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
This is the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Indicator symbol. This light, a lightning bolt between reversed brackets or parenthesis, will illuminate if there is a problem in the electronic throttle control system. It may be seen in red or yellow/amber. As an electronic system, it can sometimes be reset by restarting the car, much or exactly like re-booting a computer.
If the system and the light do not reset with a restart, the vehicle should be drivable, but your dealer or authorized service center will need to service the system soon.
Note however, that if your vehicle does not operate normally, contact roadside assistance right away.
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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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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/2010/11/electronic-throttle-control/
This is an Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) Off Indicator symbol. IBA uses lasers to identify approaching obstacles and applies the brakes accordingly. The light comes on when the IBA switch is turned off. If the light comes on while the system is on, it is either unavailable temporarily or is malfunctioning. Check that the sensors are clean, but only when it is safe to do so.
Another manufacturer calls this Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) but does not feature a warning light for it. Regardless, the vehicle can still be driven safely if the system is inoperable, but your dealer or authorized repair center will need to service it.
These systems are all moving in the direction of automatic braking, which all manufacturers have promised to install in all passenger vehicles by roughly 2020. There is more information on automatic braking here.
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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/2010/11/intelligent-brake-assist-iba-off-indicator/
These are all Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Lane Departure Mitigation (LDM), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Lane Keeping Assist/Aid (LKA), Lane Keeping Assistant System (LKAS), Lane-keep Assist System (LAS), LaneSense Indicator, Lane Change Assist (LCA), Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK) symbols, or are part of a Driver Alert System. Assuming there are detectable lane markers, and the system is active, these indicators will light and will blink yellow/amber if the vehicle is traveling close to either the left or the right of the traveling lane.
Note that with some manufacturers, that these systems are moving to active rather than simple warning status. This is to say that vehicles properly equipped will actually turn the steering wheel enough to remain in the proper lane (LDP above). Seen in green, it indicates that the system is on a ready and that both lane lines have been detected.
A warning chime may also be heard. The symbols look like a car in a lane or leaving a lane (or breaking through a fence!), or like lane markers with arrows pointing at them or just the markers. A steady black and white light indicates that lane keeping is not ready; green indicates the system is ready and may gently turn the steering wheel if the vehicle approaches a lane marking; and is seen in yellow/amber and flashes as a lane departure warning when a lane marking has been unintentionally crossed.
We now have a manufacturer who is using the first symbol to the left and seen above as well as a fault indicator. But more importantly, it is using the next two images in red to indicate that the vehicle is close to the left lane’s edge or the right lane’s edge, respectively. The fact that the car’s steering wheel is likely vibrating or being actively steering to maintain the lane is not enough.
One manufacturer has chosen to combine the symbol on the left with the rain sensor indicator. They are shown in white or gray. In white, both the lane keeping and rain sensing systems are on. In gray, both systems are on but no lane markers are detected.
Another has added the Hands on Steering Wheel Indicator, but remains intended for the lane keeping system. The driver’s hands should, in fact, be on the wheel. In yellow/amber, it indicates a problem with the system. In green or black and white, it indicates the systems is on.
Images seen in shades of black and white are seen in the vehicle’s center information display. Here yet another manufacturer uses the lane lines simply to indicate the system is active. Another uses the image to indicate the system is active and lane lines are detected. It goes gray if lane lines are not detected. The last one, white on black, says the system is on, but no lines are detected. Only the particular manufacturer’s owner’s manual will determine what any given light indicates.
The addition of a star indicates that a particular driver’s preferences have been activated. As above, a steady black and white light may also be used to indicate that lane keeping is not ready; green indicates the system is ready and may gently turn the steering wheel if the vehicle approaches a lane marking; and is seen in yellow/amber and flashes as a lane departure warning when a lane marking has been unintentionally crossed.
In this case, the manufacturer displays the lane lines and turns one side red when the vehicle crosses the line without having used a turn signal. The steering wheel will also vibrate to further alert the driver. Both lines are shown in red here, but only one will in practice.
The light is green if the system is simply on. Most manufacturers who offer the system or systems make use of the larger Information Displays (see here) to indicate the system’s operation, and others offer a text symbol like the one to the left. If the system is turned off, you may see one of the symbols to the right, which may include the word OFF. One even adds an arrow pointing outside the line and a star meant to indicate a collision for really no good reason.
These are Lane Change Assist (LCA) indicators, part of a Highway Driving Assist system. We’re showing two colors here, but in fact the system moves through four colors depending on the circumstance. In white, the system is off. In gray, the system is on stand by. In green, it is safe to change lanes.
A yellow/orange light indicates a malfunction in the system. Lane Change Assist does not change lanes for the driver, but simply informs on whether changing lanes is safe or not. It can be used only on highways with clear lane markings, above 40 miles per hour, and only in concert with the use of the turn signals.
And there is this variation, called Lane Centering, which features indicators with either arrows on either side of lane markings and a car or one that replaces the arrows with a steering wheel (right). This last point indicates the need to keep both hands on the wheel.
