Security, Immobilizer
These are Security and/or Immobilizer System Indicator symbols used by auto manufacturers. One of these symbols is illuminated momentarily to indicate that the ignition switch is locked and will need the proper transponder-equipped key fob to start or re-start. The vehicle is immobilized otherwise. Green symbols will flash when the vehicle is immobilized.
- But first, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on below.
- Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!
The text symbols Security or Theft, shown to the left have largely been replaced by the padlocked car image shown next to it, in red or yellow/amber/orange. Their operation is the same as those above, with one exception. One manufacturer (Alfa Romeo), also uses the first padlock image in yellow/amber to warn of an attempted break in!
However, if any of these symbols is visible when the vehicle is operating, it indicates a malfunction in the security system. The red dot to the left is on old style indicator. If the engine does not start with the correct key, and the security indicator remains on or flashes, the system may have a malfunction. You will need to contact your dealer or authorized service center in either case.
Similar Symbols
Do 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.
——————————————————————-
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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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.
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
These are Maintenance or Service Required Indicators symbols. In most cases, these 
Note that some manufacturers use the car on in the air or on the lift symbol to indicate that one of the vehicle’s systems has failed and needs repair. In a case like this, another symbol associated with the actual system will be shown as well.
All routine services in a vehicle with an internal combustion engine start with a change of the engine oil and filter. The text 
These red triangles indicate the approach or the passing of a Service Interval. The required service may be a common oil change or something more important such as a transmission service. The first is a single triangle, which may appear in 
In many European vehicles, a simple wrench (spanner) image will be displayed temporarily as a service interval approaches. It will likely be in gray scale, rather than a more expected amber.
These are all Traction and Active Traction Control Indicator 
These symbols indicate Dynamic Traction Control (
(below) will also be illuminated if any of these system variants is turned off using its control switch. If an OFF symbol is not used by the manufacturer, one of the symbols shown will simply remain lit. Again, if the system has not been turned off, have the system serviced as soon as possible.
One of these lights will be active when the traction control system is switched off and is generally 
This indicator, TRAC. MODE, means that the Stability Control System has been turned off and that a Traction Control Mode may be chosen to suit the driver or the conditions. This is usually an off-road or racing option.
These symbols indicate a malfunction in the traction control or a related 
These are Suspension Setting and Malfunction Indicator 
If neither setting is selected, the shock absorber damping will be “Normal” and no indicator will be shown. Note that most vehicle manufacturers require that the vehicle be stopped in order to change these settings.
The ability to control settings are likely electronically controlled. Other manufacturers use the same type of system to control the suspension response automatically depending on road conditions. If a failure occurs, an 
This acronym, IDS+, translates to Interactive Dynamic Driving System Plus. The manufacturer associates it with their Continuous Damping Control (CDC) and Sport Mode settings. It too indicates a fault in the system if it is seen while driving.
The 
This version shows a vehicle, SUV or van on an uneven line, meant to be the ground. It too indicates a active suspension issue that needs to be checked. This version is called an Active Damper System (
This is yet another version of an Air Suspension system, shown as a rectangle pinched in the center with arrows above and below and an exclamation point inside, which denotes a malfunction. In any of these cases, if the advanced system fails, the suspension will default to an average and perfectly safe response mode and the car will be safe to drive. Have the advanced system checked out by you dealer or authorized repair shop as soon as possible.
This is another version of an indicator for an Air Suspension system. It is seen as arrows pointing both up and down in black and white in the information screen. The arrows will fill in as the ride height is adjusted up or down.
A 
A similar set of images are shown here for a pick up truck or SUV. The first will be seen when the suspension system air in this case is raised (up arrow) or lowered (down arrow) changing the ground clearance. It will flash 
The indicator light with the padlock and two arrows comes on when the air suspension is in Service or Alignment Mode. Three lines below a down arrow indicates the vehicle has been lowered for easy entry or exit.
And then we move to a set of eight, yes eight symbols from Jeep, all associated with its air suspension system. The first two are Air Suspension Active Indicators, which will be on when the system is actively adjusting the ride height up or down.
