Category: Dashboard Symbols & Tell-tales

Steering Assist

These are Steering and Lane Change Assist Alert Indicator symbols. It will be displayed when hands are not in contact with the steering wheel. If this is the case, steering assist is then disabled. It appears as a steering wheel in gray scale or red with two hands shown in red. The image of the steering wheel may also be shown in green and yellow/amber under the appropriate conditions, without the hands.

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Steering assist helps to keep the vehicle in its lane and otherwise under control. However, the driver’s hands are to remain on the wheel. When steering wheel operation is detected, the warning is turned off and the steering assist function is restored.

Alternatively, the light may be activated when conditions for steering assist cannot be met. In this case when when steering wheel operation is detected steering assist remains deactivated.

More Assist Symbols

This pair from another manufacturer, seen in green and gray, offer a different perspective. In green, the symbol simply means the system is active. If it is displayed in gray, it means the system is inactive. This can occur if conditions do not allow lane keeping, such as when lane lines are not detected or poor weather conditions.

Similarly from yet another manufacturer, the symbol in gray indicates the system is active. The same symbol in red indicates that the system is off or about to be switched off. Yellow/amber indicates that the system is about to be deactivated or has detected a lane crossing. The wheel may vibrate as well. It should be noted that this particular system takes a more active role in steering the vehicle.

The system adds Lane Change Assist to Steering Assist. The system has control of the wheel. The symbols are seen in gray when unavailable or green when available and uses an arrow or line on the side required, in response to a turn signal.

The line indicates that a lane change is not currently possible. The arrow in gray means that a lane change is not possible, because of improper parameters, such as poor lane markings. The line in gray means that the lane change is not immediately possibly, likely a traffic concern. In all green, the system changes lanes.

Another manufacturer uses the images to the left. The first, in red, is a warning that the car has detected a drowsy driver and that he/she must take the wheel. The second, in yellow/amber/orange, says only that the Steering Assist System is active. The third indicates that the system is off.

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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.

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