Category: Dashboard Symbols & Tell-tales

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

Brake Press Indicators

Brake Press

Depress Brake PedalThese are Brake Press Indicators symbols. They is similar to other symbols asking for the brake pedal to pressed, for shifting for instance. However, here the symbols are used for Electric Park Brake and Automatic Brake Hold systems, where the brake pedal must be stepped on before either system can be 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 first symbol shows an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal with an arrow pointing to the brake pedal. A similar symbol with three pedals is used in vehicles with manual transmissions. The third pedal is the clutch.

The second symbol is simply a foot or shoe shown above a pedal.

If the symbol is flashing, it indicates an issue with the systems and neither the Electric Park Brake or Automatic Brake Hold can be engaged, or will be disengaged.

Similar Symbols

Use Brake IndicatorShift Lock IndicatorDon’t confuse this image with the similar ones to the right. For more, click 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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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/2018/06/electric-park-brake-press-indicator/

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Status Indicator

Driver Assist

ADAS status indicatorThis is an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems or ADAS Status Indicator symbol. As shown the, ADAS indicator shows green on both sides, and is thus ready. The color can vary depending on circumstances. The symbol is meant to show the proper lane, another car travelling ahead, and the distance to that car, represented by the horizontal white lines. ACC is working to keep that distance, and thus the number of lines, constant.

  • 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 using this variant has the symbol associated with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Highway ASsist (HAS), creating the full ADAS. Examples of variability include one side turning yellow/amber if the vehicle drifts too far that side (LKA) and torque is being applied to return to center, or yellow/amber horizontally if the distance to a vehicle ahead begins to shrink.

The entire set is associated more strongly with message centers, but as these displays advance, many more color options are available, including the deep blue background and they begin to meld with more traditional picture symbols.

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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/2018/06/adas-status-indicator/

Passive Speed Limit Indicator and Overspeed Indicator

Speed Limit

Passive Speed Limit IndicatorSpeed set indicatorThese are Passive Speed Limit Indicator and Overspeed Indicator symbols. It indicates that a speed limit has been set and the image shows an example set speed limit of 65 miles per hour (MPH).  The symbol will appear in the center information display in white, and the background shown may be in blue, black or white (with black numbers). The information display background color will vary depending on the manufacturer.

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

Many More Versions

Speed warning indicatorSpeed warning indicatorSpeed warning indicatorThe symbols here are pictorial representations of essentially the same thing, using a speedometer image with an arrow or a sign alongside. If a set passive speed limit is exceeded, the driver is alerted by an acoustic signal. In addition, the symbol indicating the speed limit is turned to yellow/amber. Finally, a pop-up message indicating that the limit has been exceeded will appear on display as well for a few seconds.

Overspeed indicatorOver speed warningSimilarly, several manufacturers use an Overspeed Warning Indicator. It has a single speed set into the system, which is 75 miles per hour, or 120 kilometers per hour (km/hr). It is a simple warning that illuminates if the speed is exceeded, with or without a greater than sign. A chime sounds for a few seconds as well.

Speed LimiterSpeed limiter assistThis pair are seen in green. The first icon with the dial with an arrow and the letters LIM indicate that its Manual Speed Limiter is on and functioning. In this case, the indicator will flash if the speed is exceeded. The Assist indicator tells the driver that speed limits will be detected and can be set manually.

Speed warning indicatorAs usual, there is seemingly no limit to the number of variations these warnings will take. This version will be seen in black and white in the information screen in the instrument panel, again when a speed set by the driver is exceeded. It shows either the letters MPH in the center or KPH in Canada or Europe for miles or kilometers per hour.

Speed limiterASL Indicator SymbolThe symbols to right are related. 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/2018/06/passive-speed-limit-indicator/

SOS Feature Malfunction Indicators

SOS Feature

SOS IndicatorSOS malfunction indicatorThese are SOS Feature Malfunction Indicator symbols. The symbol, in red or yellow/amber/orange, is likely accompanied by a text message in the instrument panel that states that the service is either limited or unavailable. The message will show one or the other. When restricted, an emergency call may be limited to a data transmission. The symbol is nothing more than the letters SOS with the image of an old-style telephone receiver right side up or upside down.

