Category: Dashboard Symbols & Tell-tales

Electric Side Step

These are Electric Side Step or Automatic Running Board Indicator symbols. It is seen when the electric side step is activated by opening the side door or operating the sliding side door. If the first image remains lit, it indicates a fault that will require service. Be sure to check that the step is retracted before moving the vehicle.

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

If the second image remains lit, it indicates an obstruction preventing the running board from fully extending or retracting. Check for obstacles. If the warning light flashes, it indicates a fault that will require service from a qualified shop.

Side steps or running boards extend automatically to improve access to the vehicles. The first image appears as a tall rectangle (a van) with two circles or wheels underneath and a line and plus sign on one side in yellow/amber. The line represents the step.

The second appears a the side of a car with something protruding from it (the running board) and a double ended arrow, also in yellow/amber.

This truly oversimplified symbol, which consists only of parallel lines, indicates that the running boards have not extended in automatic mode. It is seen in black and white in the information screen and will be accompanied by a text message noting a problem. It is likely that they need to be cleaned in order to operate properly. The running boards can be extended in manual mode.

——————————————————————-

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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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.

Marc Favreau

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