Category: Dashboard Symbols & Tell-tales

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

Collision Mitigation Brake System Indicator

Collision Mitigation

Collision Mitigation Brake System IndicatorThis 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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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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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/2011/12/collision-mitigation-brake-system-indicator/

Parking Brake Indicators

Park Brake

Parking Brake Engaged IndicatorPark brake appliedThese 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

Service Electric Parking BrakePark Brake IndicatorPark brake malfunctionElectric park brake malfunction indicatorIf 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.

Electric Park Brake IndicatorPark brake appliedPARK symbol in redThe 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.

Brake Trouble Indicator CanadaNote that the symbol to the right is associated, and may be serious. 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/2011/12/parking-brake-engaged-indicator/

Catalytic Converter Warning Symbol

Catalytic Converter

Catalytic Converter Warning SymbolThis 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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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/2011/11/1668/

Distance Warning Indicator Symbols

Distance Warning

Distance Warning IndicatorVehicle ahead detected indicatorFollowing distance warning indicatorDistance warning indicatorThese 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

Collision warning 2Forward Alert IndicatorNote that the symbols to the right are very similar and have a similar function. Click here to learn 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/2011/09/distance-warning-indicator-symbol/

Attention Assist Indicator Symbols

Attention Assist

Attention Alert Indicator SymbolAttention indicatorDriver alert indicatorThe 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.

Driver alert system fault indicatorDriver alert system offAnd 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. And adding a line through indicates it is off or in fault. 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

Alert Time Indicator SymbolAnother 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.

Sleep detected indicatorFinally, 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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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/2011/08/attention-assist-indicator-symbol/

Water in Fuel Indicator Symbols

Water in Fuel

Water in Fuel Indicator SymbolWater Trap IndicatorWater in Fuel Indicator 2These 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!

Water in fuel indicatorDrain water in fuel indicatorEach 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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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/2011/08/water-in-fuel-indicator-symbols/

Exhaust Particulate Filter Warning Indicators

Exhaust Particulates

Diesel Particulate Filter symbol indicator 1Diesel Particulate Filter symbol indicator 2Diesel particle filterExhaust filter indicatorThese 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.

Diesel Exhaust FilterDiesel Exhaust Filter 2AdBlue indicatorThe 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.

Water Trap IndicatorWater in Fuel Indicator 2Water in Fuel Indicator SymbolNote 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2011/08/diesel-particulate-filter-dpf-warning-symbol-indicators/