Category: Dashboard Symbols & Tell-tales

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

Cruise Control Indicator Symbols

Cruise Control

Cruise Control Indicator SymbolCruise Control Indicator symbols. This first one to the left is a relatively new symbol that replaces the simple word “Cruise” that is sometimes still found. Unfortunately, it is not immediately obvious to many what this symbol represents, until it is explained.

The symbol is, of course a representation of a speedometer (the dial), with a pointer (arrow) indicating a speed has been set, but not the actual set speed.

Cruise control fault indicatorCruise control fault indicatorThese symbol variations, which adds the exclamation point and is in yellow/amber color, are Cruise Control Fault Indicators. The color and the exclamation point both state that the system needs to be serviced by a qualified service shop as soon as possible.

CRUISE + indicatorThere are also a number of Text versions, that can be seen by following this link, including the combined text (Cruise) and image symbol seen here.

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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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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/cruise-control-indicator-symbols/

Cruise or Speed Control Indicators

Cruise Control

Cruise Control IndicatorThis first image is the Cruise Control Indicator light in text form. The light is illuminated when the cruise control is engaged. It is perfectly straightforward, as opposed to the many image symbols below that are now often used in its place.

  • First, are you sure one of these is your symbol?? If yes, then continue reading below.
  • Otherwise return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

Note that some manufacturers use this light in yellow/amber when the system is on but not engaged. The indicator will also be yellow/amber if there is a system malfunction.

Cruise Control Main IndicatorAnother Cruise Control IndicatorAlternatively, some manufacturers use the Text Symbol to the left, Cruise Main, to indicate that the cruise control system is turned on. Once a speed is set, it reverts to the Text Symbol to the right, Cruise Control.

Cruise Control Indicator SymbolCRUISE + indicatorCruise control indicatorCruise control indicatorAlternate Cruise Control Indicator symbols. This is a new symbol that sometimes replaces the simple Text Symbols that remain in use. Unfortunately, it is not immediately obvious to most what this symbol represents, until it is explained. Which itself may explain the combination symbol, also in use. Seen in black and white simply means a speed has not been chosen.

It is, of course a representation of a speedometer (the dial), with a pointer (arrow) indicating a speed. A second version in more advanced systems is even more confusing.

Active Cruise Control SymbolAnd last but not least, the Active Cruise Control Indicator symbol. This symbol adds a car to the speedometer and arrow in the previous symbol. Again, unfortunately it is not immediately clear to the average driver just what it is trying to say.

Variously called Radar Controlled or Adaptive, the systems operate the same way. It is not warning of an imminent collision, but rather showing that the cruise control system will maintain the speed needed to maintain the proper distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. Click this link for more.

Set Indicator (Cruise Control)Set speed indicatorThese are a Set Indicator symbol and a Set Speed symbol. Some manufacturers use Set to indicate that a speed has been chosen. The second and third will include the chosen speed, while the first may be used to indicate a system problem. It will blink if that is the case.

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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/cruise-or-speed-control-text-indicators/

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/