Category: Dashboard Symbols & Tell-tales

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

Message Indicator Symbol

Message Indicator

This is a Message Indicator symbol. It is used to alert the driver to a message that will be found on the instrument panel’s message display. It may be necessary to “scroll” through various message screens using a selector wheel on the steering wheel to see the appropriate message. It may be a simple reminder that service is due, or may be an alert to a more serious problem.

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!

If there is a more serious problem, in all likelihood other indicators will be illuminated on the instrument panel. See the message shown or locate the other symbol or symbols for additional 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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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.

Marc 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/2011/12/message-indicator-symbol/

Collision Mitigation Brake System Indicator

Collision Mitigation

This is the Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) Indicator symbol. It is a radar-based system that can warn a driver of a potential collision or even apply the brakes on its own to prevent one. These systems are all moving in the direction of automatic braking, which all manufacturers have promised to install in all passenger vehicles by roughly 2020.

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

The light comes on if the system has been turned off, if the radar sensor is dirty or blocked, or if there is a fault in the system. In the second case, a simple car wash may restore the system’s function. In the last case, take the vehicle to your dealer or authorized service center for diagnosis and repair.

These systems continue to evolve. Click this link for more on Collision Avoidance and Auto Braking systems. This link goes to yet another related system with an entirely different name, Intelligent Brake Assist.

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Marc Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2011/12/collision-mitigation-brake-system-indicator/

Parking Brake Indicators

Park Brake

These symbols are Parking Brake Indicator symbols. There are a number of considerations. The symbol to the far left simply indicates that the parking, or emergency brake is engaged. Be sure to disengage the parking or emergency brake before attempting to drive.

Before moving on, 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!

Many More Versions

If any of these symbols are flashing, it indicate that service is necessary. Also, the first image to the right with the wrench or spanner added is used with Electronic Parking Brakes and indicates that it needs to be serviced. The car can be driven, but be sure to have it serviced as soon as possible in order to maintain the parking brake’s availability.

The letter P is shown above for “Park”. It is inside the circle in brackets, which is always used to represent brakes. The symbol holding the whole word is also a park brake indicator, but may indicate an electric park brake fault. Click here for more.

Note that the symbol to the right is associated, and may be serious. Click here for more.

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Marc Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2011/12/parking-brake-engaged-indicator/

Catalytic Converter Warning Symbol

Catalytic Converter

This is the Catalytic Converter Warning symbol. The image, which looks like flames, heat or wavy lines rising from a pipe, indicates an overheated, damaged or malfunctioning catalytic converter. The converter is vital to the proper operation of the engine, so some vehicles may reduce the engine’s power automatically. And of course, it will be very hot. The vehicle will require service immediately.

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 newer vehicles, the sensors reading the catalytic converter trigger the Check Engine Light, one of hundreds of functions covered by the that particular warning symbol.

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Marc Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2011/11/1668/

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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Marc Favreau

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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Marc 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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Marc Favreau

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