Category: Dashboard Symbols & Tell-tales

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

Fuel, Low Fuel, and Fuel Sensor Indicators

Low Fuel

Low Fuel IndicatorLow fuel indicatorThese are Fuel, Low Fuel and Fuel Sensor Indicator symbols. They are often seen in or near a vehicle’s fuel gauge. The symbols may also be illuminated when the fuel is low, or a smaller light may illuminate near this symbol when the fuel is low. The oval symbol will only be illuminated when the fuel is low.

The first symbol is a simple image of gas pump and filler hose in yellow/amber. If an arrow is present, it points to the side of the vehicle used to refill the tank. That is, the side the gas cap is on. The second symbol is a simple oval, also in yellow/amber.

This symbol is a Fuel Sensor Fault Indicator. It indicates a failure of the sensor and that the level shown on the fuel gauge cannot be relied upon. It is identical to the fuel indicator, except that an exclamation point is added to one side.

Hydrogen low indicatorThis final version adds the letter and number H2 below the image of the pump. H2 stands for hydrogen and the symbol will be seen only in vehicles powered by the gas, and only when the fuel level drops.

Similar Symbols

Low Battery WarningDo not confuse this symbol with the one on the right. Click here 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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/fuel-low-fuel-and-fuel-sensor-indicators/

Park or Tail Lamps On Indicator

Park Lamps

Tail Light Indicator CanadaThis is a Park or Tail Lamps On Indicator symbol. The latter is used in Canada. This symbol is only illuminated when all the lights, except the headlights, are in use. The lines (or eyelashes!) pointing outward are meant to symbolize light coming from the drawing of what is meant to represent a lamp.

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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/2024/03/park-or-tail-lamps-on-indicator/

Tail or Stop Light Out Indicators

Tail Lamps

Tail Light Out Indicator SymbolThis symbol is a Tail or Stop Light Out Indicator symbols. The replacement of a light bulb or two will restore order. Some manufacturers add a text message in the instrument panel noting exactly which light is out. The symbol is often described as eyelashes coming out of the back of a car! The lines or eyelashes pointing out are meant to represent light.

  • But first, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on below. 
  • Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

And there’s still another…

Stop Light Out IndicatorBrake lamp indicatorThese two versions are a Stop Light or Brake Lamp Out Indicator. They specifically point to a burned out brake light bulb. Again, the eyelashes pointing back are part of the equation, and the words STOP or BRAKE are there for obvious reasons. There may be a further message in the instrument panel noting the exact bulb. Again, have the light bulb replaced.

Note that in all cases, there is the outside possibility of a bad fuse or a broken wire or some other electrical issue affecting the tail lights.

Similar Symbols

LED Headlight MalfunctionHeadlamp Malfunction 2Cornering Headlamps Malfunction IndicatorAlso, don’t confuse the stop or tail light indicators with these symbols. Click here, here or here, left to right.

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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/2024/03/tail-or-stop-light-out-indicators/

High, Low, or Main Beam On Indicators

High Beams

High Beam On IndicatorThese symbols are versions of the High, Low, or Main Beam On indicator. The light is active only when the high beams are active (turned on) and has been a standard in vehicles for decades is one of only a select few presented in a blue color and features what is supposed to be the image of an old-style headlamp with lines coming out from it.

  • Are you sure one of these is your symbol??
  • If not, return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

Low beam indicatorAuto low beam indicatorThis next one is used by only a few manufacturers and is a Low or Dipped Beam On indicator. The image is in green and now shows the lines coming out from the headlamp pointing down indicating that the lights are aimed down. The same symbol with the A inside is part of a Auto Low Beam system, similar to auto high beam systems.

The terms low and high beam are commonly used in North America, while dipped and main beam are in more common use in Europe.

Low beam failureHigh beam failureFinally, these are, respectively, Low and High Beam Fault Indicators. They appear in yellow/amber/orange. Like the on lamps above, the lines point down for the low beam warning light and straight out for the high beam warning light.