  • 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!

SOS not ready indicatorThis version, SOS NOT READY, would be seen in black and white in the the information screen. It is also a malfunction indicator telling the driver the system is not available, with no indication as to why.

SOS battery faultFinally, this version, a household-looking battery looking image with the letters SOS inside and an exclamation point, indicates that the battery necessary to power the SOS system is not available. Unfortunately, this may include the moments after a crash, where the power may be severed. This scenario makes it difficult to image what will power the warning light, but the manufacturer wishes to cover all bases…

SOS is a roadside assistance service that must be subscribed to in most cases. It may be available for free for a limited time in new vehicles. And of course, the vehicle must be equipped to accommodate it. A problem with the SOS feature may be as simple as a lack of signal or as serious as an electronics failure. In the latter case, a qualified service shop will be needed.

Emergency assist faultEmergency assist indicatorDon’t confuse the symbols above with these two to the left. It is a related but distinct system. 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/2017/08/sos-feature-malfunction-indicator/

AdBlue Indicator Symbols

AdBlue

AdBlue fill indicatorAdBlue indicatorThese are AdBlue Indicator symbols, which references a fluid that is necessary to the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system. SCR is an emissions control technology used by some diesel engine manufacturers. The indicators may appear in yellow/amber or red, depending on the severity of need.

  • 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!

So, what to do?

Both indicators include the text AdBlue, or Blue, which is a fluid used in the system. The first indicator includes the image of a downturned bottle of fluid. Another has the same words shown above a wavy line, meant to show the fluid’s level. When seen in yellow/amber, it indicates that fluid is low. If it appears in Red, the system must have fluid added, or engine emissions will be excessive.

AdBlue Maintenance IndicatorAnother adds a wrench or spanner to the AdBlue text. In yellow/amber, it indicates an issue with the system. In red, the system needs immediate attention or damage may be done to the engine and/or its emissions control systems. Only a qualified service shop or dealer will be capable of repairing the system.

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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/2017/06/adblue-indicator-symbols/

Rear Cross Traffic Alert Indicators

Rear Cross Traffic

Rear Cross Traffic Alert IndicatorThese is a Rear Cross Traffic Alert Indicator (RCTA) symbol. It appears as its acronym on the instrument panel in green when the system is available. Any trouble indications in the vehicles examined are displayed with text and images in the Information Display.

  • 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!

RCTA uses radar sensors to detect vehicles behind your vehicle as they  approach from the right or left. It will alert the driver by flashing additional indicators in the outside rear view mirror or on the display screen and by sounding a buzzer.

In amber/yellow with the word off, it indicates that the system is unavailable either because the sensors are dirty or a malfunction. A car wash may resolve the issue, but if the sensors are clean and the warning light persists, have the system repaired by your dealer or a qualified service shop.

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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/2017/06/rear-cross-traffic-alert-indicator/

Traffic Jam or Congestion Assist Indicator

Traffic Jam

Congestion AssistThis is a Traffic Jam or Congestion Assist Indicator symbol. It may appear in gray scale, green, yellow/amber, or red. In gray scale, it indicates that the high traffic congestion has been detected and the system is available to help. Green indicates the system is active and moves through yellow/amber as congestion is detected.

  • 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!

In addition, multiple indicators may be present on separate instrument panel locations. One will only indicate that the system is active while the others will indicate congestion conditions by color.

The system will be part of, and secondary to, active driver assists systems, such as adaptive cruise control. The active assist system will need to be switched on to make the traffic jam assist system available. The traffic jam indicator will turn to red if the driver does not take control as congestion approaches, turning off the assist systems.

As with other assist systems such as simple cruise control, it is recommended that the system be deactivated in bad weather, poor road condition, construction zones and any situation requiring increased attention.

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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/2017/05/traffic-jam-or-congestion-assist-indicator/