up and down arrows in what are likely supposed to be air bladders. They look more like hats and are of course intended to indicate where the vehicle’s height is set.
This is an Air Suspension Payload Protection Indicator and is part of an air suspension system. It will be on when the maximum payload may has been or is close to being exceeded or load leveling cannot be achieved at its current ride height. Protection mode will automatically be selected in order to protect the air suspension system. Air suspension adjustment is limited due to payload. The image is that of a pick up truck with both up and down arrows and a line drawn through showing the system is unavailable for adjustment.
These four Air Suspension Indicators include a bit of text description, which identifies the function. Up or down arrows are added as well. The first two indicate that the vehicle is being Lowered or Raised. The third, Alt, or alternate, Height, is used when hauling a trailer and automatically keeps the vehicle level. Finally, Bed Low is a simple reminder that the bed has been lowered.
These are Air Suspension Fault Indicators. It will illuminate in the event of a problem with the air suspension system. Reducing the vehicle’s speed would be prudent under this condition as vehicle control could be compromised.
Since these systems are likely be tied to the vehicle’s Stability Control System (as well as the steering system), a second light, similar to the one to the right, may appear as well, indicating that the System has been turned off. Click here (first image) or or here (second image) for more information 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.
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/2010/10/sport-suspension-setting-symbol/
These are all Low Windshield Washer Fluid Indicator symbols. Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir as soon as possible. The first and last images actually resemble an open hand-held fan, which is supposed to be the windshield. The dashed lines represent two steams of water, also used in the second image but encased in what looks like a broken or split water jug.
To help find what and where to refill, the same image will be found on the reservoir’s cover under the hood. A symbol on the reservoir’s cap will likely match the one seen on the instrument panel.
Do not confuse the symbol with these. Click here for more about the first one and click here for more on the last two.
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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.
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/2010/10/low-windshield-washer-fluid-indicator/
These are Door Ajar or Door Open Indicators. Other related symbols are below. Close the door, trunk lid, rear hatch, hood, or whatever is shown as open in the image as soon as possible. The second image is that of a mini van with the sliding doors shown open on either side. These symbols are usually seen in red, but may also show up in a message center in gray scale and could be in yellow/amber. In a message center, they could be larger as well.
This is a special case that will show up with a door ajar indicator in some instances. It an exclamation point in red, as is obvious. It is seen when the ignition is on and Driver’s Door is the one open. So long as the vehicle is not in gear, there should be nothing to be concerned about.
These versions indicate that the Trunk Lid, Hatch or Tailgate is open or not properly latched. The image to the left adds only a bar behind the vehicle. If the lid, hatch or gate is not obviously open, the image’s meaning may not be obvious.
Note that a simple obstruction in a door jamb or trunk latch area may hold any of these slightly open triggering the light. Some manufacturers will have the bar or open door flash, which can help identify the light’s meaning.
Finally, these Hood Ajar and Sunroof Open indicators. Take the first one seriously. While every car has a secondary latch to keep the hood from flying up while driving, counting on it alone is dangerous. If this light is on, be sure the hood is closed and/or that nothing is preventing the hood from fully closing. Otherwise, have the light and its trigger serviced as soon as possible. Close the sunroof if you wish.
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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.
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/2010/10/door-ajar-or-door-open-indicator/
These are 4 Wheel Drive Low Indicator symbols. They indicates that the 4 wheel drive is engaged at a low gear ratio. This ratio is useful when maximum power or traction is needed for steep climbs, sandy or muddy conditions, or off-road driving. Four wheel drive is often shown as 4×4 in publication and may be used in the symbol. LOW may be spelled out or abbreviated.
These two are corresponding 4 Wheel Drive High indicators. The High setting is the default setting in a 4 wheel drive vehicle for normal driving conditions. For this reason, vehicle manufacturers rarely add this indicator. If it is added, High may be spelled out or abbreviated (HI). One manufacturer simply uses a 4×4 Indicator to mean that the vehicle is in 4×4 HIGH.
This indicator, 4WD AUTO, states that the vehicle is in AUTO mode. The vehicle will automatically engage 4 wheel drive when a loss of traction is sensed. Otherwise, the front axle is engaged, but the vehicle’s power is sent only to the rear wheels.
These symbols, a 4×2 or 2H Indicator, say that a 4 wheel drive vehicle is supplying power only to the rear wheels. The use of the rear wheels only is the correct choice in typical driving conditions. That is, smooth, dry roads.
The 4A, 4×4 Auto Indicators and the stick figure indicator with 4WD text in the center both say that 4-wheel drive will be available automatically for additional traction. Only electronically-controlled 4-wheel drive systems will have this available. These indicators become 4 wheel drive trouble lights if they remain on when the system is not engaged.
