Category: Dashboard Symbols & Tell-tales

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

Electric Park Brake and Fault Indicators

Electric Park Brake

Electric Park Brake IndicatorService electric park brakeE-park brake trouble indicatorService electric park brakeElectronically Controlled Brake WarningPark brake fault indicatorElectric parking brake faultElectric Park Brake and Fault. These symbols (left/above and below) are all or might be Electric Park(ing) Brake (EPB) Fault Indicators. The circle in brackets remains the basic image used to denote a vehicle’s brakes and in the case to the far left adds the lightning bolt, which denotes electricity. It will flash or remain lit if a fault is detected. Two indicators add the wrench or spanner below or alongside the circle to indicate that service is needed.

  • Before continuing, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on below.
  • Otherwise you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and or Text Symbols page and scan again!

The vehicle will be safe to drive, but the parking brake will not operate properly.

Electric Park Brake IndicatorPARK symbol in red

Auto EPB off indicatorElectric park brake malfunction indicatorelectric park brake troubleThe text symbols with the word PARK are actually all Electric Park Brake On Indicators as well as Fault Indicators, if the light is seen when the brake is engaged and the ignition on. The light will remain on for a short time after the ignition is turned off. The final two lights show the Auto (electric) park brake has been turned OFF. Those lights will be turned off when the system is re-engaged.

If however, if any of these lights flash, it may indicate a fault. In most cases, if the light goes off, the system is working properly. If it continues to flash or remains on while in motion, find a qualified service station as soon as possible. The brake may actually be engaged, so check to be sure it is not.

Note that the PARK symbol is also used as a mechanical Park Brake Indicator. It simply means that the park, hand or foot brake has been left on.

The text symbol holding the acronym on the left will alsoElectric Power Brake Warning Indicator indicate a fault in the system if illuminated. If this light is seen along with a Stability Control warning indicator, have the Stability Control System serviced as soon as possible. That system, not the brake, has an issue that needs to be resolved by your dealer or authorized service center.

In any case, the parking brake is also the emergency brake, so don’t wait. Have it repaired!

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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/2012/11/electric-park-brake-fault-indicator/

Owner Manual Indicator Symbols

Owner Manual

Owners Manual IndicatorCheck manual indicatorThese are Owner Manual Indicator symbols. The image of an open book with a letter ‘i’ or exclamation point inside indicates that the driver should reference the owner’s manual. It is generally associated with the display of a text message or a series of text messages shown in center message display on the instrument panel.

  • 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!

Unfortunately, the driver may need the manual to discover what the image means!

If you need a copy of your manual, you can find electronic versions for many makes and models here. Some links can point you to printed manuals as well, if you prefer.

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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/2012/11/owner-manual-indicator-symbol/

Start/Stop System Function and Trouble Indicators

Start/Stop System

Start/Stop Trouble IndicatorStart Stop system trouble indicatorStarter System Trouble Indicatori-stop warning indicatorThese are Start/Stop System Function and Trouble Indicator symbols. The first picture symbol, an exclamation point in a circular arrow, is used in Canada and overseas. U.S. models use the third version in text. Despite the term “Starter System”, it does not indicate a bad starter motor, but rather a problem with the Start/Stop system. The i-stop System works in the same manner but under an odd name.  These indicators may also flash when indicating they are indicating a malfunction.

More Versions

Start stop faultThe circle shaped arrow or double arrow is a standard icon for Start/Stop systems, whether it indicates a problem or simply says the system is on or off. The exclamation point, however, does indicate a problem with the system. The strike through indicates the system is off. If it flashes, there is a fault in the system.

Start Stop Malfunction Indicatorstart stop indicatorAuto start stop symbolStart stop system off indicatorECO start stop off indicatorStart stop off indicatorThis image with the ‘A’ inside and the exclamation point outside is used in Europe. The ‘A’ stands for Automatic Start/Stop, as its function takes place without a driver’s intervention. Note that if a problem with the system occurs, the vehicle can be operated normally. It will simply function without the fuel saving benefit of the Start/Stop and your dealer will need to be contacted.

Intelligent Stop Start IndicatorAuto Stop indicatorAuto stop indicatori-stop indicatorStart/Stop systems are fuel saving systems that allow a gasoline-powered engine to shut down at typical idle times, such as at red lights, and restart with the touch of the gas pedal. If a problem occurs, the engine can be restarted using the Start/Stop button. The images to the left are more variation. The first adds the Economy abbreviation ECO inside the circling arrow to make the point that, when operating, the system adds to fuel economy. It represents an Intelligent Start/Stop System, which is no more than a naming inconsistency. The second simply notes that the Start Stop, or Auto Stop, system is active.