Similar Symbols

Auto Headlamp Dimmer IndicatorHeadlight Levelling IndicatorDaytime Running Lights SymbolDo not confuse the light with these. Follow these links, left, center and right 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/high-low-or-main-beam-on-indicators/

Fog Lamp Indicator Symbols

Fog Lamps

Fog Lamp Indicator SymbolThis the Fog Lamp Indicator symbol. The indicator in green is active only when the fog lamps are activated. The wavy line crossing straight ones pointing down is meant to indicate light passing through the fog.

  • Are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then continue on below. 
  • Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

Do you have one that looks like the reverse of this one??

Rear Fog Lamp IndicatorAnd, yes, there is a Rear Fog Lamp Indicator symbol, in yellow/amber. This indicator also is only active when the lamps are actually on. The lines point to the right in this symbol, indicating a rear-facing beam. They are rare in North America but required in Europe. They make a vehicle more visible in poor weather to trailing drivers.

Either are switched on, so look for a similar symbol on the light switch or switches if you wish to turn the lights off.

Similar Symbols

LED Headlight MalfunctionHeadlight Levelling System WarningCornering Headlamps Malfunction IndicatorDo not confuse these lights with the indicator lights to the right. They are linked here, here and here, left to right. Click for more.

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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/2024/03/fog-lamp-indicator-symbols/

Turn Signal Indicator Symbol

Turn Signals

Turn Signal IndicatorThese are Turn Signal Indicator symbols. The arrows flash individually in green with the turn signal switch and together with the hazard switch. There is nothing special here – these symbols have been shown on instrument clusters for decades.

  • Are you sure this is your symbol??
  • If not, return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

Turn signal fault indicatorIn yellow/amber/orange, there is a fault in the turn signals. This is a warning light, and will be seen as displayed here. The lights above will not likely be seen together as represented here. Rather they will be separated and placed on either side of the instrument panel.

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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/2024/03/turn-signal-indicator-symbol-2/

Lamp Out Indicator Symbols

Lamp Out

Headlamp Out IndicatorLamp Out SymbolHeadlamp outLamp out indicatorThese are Lamp Out Indicator symbols. One or more of the headlamp bulbs or other bulbs is burned out or malfunctioning. This is another symbol that may utilize an exclamation point, which always indicates a problem, even if its in the green color. The third symbol to the right, in yellow/amber only, is an alternative Lamp Out indicator.

  • Are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then continue on below.
  • Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

In green, it indicates that the lights are on, but one lamp is not working. In yellow/amber, it simply means that a lamp is out.

Trailer lights check indicatorNote right here that the light to the left if seen in black and white on a Polestar instrument panel means that Trailer Lights are under test. It looks exactly like the first two images above but does not indicate a fault!

LED Headlight MalfunctionModern LED (Light Emitting Diode) headlamps evidently require a new warning symbol variation. The shining headlamp, represented by a rounded triangle with lines emanating from it, with an exclamation point inside indicates a malfunction in an LED headlamp. The lines angle downward, likely indicating that the problem is with a low (dipped) beam light.

However, the problem here is more likely with circuitry or wiring rather than the bulb, or bulbs, itself or themselves.

Lamp malfunction indicatorCornering Headlamps Malfunction IndicatorPolestar is using the image to the left to indicate a lamp malfunction. However, it should not be confused with the image to the right, which bears a strong resemblance. It is an Active, Adaptive or Cornering Light Malfunction Symbol! Follow the link for more.

Some vehicles may include a very helpful message in the instrument panel noting exactly which bulb has malfunctioned. In this case, and assuming it is a headlamp, it will also likely add whether it is low (dipped) beam, or high (main) beam. The terms low and high beam are commonly used in North America, while dipped and main beam are in more common use in Europe.

Regardless, service the lights as soon as possible.

Even with older, non-LED lighting, there is the outside possibility of a bad fuse or a broken wire or some other electrical issue affecting the headlamps. Also note that in most cases, it will be a low (dipped) beam that will likely be affected, as these spend the most time illuminated.

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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/2024/03/lamp-out-indicator-symbols/