Category: Dashboard Symbols & Tell-tales

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

Cold Battery Dashboard Indicators

Cold Battery

Reduced power indicatorCold battery indicatorCold battery indicatorThese images are Cold Battery Dashboard Indicator symbols. They effectively indicated that the battery in question is reduced in capacity due to cold weather conditions. They are effectively Reduced Power Indicators.

  • Before continuing, are you sure one of these is your symbol?? If yes, then read on below.
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Reduced power indicator hotThe first is a simple image of a household-type battery with a superimposed snowflake. The second image, in blue, notes that power is reduced because of cold drive train conditions. The lights may go out as the drive train warms up even if the outside temperature does not rise. The second icon will be seen in gray scale (left) when the drive system temperature is high, possibly due to sustained or high power demand when driving on mountain roads, for example. This also reduces the amount of power available.

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2023/09/cold-battery-indicators/

Stop Light Dashboard Indicators

Stop Light

Stop light indicator rightStop light indicator leftThese are Stop Light Dashboard Indicators symbols. They are seen in the information display, likely in gray scale or black and white.  As stated by the first manufacturer to use them, The pair of lights come on when the stop lights are illuminated by the use of the brake pedal or, more importantly, the driving assist system when the system applies the brakes.

  • 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!

Indicators of this type are made necessary by self driving systems as well as electric vehicle one pedal driving systems where the brakes may be applied without the driver being fully aware. Brake lights are a warning to other drivers that the vehicle is being slowed and it is important that the driver is aware of this as well.

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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/2023/05/stop-lights-indicator/

Recording Dashboard Indicator

Recording

Recording indicatorThis is a Recording Dashboard Indicator symbol. The light indicates that the recording function of the driver monitor camera is in operation. If the icon is blinking, recording is ongoing, while constant illumination indicates the function is ready for recording. The light may be in gray scale or color.

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

This indicator is made necessary by the addition driver monitoring systems and subsequent privacy concerns. Drivers must be alerted to the fact that their car is recording their actions behind wheel, which may be saved in the vehicle or even submitted to the manufacturer.

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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/2023/05/recording-indicator/

Proactive Driving Assist Dashboard Indicators

Driving Assist

PDA Indicator in GreenPDA Indicator yellow amberPDA IndicatorThese are Proactive Driving Assist Dashboard Indicators symbols. The Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) system, effectively a self-driving system, is designed to provide some assistance for regular braking and steering operations, as well as helping to prevent the vehicle from approaching too close to a detectable object.

  • 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 manufacturer offers the standard disclaimer related to the status of self driving systems in 2023, stating  that the scope of this assistance is limited and that the driver should perform brake and steering operations as necessary and to not overly rely on the proactive driving assist. The system is also not to be used in poor visibility conditions.

PDA offers Obstacle Anticipation Assist for objects detected crossing the road or on the side of the road. It also offers Deceleration Assist, decelerating if a vehicle in front or cutting in front of the vehicle is detected. The system can also detect a curve and decelerate. Finally, it offers Steering Assist, effectively a Lane Keeping System integrated into PDA.

Seen in white or gray scale, the system is active and in detection mode. In green, the system has detected objects and is responding accordingly.  Lane detection and steering symbols will be used in appropriate situations alongside PDA symbols.

A yellow/amber indicator indicates a malfunction in the system. The information display will have additional information for the driver. Ultimately, your dealer or a good technician will be needed to repair the fault.

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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/2023/05/proactive-driving-assist-pda-indicator/

Ignition Position Dashboard Indicators

Ignition Position Symbols

Push indicatorOn indicatorAdaptive Cruise Control IndicatorThese are Ignition Position Dashboard Indicators symbols. The first shows an arrow pointing at a button, presumably the Start / Stop button, and indicates the brake or clutch is pressed and the car can be started. The second is simply the word ON in green, which indicates that the vehicle is ready to move. The third shows the letters ACC, which indicates that the vehicle is in accessory mode. Note that this same symbol is used by Adaptive Cruise Control systems when it is on in some vehicles.

  • 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!

These symbols are made necessary by electric and hybrid vehicles, due to the fact that the ignition can be on while the vehicle is not making a sound. Stepping out of a vehicle while it is on is dangerous. And wondering why the vehicle won’t move and not realizing it is in accessory mode can be confusing or even unnerving.

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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/2023/03/ignition-position-indicators/

Shift to Park Dashboard Warning

Shift to Park

Park shift warningThis is a Shift to Park Dashboard Warning symbol. The light will blink red and a chime will sound if the ignition switch is turned off while the vehicle is not in Park. Move the shift lever or touch the Park button to turn off the light. The chime will sound until the ignition lock is engaged.

  • 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 advent of keyless ignitions as well as electric vehicles (EVs) leave open the possibility of vehicles being turned off while not in Park occurring more and more often. This is particularly true of shift systems that require a button push. The warning indicator is a necessary and welcome addition.

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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/2023/03/shit-to-park-warning/

CrabWalk Dashboard Indicator

CrabWalk

Crab walk indicatorThis is a CrabWalk Dashboard Indicator symbol. It actually appears as a row or set of bent lines that take the shape of a crab. When the system is activated the symbol is seen in yellow/amber. CrabWalk mode allows the driver to turn the rear wheels at the same angle as the front wheels, which enables the vehicle to move diagonally.

  • 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!

Four wheel steering fault indicatorNote that the symbol to the right will also be seen when CrabWalk mode is enabled. It is an All Wheel Steering symbol, and is struck through because the system is made unavailable while the vehicle is in CrabWalk mode. Click 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2023/02/crabwalk-indicator/