The indicator’s color of the denotes system status. Gray indicates the system is on but inactive. In green, the system is active and applying steering torque assistance input to keep the vehicle centered in the lane. Yellow/amber indicates a system problem or with an audible tone and then gray indicates automatic cancellation.
These versions, an LDW light, blinks if the system is active and the lane markers are approached. If any of these lights remain on in yellow/amber without blinking, including another that adds inward pointing arrows below the car image, there may be a fault in the system.
The picture symbol on the right, which adds the exclamation point to the image of a car leaving a lane, is also used by some manufacturers to indicate a fault.
In all cases, the vehicle is still drivable, but the system will need to be serviced by your dealer or authorized service center.
With the use of LKAS acronym, the amber light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is turned on. If the light stays on, it also indicates a problem with the system. The light comes on in white when the system is active and operating.
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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/2010/11/lane-departure-warning-indicator-symbol/
These are Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) Warning or Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Blind Spot Alert (BSA) System (left) or BLind spot Information System (BLIS) (right) or Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) symbols. Yet another instance of essentially identical systems end up with manufacturer-dependent names for reasons that are not at all clear.
The light or symbol, often seen on the far corners of outside mirrors themselves, will illuminate when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. Also seen on mirrors are simple yellow/amber lines in many models.
The light will flash while the turn signal is operated. Manufacturers who employ the light on the instrument panel also employ an indicator lamp on the inside of the mirror to draw attention to side of the vehicle being intruded upon.
The systems monitor the areas on either side of the vehicle just behind the driver and front passenger for unseen vehicles and obstructions. The indicator lights look like vehicles pointing a beam at another vehicle, which is pretty much what it is doing.
Note that these systems are evolving to active duty. That is, if an obstructive is detected in the area covered, the vehicle will move itself out of the way (Blind Spot Intervention above).
System problems are generally indicated by a separate alert and text message in the instrument panel. These may include the Blind Spot Alert Malfunction indicator at the left. The word OFF added to the image means that the option has been switched off or has malfunctioned. The last two also indicate a malfunction one in red and the other with a line through, but still in yellow/amber/orange. A malfunction will not effect any driving systems, so you may continue on your way. Blind Spot Monitoring will not be available, however.
This version displays only the sensors used for blind spot detection. If seen in black and white, as shown here, the system is unavailable, likely because the sensors are dirty. A text message will be seen with the symbol in the information screen. If the system is working properly, the symbol will be displayed in green.
Alternatively or in conjunction with the symbols above, text symbols with the acronym BSM, or Blind Spot Monitor, or BSM OFF, may be seen on the instrument panel. BSM alone in green simply indicates the system is on. On of the symbols above will be seen in the outside mirrors themselves.
BSM alone and in yellow/amber indicates a problem with the system. If on continuously, BSM OFF indicates the system has been turned off. If flashing, BSM OFF indicates a problem with the system. See your dealer or authorized service center for repairs. The vehicle can be driven without the benefit of the advanced system.
This one is used by Audi. It may be the clearest concept, in that it is the image of a car in a mirror! It is the Audi Side Assist Indicator, and, if seen, points to a fault in the system. When the light is on, the assist system is inoperative and will not detect vehicles alongside your car. Find a dealer or authorized repair station soon.
Some manufacturers use an indicator in gray scale is seen when the system is activated. It uses large triangles on either side of an image of a vehicle to show the area covered by sensors. If there is a system problem, a text message will appear. Both are seen in the center information display.
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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/2010/11/blind-spot-warning-system-symbol/
Here we show three versions of the Check Gas Cap Indicator symbols, one of the few things the average driver can do anything about. The first two image symbols, which are really a half a car with an unscrewed gas cap, can look like a water pitcher with a screw or bolt next to it. The version with the full car at least eliminates the optical illusion, although all the gas caps look like oversized screws.
Why does this matter?
Because, if you ignore one of these lights, the Check Engine light will likely come on next. So, if you see this light, or the text image below, stop the vehicle in a safe place and make sure the gas cap is tightened properly (to at least one click).
Also, note that a loose gas cap is an air or vacuum leak. Other leaks in the fuel system may fool your car into thinking that its gas cap is loose. So, in older vehicles, check that the cap’s seal is good and replace the cap if the seal is cracked or otherwise damaged. It is certainly worth a look and very inexpensive to replace.
If that doesn’t do the trick, your dealer or authorized service center will be needed.
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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/2010/11/check-gas-cap-indicator/
These are the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) symbols. One of these lights will be on in green with small dots or lines radiating out from an oval shape intended to represent a lamp whenever the running lamps are switched on. A DRL system is required on all vehicles sold new in Canada. The system causes the low-beam headlamps to be turned on when the car is being operated in daylight. So, why are they green?
In some European models, the text symbol DRL is shown when the running lights are in use. They are active when the light switch is off and the ignition is on. The green color is meant only to show that the lights are on and working.
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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/2010/11/daytime-running-lamps-symbol/
This is an Overdrive (O/D) Off Indicator symbol. This states simply that the vehicle’s overdrive capability has been turned off. If this was not intended, look for an overdrive on/off switch, most likely on the center console or possibly on the dashboard.
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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/2010/11/overdrive-off-indicator/