Category: Dashboard Symbols & Tell-tales

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

Engine Start-Stop Indicator Symbols

Engine Start-Stop

Engine Start Stop IndicatorEngine Start Stop Fault IndicatorThese are Engine Start-Stop Indicator symbols. The abbreviations actually stand for Engine (ENG Auto Stop (A-STOP)). Green indicates that the engine has been shut off, while the light in yellow/amber indicates a malfunction in the system. The engine remains running and the vehicle can be driven.

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

Developed for hybrid vehicles, Start-Stop systems are now in use in vehicles with gas engines as a fuel saving measure. The engine is shut down at stop lights, etc., and re-started automatically when the gas pedal in depressed.

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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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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-start-stop-indicator-symbols/

Automatic Transmission Warning Indicators

Automatic Transmission

Automatic Transmission Fault IndicatorAuto transmission check indicatorThese are Automatic Transmission (AT) Warning Indicator symbols. The first symbol indicates an electrical, rather than a mechanical,  problem with the transmission. Continuing to drive could cause damage to the transmission that would likely be very expensive to repair.

  • 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 second, AT CHECK has a broader meaning, where any problem with the transmission would generate the warning.

Another Version

Transmission fault indicatorThis also is a Transmission Fault Indicator. It is made to resemble a transmission if seen from the side in yellow/amber. The manufacturer who uses this symbol states that the vehicle can be driven carefully for a short while.

In any of these cases, contact your dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible.

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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/automatic-transmission-warning-indicator/

Fault Warning Indicator Symbols

Fault Warning

Critical Fault IndicatorNon-critical Fault IndicatorThese are Critical and Non-critical Fault Indicator symbols found in electric vehicles (EVs). It will appear yellow/amber at the first sign of a problem. Power may be reduced automatically, but the vehicle can be driven safely for service.

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

A red Fault indicator points to a serious problem. If the vehicle does not shut down on its own, stop driving to avoid serious damage and have it brought to your dealer or authorized service center immediately.

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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/fault-indicator-symbols/

Rear Differential Temperature Indicator

Differential Temperature

Rear Differential Temperature IndicatorThis is a a Rear Differential Temperature Indicator symbol. If this light is on while the engine is running, it indicates that the oil in the rear differential is too hot. If you are driving, reduce your speed and stop at the nearest safe place. Allow the differential to cool down and the light to go out. The vehicle will then be safe to drive.

  • 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!

If the light recurs, stop again and allow time again for the differential to cool down. If overheating continues to occur or if the light does not go out at all, call your dealer, service center or roadside service for assistance.

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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/2012/05/rear-differential-temperature-indicator/

All Wheel Drive Trouble Indicators

All Wheel Drive

All Wheel Drive Trouble IndicatorAWD Trouble Indicator 2These are the All Wheel Drive (AWD) Trouble Indicator symbols. These lights will be on when All-Wheel Drive is disengaged and the drive mechanism is switched to Front Wheel Drive for maintenance or if there is a problem with the system. The car can be safely operated in front wheel drive.  With the exception of the red symbol below, all these symbols appear as yellow/amber.

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

eAWD IndicatoreAWD indicatorOf course, if the vehicle is electric (EV), it gets its own indicators. The only reason to do this is that the All-Wheel Drive system is actually electric. In yellow/amber/orange, the electric AWD system is limited, and will turn off when the system is working normally.. In red, there is a malfunction. A good repair shop or your dealer will be needed.

All wheel drive failureThe symbol to the left also includes a stick figure image meant to look like four wheels with the front wheels turned to the right. All these lights incorporate the AWD acronym and may include an exclamation point. Malfunctions may be indicated by the system before a real problem is obvious, but don’t waste time. Have the system checked out as soon as possible.

These symbols will flash if the vehicle is fitted with tires of differing diameters or if the air pressure in any of the tire drops dramatically. The AWD system will be unavailable, but the main front or wheel drive wheels will operate normally. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light will also very likely be lit, if the vehicle is equipped with the system.

