Category: Dashboard Symbols & Tell-tales

DashboardSymbols.com descriptions of the symbols and tell-tales used on automobile and light truck dashboards and instrument panels.

Apply Parking Brake Dashboard Indicator

Apply Park Brake

Apply parking brakeThis is an Apply Parking Brake Indicator symbol. It is somewhat misleading in that it actually warns of a transmission malfunction! Vehicles with electronic shift controls may not hold the Park selection properly, prompting the warning to engage the parking brake.

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

Do not ignore this light! If the Park function in the transmission is not properly engaged the vehicle can roll away possibly creating a risk to property and people! Use the parking brake and have the vehicle serviced at a qualified service shop 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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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/2021/06/apply-parking-brake-indicator/

Driver Monitoring System Dashboard Indicators

Driver Monitor

Driver monitoring onDriver monitoring offAttention alertThese are all Driver Monitoring System Dashboard Indicator symbols. They appear as an eye in a box broken by lines passing through the sides of the box or a slightly closed eye alone. The first indicates that the system is on and working and is seen in green. The second indicates that the system is turned off and is seen in yellow/amber along with the word OFF. There are two additional symbols shown below.

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

As vehicles inch closer to self driving, driver focus becomes a greater and greater concern. The technology here uses a near-infrared camera to focus on the driver’s eyes and head positions to determine whether or not the driver is paying attention to the road or is getting drowsy. The system provides audible signals, escalating visual alerts, and reminders in the event of distraction or drowsiness. Note that a Coffee Cup symbol may be shown as well. Click the link for more.

Inop Symbols

Driver monitoring stoppedThe first of the two additional indicators, both seen in yellow/amber,  has a line drawn diagonally through it. It indicates that the system has stopped temporarily because it has overheated or it cannot see the driver face and expressions properly.

Driver monitoring system malfunctionThe yellow/amber version of the symbol without the diagonal line or the word OFF indicates a malfunction in the system. Have your dealer or qualified repair shop determine and repair the cause of the malfunction.

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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/2021/06/driver-monitoring-indicators/

Idle Coasting Dashboard Indicator

Idle Coasting

Idle coasting indicatorThis is an Idle Coasting Indicator symbol. The symbol resembles the image of a sailboat with two sails. It is seen on the instrument panel in white or gray scale. Idle Coasting is a fuel economy option that must be chosen. The indicator is only seen when Idle Coasting is chosen and active.

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

The Idle Coasting feature works by allowing engine speeds to drop to idle, saving fuel. The feature is a menu option on some vehicles from FCA.

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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/2021/05/idle-coasting-indicator/

Mini Dashboard Symbols and Warning Lights

Mini Symbols

So, what is that light on your dashboard? What follows is easily the most complete list available of symbols and warnings that may appear in and on your car’s dashboard or instrument cluster.

The following are warning lights and indicators found in vehicles built by Mini. Click the link to the right of each one to learn more.

How They Are Presented

They are roughly ordered by importance, which tends to be by color (red, amber, yellow, orange, green, blue, gray), but there are nearly 70 of them so be patient!