Next are a series of mode settings in 
Then we have the OFF RD (road) 1 and OFF RD 2 settings. As might be expected, the 
These are actually earlier versions of the Air Suspension Indicators. They simply show up and down arrows in what are likely supposed to be air bladders. They look more like hats and are of course intended to indicate where the vehicle’s height is set.
This is an Air Suspension Payload Protection Indicator and is part of an air suspension system. It will be on when the maximum payload may has been or is close to being exceeded or load leveling cannot be achieved at its current ride height. Protection mode will automatically be selected in order to protect the air suspension system. Air suspension adjustment is limited due to payload. The image is that of a pick up truck with both up and down arrows and a line drawn through showing the system is unavailable for adjustment.
These four Air Suspension Indicators include a bit of text description, which identifies the function. Up or down arrows are added as well. The first two indicate that the vehicle is being Lowered or Raised. The third, Alt, or alternate, Height, is used when hauling a trailer and automatically keeps the vehicle level. Finally, Bed Low is a simple reminder that the bed has been lowered.
These are Air Suspension Fault Indicators. It will illuminate in the event of a problem with the air suspension system. Reducing the vehicle’s speed would be prudent under this condition as vehicle control could be compromised.
Since these systems are likely be tied to the vehicle’s Stability Control System (as well as the steering system), a second light, similar to the one to the right, may appear as well, indicating that the System has been turned off. 
These are all Low Windshield Washer Fluid Indicator 
Do not confuse the symbol with these. 
These are Door Ajar or Door Open Indicators. Other related 
This is a special case that will show up with a door ajar indicator in some instances. It an exclamation point in red, as is obvious. It is seen when the ignition is on and Driver’s Door is the one open. So long as the vehicle is not in gear, there should be nothing to be concerned about.
These versions indicate that the Trunk Lid, Hatch or Tailgate is open or not properly latched. The image to the left adds only a bar behind the vehicle. If the lid, hatch or gate is not obviously open, the image’s meaning may not be obvious.
Finally, these Hood Ajar and Sunroof Open indicators. Take the first one seriously. While every car has a secondary latch to keep the hood from flying up while driving, counting on it alone is dangerous. If this light is on, be sure the hood is closed and/or that nothing is preventing the hood from fully closing. Otherwise, have the light and its trigger serviced as soon as possible. Close the sunroof if you wish.
These are 4 Wheel Drive Low Indicator 
These two are corresponding 4 Wheel Drive High indicators. The High setting is the default setting in a 4 wheel drive vehicle for normal driving conditions. For this reason, vehicle manufacturers rarely add this indicator. If it is added, High may be spelled out or abbreviated (HI). One manufacturer simply uses a 4×4 Indicator to mean that the vehicle is in 4×4 HIGH.
This indicator, 4WD AUTO, states that the vehicle is in AUTO mode. The vehicle will automatically engage 4 wheel drive when a loss of traction is sensed. Otherwise, the front axle is engaged, but the vehicle’s power is sent only to the rear wheels.
These symbols, a 4×2 or 2H Indicator, say that a 4 wheel drive vehicle is supplying power only to the rear wheels. The use of the rear wheels only is the correct choice in typical driving conditions. That is, smooth, dry roads.
The 4A, 4×4 Auto Indicators and the stick figure indicator with 4WD text in the center both say that 4-wheel drive will be available automatically for additional traction. Only electronically-controlled 4-wheel drive systems will have this available. These indicators become 
This symbol with the open circles is used in Australia and New Zealand to indicate only that the 4-wheel Drive system has been engaged. In North America, the same symbol is usually used to indicate a problem with an All-wheel Drive system, although Chevrolet has begun using it to also indicate the system is engaged. 
General Motors uses an indicator for five possible choices. Their system can be set to AUTO (automatic (AUTO), 4 high (HI), 4 LOW, 2 wheel drive (2WD) and finally N (or NEUTRAL in 
In all cases, the various 4-wheel drive systems are choices that can be made by the driver using either a lever or buttons. If the system will allow a different selection, or if a 4×2 indicator remains illuminated, contact your dealer or authorized service center immediately. Driving will be possible, but only at reduced speed.