Park Assist
These are Park Assist Systems Indicator symbols. The green version will be visible when the system is activated and working. The manufacturer may refer to this as Intuitive Parking Assistance, Park Distance Control (PDC), etc. The gray scale version represents a more advanced system discussed below.
- But first, are you sure one of these is your symbol?? If yes, then continue on below.
- Otherwise you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!
A problem in indicated If the symbols is seen in yellow/amber. See below. And that’s not all…
The systems use ultrasonic sensors on the front and rear to detect how close the vehicle is to surrounding objects. The first symbol itself is meant to show a “beam” detecting an object (the “traffic cone”) to help you park “P”. The cone is often been described by drivers as a sail.
More Versions
If the first symbol is illuminated or flashes in yellow/amber, there is a malfunction in the system or the sensors are dirty. The symbol may include an exclamation point. A good car washing may be all that is needed. The system has no impact on driving, so you may continue on your way, but do add extra care parking.
With the word OFF added, the system may simply have been turned off. If this is not intended, look for a switch with a matching symbol on it. If either of these indicators also flash, there is a malfunction in the system, which has turned it off.
A more advanced version offers the ability to actually find a parking space. When activated, the blue icon with the letter P inside will be seen. This Park Assist system then maneuvers the vehicle in to parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. The system controls the vehicle movement during a maneuver using the steering, acceleration, gear selection, and braking. The lamp illuminates blue when the park assist system is searching for a valid parking space, and can only be active when the vehicle’s speed is less than 18 mph (30 km/h).
Once again, this gray-scale version functions very much like the one above and is called Simple Advanced Parking Guidance System (S-APGS). It does not find spaces, but will control parking maneuvers once a spot is chosen. The system can handle parallel or back in parking.
If more than one valid space is displayed in the park assist screen, multiple icons will appear with an arrow to one side or the other. Touch the preferred parking space to change from the pre-selected parking space.
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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
These are Low Speed, Crawl, Grade and Terrain Assist Indicator 
One manufacturer offers this indicator with the set of bars and the word CRAWL above it. It indicates that simply that Crawl Control is turned on. Then the system mode can be chosen: Lo, Lo-Mid, Mid, Mid-Hi and Hi. The range moves from essentially rough roads to very gravelly or snow covered roads.
Grade assist applies a continuous balance of braking and throttle adjustments to avoid slipping or getting stuck on difficult or slick terrain. Thus the speedometer shown in one image. The system is similar to the Start Assist shown next. The yellow amber version is an All Terrain Progress Control (ATPC) indicator. It is shown to confirm that the ATPC system is enabled. The color is chosen by the manufacturer.
One manufacturer sees this as Selec-Speed Control (SSC) and is intended for off-road driving in 4WD Low only. As with the other systems, SSC maintains vehicle speed by actively controlling engine torque and brakes. It is activated by pushing the SSC switch.
In this case, the color is black and white, as the indicator is displayed on the vehicle’s information screen. the acronym 
The symbol to the left is a Hill Start Assist (
To the right are Hill Holder Indicator symbols, which will be illuminated when the hill holder switch is activated. Since the system makes use of the vehicle’s brakes, a brake problem is indicated if the light does not come on when the switch is activated. If this occurs, contact you dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible.
These versions indicates a problem with the Hill Start Assist system. This is why they is seen in 
This is the Roll Sensing Curtain Airbags (
These are Stability Control Off Indicator 
Note that BMW uses what it calls 
The image to the left is very, very similar to an “OFF” indicator, except it is a NOT READY indicator. The indicator will most commonly be seen only on start up and should go out in a few seconds. It may stay on longer in cold conditions and will go out once the vehicle is warmed up. However, if it persists, there is clearly a problem that should be addressed as soon as possible.
These text symbols, or one matching one of the other acronyms, will be seen in some early model vehicles that use the system. Newer vehicles are more likely to use the picture symbol above.
This is a Dynamic Stability Control (
A flashing symbol likely means the system requires service. The inclusion of the ‘4 x 4’ is a variation in the appearance of the symbol used in 4-wheel drive vehicles.
ECB
In the U.S., the 
These are Seat Belt Reminder Indicator 
For some reason, one manufacturer has added the 
This is a Rear Seat Unoccupied Indicator. The light is used to show the driver that a rear seat is unoccupied and he or she does not need to be concerned that a seat belt is unbuckled. It is part of a scan of all seats and seat belts and appears in black and white.
There have since been a large number of these, like those to the right. We’ve addressed them on a separate page.