Charging System Trouble Indicator SymbolCharge system trouble indicator -- click for more
Brake Trouble IndicatorBrake trouble indicators -- click for moreBrake Trouble Indicator Canada
Park Brake IndicatorPark brake indicator -- click for more
Oil Trouble Indicator SymbolOil warning lights -- click for moreLow Oil Level Symbol
Temperature Warning Light SymbolEngine temperature indicator -- click for more
Seat Belt Reminder SymbolSeat belt reminder -- click for more
SRS Air Bag Indicator SymbolAir bag warning indicator -- click for more
Security Lock IndicatorSecurity indicator -- click for more
Door Ajar Warning IndicatorDoor ajar indicators -- click for moreIgnition on driver door open indicator
Service interval nearService interval due or past -- click for moreService interval exceeded
Amber Master Warning Light SymbolCheck control message -- click for more
Step on the brake indicatorShift or start lock indicator -- click for more
Roll away potential indicator -- click for more
Service needed indicatorMaintenance required indicator -- click for more
Check engine lightEngine malfunction indicator -- click for moreMalfunction Indicator Light
EML IndicatorEngine electronics malfunction indicator -- click for more
Drivetrain Trouble IndicatorTransmission or drivetrain trouble indicator -- click for more
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission oil temperature indicator -- click for more
Key battery indicatorKey fob malfunction or low battery indicators -- click for moreKey not found indicator
Brake Pad Wear Warning SymbolLow brake pad indicator -- click for more
ABS Trouble Indicator CanadaAnti-lock brake system fault indicators -- click for moreABS 4x4 indicatorABS Trouble Indicator US
Electronic Brake Force Distribution IndicatorElectronic brake force distribution indicator -- click for more
Tire Pressure Monitor SymbolTire pressure monitor indicator -- click for more
Low Coolant IndicatorLow coolant warning indicator -- click for more
Close gas cap indicatorCheck gas cap indicator -- click for moreCheck Gas Cap Indicator
Stacility controlStability control indicator -- click for more
Dynamic Stability Control IndicatorDynamic stability control indicators -- click for moreDSC 4x4 failed indicator
Slip Control Off IndicatorStability control off indicator -- click for more
Dynamic Traction Control IndicatorDynamic traction control indicator -- click for more
Steering trouble warningSteerng trouble indicator -- click for moreSteering Trouble Indicator
Frost warningFrost warning indicator -- click for more
Low Fuel IndicatorLow fuel indicator -- click for more
Windshield Washer Fluid Low IndicatorLow washer fluid indicator -- click for more
Automatic Hold IndicatorAutomatic brake hold indicator -- click for more
MDM IndicatorMDM Indicator -- click for more
Lane Departure SymbolLane keeping indicators -- click for moreLane Departure Warning
Collision warning 2Collision warning indicator -- click for moreFront End Collision Warning IndicatorVehicle detected indicator
Pedestrian Warning Symbol 2Pedestrian detected indicator -- click for morePedestrian Warning Symbol 1
Active Cruise Control SymbolAdaptive cruise control indicators -- click for moreActive cruise control
Cruise Control Indicator SymbolCruise control indicator -- click for more
Parking Assistance SymbolPark distance control -- click for morePark assist failure
Convertible failure indicatorConvertible top indicators -- click for moreConvertible top lock indicatorConvertible top speed indicator
Acoustic protection offAcoustic pedestrian protection system off -- click for more
Headlamp outLamp out indicator -- click for more
Fog Lamp Indicator SymbolFog lamps activated-- click for more
High-beam Assistant IndicatorAutomatic high beam indicator -- click for more
Tail Light Indicator CanadaPark lamps on indicator -- click for more
Turn Signal IndicatorTurn signal indicator -- click for more
High Beam On IndicatorHigh beam indicator -- click for more

Models examined include the Hardtop 2 Dr., Hardtop 4 Dr., Countryman, Clubman, Convertible, Paceman, Coupe, Roadster, and John Cooper Works GP.

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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/2021/04/mini-warning-lights-and-symbols/

Roll Away Potential Dashboard Indicator

Roll Away Potential

Not in Park indicatorThis is a Roll Away Potential Indicator symbol. It indicates that the shift lever in a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission is not fully engaged in Park. This leaves the potential for the vehicle to move even with the engine off.

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

The indicator appears as the image of a vehicle with a broken line above it with arrows at both ends, and in yellow/amber. The image should not be ignored. Even if you think the vehicle is fully in Park, attempt a reset. If the light stays on, have the vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic and engage the parking brake.

——————————————————————

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/2021/04/roll-away-potential-indicator/

Special Drive Mode Dashboard Indicators

Drive Modes

Mud ruts mode indicatorSlippery mode indicatorPresented here are a number of special low-speed Drive Mode Dashboard Indicators available on some 4-wheel drive vehicles. In truth, they appear to be near useless without context, and all would be better presented simply as text symbols, but are not. Note that all of these indicators are the result of having chosen a drive mode, intentionally or otherwise, and when seen in the information display, they are shown in black and white or gray scale.

