This is the Headlamp Indicator Symbol. Some auto manufacturers use this symbol when the headlamps are turned on. In vehicles equipped with automatic headlamp operation, the symbol will appear when the light switch is set to “Auto”.
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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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 acronyms AFS and AFLS in these symbols or indicators stand for Active Front-lighting System or Adaptive Front or Cornering Light System. The difference is very subtle and is the result of a manufacturer choice only.
But first, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, then continue on below.
If it includes the word OFF, it indicates that the system has been turned off with an available switch. Look for the switch, which may have been tripped accidently. It may also be tucked nearly under the dashboard where it can be hit by the driver’s knee in a Toyota or Lexus.
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The acronym SRH changes the reference to Steering Responsive Headlights, but is exactly the same type of system. If any of the OFF lights flash or remain lit, they indicate a fault in the system, and your dealer will be needed for a repair. The letters seen alone in yellow/amber/orange is also a malfunction light.
Another indicator of a malfunction are the picture symbols to the left, a curved arrow, indicating movement, above or split by a headlight beam, one adding the exclamation point. The beam is represented by the closed rounded triangle with lines above it. The last one is seen on its side with a bent arrow in one corner.
The symbol is used by manufacturers who call the system Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL), Active Bending LightSystem (ABL), Static Bending Light System (SBL) or Cornering Headlights. Another example of multiple industry names for the same basic system and again, your dealer will be needed for repairs.
Either headlight system move the direction of the headlights left or right – the arrow – in concert with the steering. When the system is off, the headlights work as they have for a century, so there is no need to be concerned.
Note that these active systems often have an on/off switch that may have been accidentally been tripped on the dashboard (as noted) or inside a menu found in an instrument panel display. Look for the same acronym on a switch or in the menu.
If you drive a Polestar, note that they have begun using the symbol to the right to indicate that a lamp has malfunctioned. Follow the link here 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.
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 Power Steering or Electronic Power Steering warning lights or symbols. The exclamation point is used here, a common sight with newer warning lights, alongside the image of a steering wheel. This is a warning, indicating a problem with the steering system. Depending on the manufacturer, it may appear in red or yellow/amber.
There may be hope, but first, are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then continue below.
The red indicators are failure lights here and the yellow/amber/orange version is a fault light. In any case, if as an electronic system, there is a chance it can be “reset”. Pull over as soon as possible and shut down the engine and restart it. If the warning light does not go out you will need to take the vehicle to your dealer or authorized repair facility quickly.
The good news is that the vehicle can be driven with a power steering failure. However, the steering will lack the power assist and will be more difficult to steer. So if you choose to proceed, please do so with caution.
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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 Drivetrain, Shift or Powertrain trouble symbols or lights, and will be red or yellow/amber if it comes up. This same symbol is also used as an Electric Shift Control System Warning Indicator. It indicates a problem has been detected generally in an automatic transmission or transaxle, or its shift system. This part of the drivetrain should be serviced as soon as possible.
But first, are you sure one of these is your symbol? If yes, then continue below.
This version in black and white will be seen in the vehicle’s information display. It may indicate that the transmission is overheated or there is a park lock malfunction or a major transmission malfunction. Fortunately, a text description will be seen as well.
This version is also seen in black and white. It accommodates all of the shift positions with their first letter, D, P, R, etc. If all are seen together and is found to be blinking, there is an issue with the transmission the will need service as soon as possible.
There is little that is user-serviceable in these systems, so you will need the help of your dealer or authorized service center. Some manufacturers also use these to indicate an engine problem, but the Check Engine light is generally reserved for this.
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While the exclamation point is a recurring motif in automotive instrument panel symbols, the wrench is a bit more rare. Neither is it very informative unless, a) the driver is already familiar with it or, b) the driver stops and reads the owners manual. It often indicates a transmission problem, particularly if seen in red, but it also is used for other purposes. Do consult your manual.
Do not confuse the first image with the Settings Indicator symbol on the left. It is nearly identical to the bumpy circle used when referring to the transmission, but lacks any addition in the center and is shown in gray scale. The settings indicator will most generally be seen in the separate Information Display and is the what we have become used to seeing on our phones and computers.
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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 Coolant Warning lights. With or without the arrow or “chimney”, their meaning is somewhat straightforward, in that the engine’s cooling system is low on fluid. Topping off the cooling system with the proper fluid may resolve the issue. Please do this only when the engine is cool! Repeat, may resolve the issue.
However, most cooling systems are sealed and a leak or other issue may be indicated. It would be best to have the system serviced as soon as possible.
** Note that as of 2024, the first image can be found in Kia hybrid vehicles and involves its electrical inverter. Click this link for more.
The shape of the symbols is meant to resemble a radiator and the wavy lines at the bottom indicates fluid level. The waves have also been described as mountains! They are used in a number of symbols and when seen usually means the coolant level is low.
The symbol on the left looks more like the Greek Parthenon than a radiator, but there you are. The center image includes a fan, which Certainly fits with a cooling problem.
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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
One of the first idiot lights, the warning light to the far left, featuring an old-school oil can or what could be even Aladdin’s lamp, is the Oil Warning Light, either level or pressure symbol. A wavy line below the oil can is more specific and indicates the oil level is low, as seen in the second symbol. Without the wavy line, your engine is telling you that the oil pressure is low.
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!
So, what do you do next?
In either case, the oil level must be checked. The text symbols Oil Level or Low Oil Pressure are used by some manufacturers and is also an admonition to check the oil. In either case, if the oil level is good, the engine needs servicing as soon as possible as an oil pump failure is likely and will lead to serious engine damage.
This is also a Low Oil Pressure Warning Indicator. The exclamation point in the warning indicator, accompanied by a dial and a pointer, indicates that the engine’s RPM has been reduced. The dial and pointer are intended to be a gauge, however, there are no markings to indicate actual oil pressure. As with the text messages above, low oil pressure can result in serious engine damage, even at reduced RPMs, so have the engine serviced as soon as possible.
This one is an Oil Temperature Indicator symbol. It adds a thermometer above the image of the oil can. It is found in vehicles with high-performance engines that may be run very hard. If it is seen on the instrument panel, pull over and shut down the engine as soon as possible to allow it to cool down.
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
One of the original idiot lights, at least in red, this is the Temperature Warning lights or symbols. The text symbol Hot Coolant Temp (temperature) spells it out plainly. In red, it indicates quite simply that the engine temperature is too high. If you see this light, your vehicle should be stopped and the engine turned off as quickly as possible. Turning on the heater to the highest setting will remove some of the heat as well.
But first, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, then read on below!
Contact your dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible. But, what’s the deal with the second one below? Blue?
In blue, the symbol, which resembles a thermometer placed in water, indicates that the coolant temperature is below what is needed for optimum performance. If the light blinks red then blue, an electrical malfunction in the cooling system is indicated.
Again, contact your dealer or authorized repair center soon.
Finally, shown in yellow/amber, the symbol of the thermometer alone speaks to fuel having entered the engine oil. Run the engine until warm to allow the fuel to evaporate. Also, avoid running at a high rpm as well.
Note that this unlit symbol may appear inside the temperature gauge and have no function other than to describe the gauge it is sitting in.
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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