Category: Dashboard Symbols & Tell-tales

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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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