  • Before continuing, are you sure one of these is your symbol?? If so, continue on.
  • If not, you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

The first two shown above are Mud, Ruts Mode and Slippery Mode Indicators, left to right, made available by one manufacturer.  The Mud, Ruts Mode Indicator is shown as a nonsensical combination of a tree, a wavy line, and four straight lines in yellow/amber. The Slippery Mode Indicator is seen as a bewildering array of wavy lines, what may be rain drops, and a star or snowflake also in yellow/amber.

So, if you are surprised to see one of these, its likely that the mode has been set accidentally. Again, they would frankly be better represented as text symbols simply stating the mode.

More Drive Modes

Mud and sand mode indicatorMogul mode indicatorRock mode indicatorLoose and rock ModeRock and dirt modeThis next group comes from another manufacturer and would seem to make choosing the right one next to impossible. Left to right they are Mud and Sand Mode, Mogul Mode, Rock Mode, Loose and Rock Mode, and finally Rock and Dirt Mode Indicators.

Dirt mode indicatorMud mode indicatorDeep snow mode indicatorTrail mode indicatorAnd it didn’t end there. Only a few years later, left to right, they introduced a change to the Dirt Mode Indicator image, added a separate Mud Mode Indicator, a Deep Snow Indicator, and a Trail Mode Indicator in black and white. Again, why so many modes are needed is difficult to understand, and the differences in drive train responses are likely very, very subtle.

In any case, they are represented by shown as a drawings of a vehicle, tipped or vertical, riding a curved lines or hills and mounds and dots meant to be dirt all in green. The first adds a cactus, likely to represent sand, but one could be on a beach!

Yet More Drive Modes

Mud & Sand mode indicatorRock & dirt mode indicatorTrail mode indicatorSand mode indicatorSnow mode indicatorMud mode indicatorAs we noted with the first group, these could all be better represented by text symbols stating the mode, which some manufacturers actually do. Mud & Sand Mode or Rock & Dirt Mode or the more generic Trail Mode are simply spelled out for the driver. Another set goes only by Sand, Snow, or Mud with a vehicle shown above.

In all cases, if you are surprised to see one of these, its likely the mode has been selected accidently. It can then be turned off.

MTS auto indicatorAnd the final surprise is that the same vehicles that use the image symbols offer an AUTO setting, Multi-terrain Select control or MTS AUTO, that will simply choose exactly the mode that is needed.

And Even More Drive Modes

Snow or Dirt modeSnow or mud modeThese are Snow/Dirt and Snow/Mud Mode Indicators, respectively. These modes provide automatic control of wheel slippage in snow or dirt or deeper snow and mud. The vehicles Traction Control is turned off to accommodate the automated system.

Grip controlWhen one the previous modes is chosen, this manufacturer allows for Grip Control, which is its indicator to the left. Grip Control allows for five speed choices, 2 through 6 miles per hour. The system is automatically turned off when the vehicle is braked to a stop.

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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/2021/04/special-modes-for-4-wheel-drive-vehicles/

Polestar Dashboard Symbols and Warning Lights

Polestar Symbols

So, what is that light on your dashboard? What follows is easily the most complete list available of symbols and warnings that may appear in and on your car’s dashboard or instrument cluster.

The following are warning lights and indicators found in vehicles built by Polestar. Click the link to the right of each one to learn more.

How They Are Presented

They are roughly ordered by importance, which tends to be by color (red, amber, yellow, orange, green, blue, gray), but there are over 80 of them so be patient!

