Warning Symbols and Tell-tales
What 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.
——————————————————————-
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
The Single Most Misunderstood Warning Indicator on Your Instrument Panel – Part I
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System
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:
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 …
——————————————————————-
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