Category: Dashboard Symbols & Tell-tales

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

Transmission Warning Indicator Symbol

Transmission

Transmission Warning LightThis odd tuning fork-on-wheels-looking image is a Transmission Warning Indicator symbol. It belongs to a supercar so most drivers will never get the chance to see this one, which is good as the image is nearly impossible to interpret. The light can indicate an actual transmission system malfunction, or high transmission or clutch temperatures. The gap in the upper part of the image is likely meant to represent the clutch.

  • 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!

Is the light blinking??

The light blinks if a malfunction in the transmission system occurs and the vehicle may become undrivable. This will clearly need your dealer’s expertise or that of a qualified repair shop.

If it comes on steadily, the transmission or clutch may be overheated. Allow the vehicle to idle until the light goes out. Your dealer should be consulted if this happens regularly.

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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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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/2013/01/transmission-warning-indicator-symbol/

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Indicator

Continuously Variable Transmission

Continuously Variable Transmission IndicatorThis is a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Indicator symbol. In a vehicle equipped with a CVT, the indicator comes on only for a few seconds when the ignition is turned on. An actual problem with the CVT will ultimately trigger the Malfunction Indicator (see the link for more), which will tell you nothing useful and require a call to your dealer or authorized service center for service.

  • Before moving on, is this truly your symbol??
  • If not, you can return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

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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/2012/12/continuously-variable-transmission-cvt-indicator/

EV Low Battery Charge Warning Indicator

Low Battery Charge

Low Battery WarningThis is a Low Battery Charge Warning Indicator symbol. This warning light comes on when the available power in an electric vehicle’s (EV’s) primary battery runs low. The image  is meant to invoke the low fuel warning light in gasoline powered vehicles. Since we live in a world used to gasoline pumps, the indicator image is the familiar pump but with an electric plug at the end of the hose.

  • 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 vehicle must be charged very soon or it will simply stop. A charge gauge on the instrument panel will indicate the actual power remaining.

Similar Symbol

Low Fuel IndicatorDon’t confuse the symbol with the one to the right. See more here.

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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/2012/12/low-battery-charge-warning-indicator/

EV (Electric Vehicle) System Warning and Hybrid Service Warning Indicators

EV System

EV System IndicatorEV system fault indicatorEV system indicatorEV system indicatorEV system failure indicatorThese are all EV (Electric Vehicle) or Power System Warning Indicator symbols. The first images are of a rather generic automobile with an exclamation point embedded inside. In yellow/amber it warns of an imminent threat from one of many EV systems. In red, it warns of a fault that must serviced immediately. Note that manufacturers tend to re-style the symbol to match the shape of their vehicles.

  • 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!

Other Versions

HEV fault indicatorEV fault indicatorFCEV fault indicatorMaster warning 3For some EVs, these are the equivalent of the Check Engine Light. They indicate a possible problem in one or more of the following; the traction motor and inverter system, the charge port or charger, the lithium ion battery, the cooling system, or the shift control system. Pretty much any system that allows the vehicle to move might be at issue and a diagnosis by a qualified service shop will be required. HEV indicates a Hydrogen fuel cell and the FC indicates essentially the same.

The symbols above use an exclamation point and the letters HEV or EV for Hybrid Electric or Electric Vehicle in a triangle. Contact your dealer or authorized repair center before attempting to drive further.

Hybrid Service IndicatorThis next image is listed as a Service Indicator. However, since there are no filters to change or other routine maintenance required, this is likely an indication of a system problem, which must be addressed by a qualified service center. The image, in red, is that of a wrench or spanner split by a lightning bolt, although the bolt may be mistaken for a Z.

Electronic Power ControlNote that the very similar looking image to the right is an Electronic Power Control or Engine Speed Limitation indicator. It is seen in internal combustion engine vehicles. So if you’re not in an EV 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/2012/12/ev-electric-vehicle-system-warning-indicator/

Power Limitation Indicators

Power Limitation

Power Limitation IndicatorTorque limited indicatorPower limited indicatorThese are Power or Torque Limitation Indicator symbols and are used exclusively in electric and hybrid vehicles. The images, which may be seen in yellow/amber or red, have several possible meanings, depending on the manufacturer. The use of the image of a turtle alone or embedded in a circle or the battery with an exclamation point tells the driver what he or she may already know: that the vehicle is less responsive than expected – its power has been reduced. However, its speed may not be affected at all, only its ability to accelerate. There are two additional symbols below.

  • 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!

European manufacturers use an yellow/amber image when the electric power is in reserve range. Power to the traction motor, and thus the drive wheels, is restricted when the vehicle sees the range drop to four miles or less.

In the Far East, this symbol is used also in yellow/amber to indicate that power has been reduced due to a fault. It can be driven but will need the attention of your dealer or authorized service center for repair as soon as possible.

Illuminated in red in a Hybrid, the symbol generally means that the vehicle is out of gas and only running on the high voltage battery. All a driver needs to do is to find a gas station and fill up, quickly. The hybrid’s high voltage battery will not go far in most cases.

More Versions

Reduced power indicatorReduced power indicator hotOne manufacturer uses these two images to indicate reduced power due to weather or temperature conditions. The first, in blue, notes that power is reduced because of cold drive train conditions. The light may go out as the drive train warms up even if the outside temperature does not rise. The icon will be seen in gray scale when the drive system temperature is high, possibly due to sustained or high power demand when driving on mountain roads, for example.

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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/2012/12/power-limitation-indicator-symbol/

Electric Park Brake and Fault Indicators

Electric Park Brake

Electric Park Brake IndicatorService electric park brakeService 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. Note that some manufacturers may have two indicators come on, seemingly to differentiate from other brake issues.

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.

Parking Brake Engaged IndicatorThe indicator to the left has long been used simply to indicate that the parking brake is engaged. It is now crossed over to the realm of electric park brake faults. Unfortunately, the correct owners manual for the make and model showing the indicator or a competent auto shop will need to be consulted.

E-park brake trouble indicatorelectric park brake trouble indicatorIf 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. The double symbol is found in some new (2024) Ford vehicles.

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/