Serious trouble or fault indicators
Charging System Trouble Indicator SymbolCharge system trouble indicator -- click for more
Oil Trouble Indicator SymbolOil warning light -- click for more
Temperature Warning Light SymbolEngine temperature warning -- click for more
Power steering failurePower steering trouble indicators -- click for morePower steering fault
Brake Trouble IndicatorBrake trouble indicators -- click for moreBrake Trouble Indicator Canada
Parking Brake Engaged IndicatorPark brake indicators -- click for morePARK symbol
SRS Air Bag Indicator SymbolAir bag warning indicator -- click for more
Common or routine indicators
Seat Belt Reminder SymbolSeat belt reminder -- click for more
Low Battery WarningCharge level indicator -- click for more
Child lock indicatorChild lock indicator -- click for more
Slippery conditions indicatorFrost warning indicator -- click for more
EV system indicators
EV system fault indicatorEV system fault indicator -- click for more
Power Limitation IndicatorPower limitation indicator -- click for more
Ready Mode IndicatorReady indicator -- click for more
Charge cord connectedCharge cable connected -- click for moreCharge cable indicator
Cold battery indicatorCold battery indicator -- click for more
Trouble or fault indicators
Master Warning Light SymbolAttention indicators -- click for moreAttention indicator
SOS malfunction indicatorSOS malfunction indicator -- click for more
Check engineCheck engine light -- click for more
Stability, traction control and fault indicators -- click for moreStability system indicator
Slip Control Off IndicatorStability control off indicator -- click for more
Lane Departure WarningLane keeping fault indicator -- click for more
blind_spot_malfunction_indicatorBlind spot warning malfunction indicator -- click for more
Tire Pressure Monitor SymbolTire pressure monitor indicator -- click for more
ABS Trouble Indicator CanadaAnti-lock brake system fault indicators -- click for moreABS Trouble Indicator US
Suspension system faultSuspension system fault indicator -- click for more
Driver assist systems indicators
Active steering assist indicatorPilot assist alert -- click for more
Driver support system faultDriver assist system fault indicator -- click for more
Lane keeping indicatorLane keeping indicators -- click for moreLane keeping offLane keeping active
Lane departure warning leftMore lane keeping indicators -- click for moreLane departure warning left
Collision warningVehicle detected ahead -- click for more
Evasive maneuver warningEvasive maneuver warning indicator -- click for more
Auto Braking Indicator SymbolCollision warning indicators -- click for moreRear collision warning indicaor
Auto brake hold indicatorAuto brake hold on indicators -- click for moreAuto brake hold
Adaptive cruise control indicatorActive cruise control indicator -- click for more
Special feature and accessory indicators
Cruise Control Indicator SymbolCruise control indicator -- click for more
Driver alert system fault indicatorDriver alert system fault indicator -- click for moreDriver alert indicator
Hill descent control fault indicator -- click for moreHill descent control indicator
Over the air update indicatorOver the air update indicator -- click for more
Steering wheel heatHeated steering wheel on indicator -- click for more
Seat heat onSeat heater on indicator -- click for more
Towbar unlockedTowbar unlocked indicators -- click for moreTow bar unlocked indicator
Trailer fault indicatorTrailer fault indicator -- click for more
Preconditioning indicatorPreconditioning indicator -- click for more
Rain sensor indicatorRain sensor indicators -- click for moreRain sensor
Phone charge iconBattery charge indicator -- click for more
Lighting indicators
Lamp malfunction indicatorLamp out indicator -- click for more
Cornering light indicatorAdaptive front lighting system failure -- click for more
Position lights onPosition lights indicators -- click for morePosition lights failure
Fog Lamp Indicator SymbolFog lamp indicators -- click for moreRear Fog Lamp Indicator
Turn Signal IndicatorTurn signal indicators -- click for moreTurn signal fault indicator
High-beam Assistant IndicatorActive high beam indicators -- click hereAuto high beam failure
Auto high beam indicatorMore active high beam indicators -- click hereAuto high beam off
High Beam On IndicatorHigh and low beam indicators -- click for moreHigh beam failureLow beam failure
Trailer lights check indicatorTrailer lights check indicator -- click for more

Models examined include the Polestar 1, Polestar 2 and Polestar 3.

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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/2021/04/polestar-warning-lights-and-symbols/