This symbol with the open circles is used in Australia and New Zealand to indicate only that the 4-wheel Drive system has been engaged. In North America, the same symbol is usually used to indicate a problem with an All-wheel Drive system, although Chevrolet has begun using it to also indicate the system is engaged. Click here for more.
General Motors uses an indicator for five possible choices. Their system can be set to AUTO (automatic (AUTO), 4 high (HI), 4 LOW, 2 wheel drive (2WD) and finally N (or NEUTRAL in yellow/amber), seen below, if it is left in neutral. This final setting is useful as a warning if it has been left in neutral accidently. It indicates that nothing is engaged. The vehicle could roll away and won’t move if placed into gear!
In all cases, the various 4-wheel drive systems are choices that can be made by the driver using either a lever or buttons. If the system will allow a different selection, or if a 4×2 indicator remains illuminated, contact your dealer or authorized service center immediately. Driving will be possible, but only at reduced speed.
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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.
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/2010/10/4-wheel-drive-low-indicator/
These are all versions of Differential Lock Indicator symbols, the first being Center Differential Lock indicators. The option to lock the differential may be available in an all-wheel drive vehicle. Turn it on only if you become stuck in mud or snow, or if you are driving on a loose surface off road at low speeds. A symbol featuring all four wheels will appear on the instrument panel when the lock is in use.
If seen as a picture, they will look like line drawings or stick figures with an X or the word LOCK in it. And there is much more to know.
Any traction control feature in the vehicle will be deactivated by this action as well, so that the traction of all four wheels can be used.
This version, an AWD LOW indicator, also says that the vehicles axles are locked together in low gear. All the wheels will turn at the same rate, and should only be operated at low speed in slippery conditions, which is also why this indicator and all the others are shown in yellow/amber, as a caution not to move too fast or on dry pavement.
If this system is accidentally engaged, your vehicle will hitch and buck and feel like it is going to tear itself apart at normal speeds. Come to a stop and look for the symbol on your dash or console and disengage the system. Drive forward or backward a few feet to complete the disengagement.
This version, seen in black and white, is seen in the information display and will be accompanied by a text explanation. The open circle in the center indicates a malfunctioning differential lock. Again, a helpful explanation will be seen with the warning light, although resolving the problem will likely require a qualified repair shop.
The indicator may turn up as symbols in all text, like the Diff (differential) Lock or All Wheel Drive (AWD) Lock Indicators shown here to the left. They mean the same as the images above.
These are Rear Differential Lock indicators. The versions on the left features a large closed circle or a pad lock between the two rear (bottom) wheels. The version to the right uses an X in place of the closed circle and is an Electronic Rear Differential Lock indicator. Both versions indicate that the two rear wheels have been locked to rotate together. Like the center lock options above, a button or dial on the dashboard or center console has been engaged locking the wheels and can be turned off.
The exclamation point indicates a malfunction on the differential lock system. It is likely electronic, so try restarting the vehicle. If the vehicle is equipped with an Information Display and a CHECK DIFFERENTIAL or DIFFERENTIAL MALFUNCTION message is shown, contact your dealer. If the vehicle hitches and bucks like a bronco at speeds above 20 MPH and the Lock cannot be disengaged, reduce speed and go straight to your dealer or service center, or have the vehicle towed.
There are now options to lock either or both of the front and rear axles electronically from some manufacturers. These padlock images are Front and Rear Axle Lock Indicator symbols. The image with the double locks indicate that both front and rear locks have been engaged.
To activate the system, pressing an axle lock switch once locks the rear axle, while a second press locks the front axle. The indicators will be lit. The indicators will flash prior to being fully locked or unlocked. The axle locks will disengage if the vehicle is taken out of 4L (Low) range, or the ignition switch is turned off.
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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.
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/2010/10/center-differential-lock-indicator-symbol/
These are Economy Mode (ECO/ECON) or Function Operation Indicator symbols. Auto makers incorporate any number of automated operation adjustments to make a vehicle more green, meaning fuel efficient, at the touch of a button. ECO mode may reduce the setting of the air conditioner or the amount of torque delivered to the drive system. A fuel-use meter may also be visible on the instrument panel of vehicles with an ECO mode option.
The ECO PRO mode is found in one manufacturer’s hybrid vehicles. It can be configured with speed limitations and climate control output. Operation with the high voltage battery alone is also maximized.
Some manufacturers use a leaf image, tree or plant, symbol to indicate that Economy Mode has been selected. One includes a gas pump hose. Note that a pictorial ECO symbol also exists, which only shows that a vehicle is being operated economically, and not in a chosen mode. See it here.
More often than not ECO Mode involves reducing the use of or simply turning off the air conditioning system, which is quite power hungry.
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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.
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/2010/10/economy-mode-operation-indicator/