Category: Dashboard Symbols & Tell-tales

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

Distance Warning Indicator Symbols

Distance Warning

These are Distance Warning Indicator or Vehicle Detection Indicator symbols. It is a warning that a vehicle in front is too close or is being approached too quickly, or that a stationary obstacle exists in the direction of travel. It may be a stand alone system or a part of some manufacturers’ active cruise control systems.

- Before moving on, are you sure this is your symbol??
- If not, you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

The first image shows a car inside a red triangle. The second shows a vehicle in a gray scale star-like structure. It would appear in the vehicle’s information display. In any case, it is likely time to apply the brakes, and if you’re reading this now, you clearly did!

The last two are similar showing one car approaching another with a line and exclamation point in between in yellow/amber with a final one in red. The difference is that the cars are whole or in part, which makes the image easier to interpret. Depending on manufacturer the color may move to red as the distance shrinks and is deemed to small.

Similar Symbols

Note that the symbols to the right are very similar and have a similar function. Click here to learn 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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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.

M 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

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2011/09/distance-warning-indicator-symbol/

Attention Assist Indicator Symbols

Attention Assist

The image of a steaming hot cup of coffee is an Attention Assist Indicator symbol. For some manufacturers the symbol is part of a Driver Alert System. If the vehicle is equipped with the option, the symbol will be shown after a pre-set period of time suggesting a break from driving. It will be accompanied by a warning tone and a text message on the instrument panel’s display.

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 color of the symbol is not really relevant, but may be seen in black and white, red or yellow/amber/orange. It does not indicate a fault in the car, it is simply used to alert the driver that he or she has been behind the wheel an extended period of time.

And immediately after saying that color does not indicate a fault in the alert system, we find this symbol, in yellow/amber/orange. It does indeed indicate a fault in the system, which should be addressed as soon as possible. Consult the your car’s owner manual to determine if it is a fault light, particularly if you have not been driving long.

More Versions

Another manufacturer adds the exclamation point, as seen in the symbol to the right, if the vehicle detects that it is being driven erratically. An audible tone is also added and likely a text message. The tone and message will be repeated if the driving pattern continues.

Finally, we have this version. Updated systems are able to detect a driver nodding off at the wheel! And so this symbol, which is a bell with three letter Zs, is shown and accompanied by a warning tone. This will continue until the driver turns it off. This part of the system is also limited by the ability to see the driver’s eyes. See more on this subject here.

If you see any of these symbols, it would be wise to take a break!

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M Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2011/08/attention-assist-indicator-symbol/

Water in Fuel Indicator Symbols

Water in Fuel

These are all Water in Fuel Indicator symbols found in diesel powered vehicles. Diesel powered vehicles are equipped with separators that remove water from the fuel. Note that if you have just re-fueled, the fuel may be contaminated. The engine should be switched off as soon as possible or the fuel injection system could be damaged.

But first, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, then continue on below.
Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

Each image includes at least a drop of water or wavy lines or both. Other images are meant to resemble canisters. These filters need to be serviced periodically, and one of these lights serves to tell you when. This filter system is termed a Diesel Fuel Conditioner Module (DFCM) by some manufacturers. The final image looks like a tank or box with lines in the bottom half and a possible open area at the top.

So unless as noted above you have just refueled, the vehicle is safe to drive, but the water should be drained as soon as possible.

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M Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2011/08/water-in-fuel-indicator-symbols/

Exhaust Particulate Filter Warning Indicators

Exhaust Particulates

These are variants of Exhaust Particulate Filter Warning symbol indicators. Initially used only for diesel powered vehicles, filters have been added to exhaust systems in direct injected gasoline powered vehicles as well. They are Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF), respectively.

But first, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, then continue on below.
Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

This is an emissions control system and the filters exist to trap soot before it can be emitted to the atmosphere. Under normal driving conditions, the exhaust becomes hot enough to burn off the soot, regenerating the filter.

The light will be green during DPF of GPF regeneration. A yellow/amber light means that regeneration is needed, which is done automatically while driving. A manual regeneration procedure is generally available and involves driving at 50 mph (80 kph) long enough for the light to resolve. There are also recommendations to hold the rpm above 2,000, so a lower gear may be needed, and another that calls for intermittently releasing the accelerator for a few seconds.

More Versions

A red light indicates that the DPF requires regeneration immediately, so follow the procedure above. If the filter is not attended to, the check engine or service engine soon light will come on and engine power will be reduced. Check out some similar symbols below, which apply to diesel powered vehicles only.

The symbols to the left indicates that the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) (AdBlue) is low. The fluid creates a catalytic reaction that removes particles from the exhaust. When low, the fluid must be topped off. The fluid will need to be replaced if it is contaminated. To the right is another particle filter symbol. It may appear with an exclamation point in it indicating a failure of the system or that engine emissions are too high. Contact your dealer or authorized service center in order to properly address any failures.

All of these odd looking images are meant to indicate exhaust flow through a pipe. Lots of wavy lines, pipe openings and what could even be interpreted as flames are used.

Note that the diesel symbols seen to the right may be in play as well. Click here for more.

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M Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2011/08/diesel-particulate-filter-dpf-warning-symbol-indicators/

Glow Plug, Battery Conditioning Indicator

Glow Plug

As of 2024, this indicator has two uses. Its origin is as a Glow Plug Indicator symbol, which is found only in diesel-powered vehicles, sedans or trucks. The second is as a Battery Conditioning indicator, where an Electric Vehicle’s (EV) main battery is being conditioned prior to charging.

But moving on, are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then continue on.
Otherwise you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

Diesel engines require heat in the cylinders to operate, which is supplied initially by the glow plugs when the engine is cold. This light will be illuminated when the ignition is turned on until the plugs are heated sufficiently to start the engine. The engine simply won’t start until then. The image will look like a coil or loops in amber or yellow.

In the EV, the light is only seen during battery conditioning. This process warms a cold battery to allow it to accept a charge more quickly.

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M Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2011/08/glow-plug-indicator-symbol/

4 Wheel Active Steer Warning Symbol

4 Wheel Steer

This is the 4 Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) Warning Indicator Symbol. If the light comes on while the engine is running, it may indicate that there is a malfunction in the 4WAS system. If a malfunction has occurred in the system, the 4WAS function will not function, but the vehicle can be steered and can continue to be driven with caution. Only the rear wheel steering is deactivated.

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!

This is an electronic system, so the manufacturer may recommend turning the ignition Off and back On to cycle the engine and the 4WAS system. The light may then go out. If the light does not resolve, see your dealer or authorized repair center.

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M Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2011/07/4-wheel-active-steer-warning-symbol/

Variable Gear Ratio Steering Indicator Symbol

Variable Gear Ratio

This is a Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) Indicator symbol. This light indicates a malfunction in the variable gear ratio steering system. The vehicle must be inspected by your dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible, particularly if there is difficulty steering the vehicle. Continued driving is not recommended.

So, are you sure this is your symbol??
If not, you can return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

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M Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2011/07/variable-gear-ratio-steering-indicator-symbol/