Stop Start Ready IndicatorStop Start Off IndicatorThese two black and white indicators will ultimately be driving drivers nuts. On, off, crossed out or not? The images are being used in message centers found between the dials on instrument clusters, which makes this a departure from our attention to the red, amber, green and blue icons used on the remainder of the instrument panel.

The image on the left says the engine is ready to restart. The image on the right indicates the Start/Stop system is turned off. In this case, a button or switch somewhere on the dashboard with a similar symbol can be found and pushed to reactivate 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/2012/10/startstop-system-trouble-indicators/

Side Airbag Off Indicators

Side Airbags

Side Airbag Off IndicatorSide Airbag Off Text IndicatorThese are Side Airbag Off Indicator symbols. The picture symbol is found in vehicles sold in Canada. It shows a man in a seat belt next to an oval airbag with an X through it. The text version is found in U.S. vehicles.

If this light comes on when there is not someone sitting in the passenger seat, have the airbag checked by your dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible.

The only time the the airbag should be off is when sensors in the seat does not detect enough weight in the seat. The force of an airbag deployment can harm small adults and children, so the air bag is intended to remain off unless adequate weight is detected on the seat.

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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/2012/10/side-airbag-off-indicators/

Engine Oil Level and Sensor Indicators

Engine Oil Level

Check oil level indicatorEngine Oil Level SensorOil pressure sensor malfunctionOil Level Sensor FailureThese are alternative to or in addition to Engine Oil Level Warning Indicator symbols. They are used by a handful of manufacturers. The added text or images point the way. Despite the yellow/amber color, these two symbols should be addressed as soon as possible. The exclamation point added to the oil can is also a Sensor Malfunction Indicator and is shown in red or yellow/amber. In these cases, the oil level cannot be sensed by the vehicle. More below…

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

The first, with the wrench or spanner on one side, is a warning to check the oil level. If the vehicle tracks the mileage since the previous oil change, the light is a warning that an oil change is due.

The second, with the word SENSOR in it, says that the vehicle can no longer warn you if the oil level or pressure drops dangerously low. The wavy line is meant to indicate ‘level’ and the drop represents oil. This symbol should frankly be red as either condition can severely damage your engine and make for a very bad day. Have your dealer or authorized service center repair it immediately.

More Versions

Engine Oil level Minimum IndicatorLow oil level indicatorThe same symbol with the added text MIN, says that the engine’s oil level has dropped to its minimum level for safe operation. Alternatively, the symbol shown as a dip stick with a drop of oil falling from it in red also indicates that the oil level is too low. In either case, add some oil as soon as you can or better yet, use this as an opportunity to get an oil and filter change.

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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/2012/08/engine-oil-sensor-and-level-indicators/

Clogged Air Filter Indicator

Clogged Air Filter

Clogged Air Filter IndicatorThis is a Clogged Air Filter Indicator symbol. It means that the internal combustion engine’s air filter or air cleaner is clogged and is in need of replacement. It is not usually critical, but replace it or have it replaced as soon as possible for proper engine performance and fuel economy.

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

The filter removes dirt and debris carried by the outside air before it can reach the combustion chambers. The symbol includes arrows meant to represent airflow and the direction of airflow though dots, which represent the filter.

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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/2012/07/clogged-air-filter-indicator/

Engine or Transmission Electronics Fault Indicator Symbols

Engine or Transmission Fault

Engine Fault IndicatorThis is an Engine or Transmission Electronics Fault Indicator symbol. Another catch-all symbol, the car with a wrench or spanner in it – which looks like a half moon on a pole – points to a problem with the engine or transmission electronics. The vehicle may default to an emergency operation mode, which provides an opportunity to bring it to your dealer or qualified service center under its own power, albeit likely reduced.

  • But first, 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!

Service reminder indicatorThe symbol showing a vehicle with a wrench or spanner inside it is also used as an electronics fault warning. However, some manufacturers use the very same symbol as a service reminder only. If the vehicle is operating properly, and its been a long time since its last oil service, this may be the only issue. Consult your owners manual to be sure and click here for more.

Engine electronics indicatorThis symbol is used as an Engine Electronics Fault Indicator only. It is seen as a rectangle with a wavy or ragged line inside. Whether or not any change in the vehicle operation is seen, the fault should be checked out by a good service shop as soon as possible.

Note that with either symbol, an issue with electronics can sometimes be resolved be shutting the vehicle down and restarting. Its worth a shot…

The symbol may also indicate a fault in the vehicle’s immobilizer system electronics or fuel filter issues, which will also require a qualified service center to repair. In effect, this symbol is a Check Engine Light, but some manufacturers use it to separate emissions issues (Check Engine) from the others noted here (Engine 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/2012/07/engine-fault-indicator-symbol/