Category: Dashboard Symbols & Tell-tales

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

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/

Electronic Steering Wheel Lock Indicators

Wheel Lock

Steering Lock IndicatorThis is an Electronic Steering Wheel Lock Indicator symbol. It may be seen in either yellow/amber or red. Either indicates a malfunction in the electronic steering wheel lock system. This is part of the electronic start and immobilization system.

  • 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!

Steering locked indicatorThe symbol may also appear as a steering wheel alone with arrows on both side and in gray scale. The arrows are suggesting a shake of the wheel to free it. The symbol above is represented by an image of a key and that of a steering wheel. If the symbol appears in red, it will not be possible to start or steer the vehicle.

Manufacturers also caution not to tow the vehicle. In any color, contact a qualified service center immediately. This one can leave you stranded.

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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/electronic-steering-lock-indicators/

Engine Start System Fault Indicator

Engine Start

Engine Start System FaultThese are Engine Start System Fault Indicator symbols. They can appear in yellow/amber or red and indicate a fault in the electronics. If it is red, it is suggested that the engine NOT be switched off, if its running, and a service center be contacted and headed for immediately. If it is amber, a service facility should still be contacted as soon as possible.

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

And there’s still more …

Engine Start Symbol Fault 2Engine start systemThe symbols appear as a physical key with or without its associated keyhole, even though an actual physical key is not used. We included it with routine indicators because, as electronics takes over everything, these symbols will indeed become routine due to any problems with starters, start/stop systems and other associated electronics.

Security Indicator SymbolKeyless system malfunctionDo not confuse these with other automotive trouble symbols that make use of the image a key. Click here or here, right to left, 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/2017/05/engine-start-system-fault-indicator/

Predictive Efficiency Assist Indicators

Predictive Efficiency

Predictive Efficiency AssistEfficiency assist exitEfficiency assist circleEfficiency assist intersectionThese symbols, which will appear in green, are Predictive Efficiency Assist Indicator symbols. The assistance system adds an automobile’s version of anticipation of the road ahead. The first symbol uses the image of a shoe or foot with an arrow below pointing upwards. It is again seen in green and indicates the system is active and in use.

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

The second, with a line curving to the right, indicates that an exit is approaching. The third, shown as a circle in a circle broken by three entering lanes, means that a traffic circle is ahead. And last one shows that an intersection is upcoming. They are nearly self explanatory.

The system is intended to save fuel, using data from the navigation system, traffic signs, and even topography. The symbol is meant specifically to indicate that the driver should decelerate (remove his/her foot from the accelerator) because a lower speed is needed up ahead. The system is not active if Adaptive Cruise Control is engaged.

Similar Symbol

Shift Lock IndicatorIts important to distinguish the first symbol above from Shift Lock Indicator symbols that appear in yellow/amber. These will also feature a foot or shoe, but have no connection to any advanced fuel saving feature.

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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/predictive-efficiency-assist-indicator/