Aff Wheel Drive only Engaged IndicatorSome older vehicles use this red FWD light to indicate a problem with an All Wheel Drive system. FWD stands for Front Wheel Drive, and in this context means that the AWD has been disengaged automatically due to the problem. Only the front wheels will be available until the AWD system is repaired.

Related Symbols

All Wheel Drive DisabledAWD Malfunction IndicatorThe picture symbols shown to the right are very much 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/2012/05/all-wheel-drive-trouble-indicator/

Keyless Ignition Key Fob Detection Indicator Symbols

Fob Detection

Key Detected IndicatorKeyless system malfunctionOpen and start system indicatorKey not found indicatorThese are all variations of of Keyless Ignition Key Fob Detection indicators. A number of picture symbols are used to indicate the presence of an electronic key in a push button or, ironically,  keyless start, or keyless ignition, vehicle. These systems will allow a vehicle to be started without turning a key in an ignition switch but only when an electronic key is present in, and detected by, the vehicle.

  • Before moving on, need help getting in or started?? Click here!!
  • Also, are you sure one of these is your symbol?? If yes, then continue on below. 
  • Otherwise you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

The image seen as an open padlock with lines radiating away in yellow/amber as well as the black and white image with a padlock are used to indicate that the proper key fob has not been detected. Its internal battery may be dead or the fob is actually missing.

Many More Versions

Key Not Detected IndicatorThe flashing red Electronic Key symbol on the left indicates that the key is not detected. If the Key is in the vehicle, its internal battery is likely dead and needs to be replaced. The same Electronic Key symbol shown in green indicates that the key is found and the vehicle can be started. The last one in yellow/amber is yet another style indicating a problem. But, there’s more…

Key not found indicatorThis one, which is an image of a key with a line drawn through it in yellow/amber, indicates that the key fob is not present or is malfunctioning. So, if the key fob is present, have your dealer or a locksmith repair or replace it.

Keyless malfunctionNote that some manufacturers will have the light flash in green to indicate a weak fob battery. Thus, any time an electronic key indicator is seen to flash, consult your manual or your dealer for clarification. And the image in actuality is shown by its vehicle manufacturer when the system is in use. Nothing more.

Key Fob in Vehicle IndicatorKey Fob Battery Low IndicatorThese are Key Fob Indicator symbols and are meant to resemble the driver’s hand-held remote control, or fob. The one on the left indicates that the fob is not detected or has been removed from the vehicle. If the fob is in the vehicle, it is not detected and its battery is likely dead. The symbol to its right with the added lighting bolt indicates that the fob is detected but that the battery in the fob is low and should be replaced.

Low Fob BatteryLow Key BatteryKey battery indicatorThese symbols are Low Key Battery Indicators. The images of a key are shown above or alongside the image of what most resembles a AA or AAA battery with its level low. One adds the letter E for empty to the right. Replace the battery as soon as possible. They do NOT use AA or AAA batteries!

Fob Not DetectedIntelligent Key WarningElectronic keys, key fobs, remote controls, smart keys, intelligent keys, advanced keys are all terms used by manufacturers and drivers to describe the same device. You get to get into and start your vehicle only if the correct device is present, has a working battery and is not interfered with by other electronics (actually rare). All the images include the representation of a key and depending on the manufacturer, may include an exclamation point, a question mark or even a lightning bolt.

Similar Symbols

Engine Start System FaultSecurity Indicator SymbolDo 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/2012/03/key-fob-indicator-symbols/

External Sound System Fault Indicators

External Sound System

External Sound System Fault IndicatorPedestrian Sound IndicatorPedestrian sound fault indicatorThese are External Sound System Fault Indicator symbols. An External Sound System is used in some electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid vehicles operating in EV mode to alert pedestrians to the presence of the vehicle.

  • But 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!

Pedestrian sound offAcoustic protection offThese lights, showing curved lines emanating from a car, with or without the word OFF, indicate a problem with system, which must be addressed by your dealer or qualified service center. Variations exist in color (red or yellow/amber) and style. A speaker is shown with the car in the second and third images seen in amber.

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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/2012/03/external-sound-system-fault-indicator/