Category: Dashboard Symbols & Tell-tales

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

Glow Plug, Battery Conditioning Indicator

Glow Plug

Glow Plug Indicator SymbolAs of 2024, this indicator has two uses. Its origin is as a Glow Plug Indicator symbol, which is found only in diesel-powered vehicles, sedans or trucks. The second is as a Battery Conditioning indicator, where an Electric Vehicle’s (EV) main battery is being conditioned prior to charging.

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

Diesel engines require heat in the cylinders to operate, which is supplied initially by the glow plugs when the engine is cold. This light will be illuminated when the ignition is turned on until the plugs are heated sufficiently to start the engine. The engine simply won’t start until then. The image will look like a coil or loops in amber or yellow.

In the EV, the light is only seen during battery conditioning. This process warms a cold battery to allow it to accept a charge more quickly.

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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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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/glow-plug-indicator-symbol/

4 Wheel Active Steer Warning Symbol

4 Wheel Steer

4WAS Indicator Symbol This is the 4 Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) Warning Indicator Symbol. If the light comes on while the engine is running, it may indicate that there is a malfunction in the 4WAS system. If a malfunction has occurred in the system, the 4WAS function will not function, but the vehicle can be steered and can continue to be driven with caution. Only the rear wheel steering is deactivated.

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

This is an electronic system, so the manufacturer may recommend turning the ignition Off and back On to cycle the engine and the 4WAS system. The light may then go out. If the light does not resolve, see your dealer or authorized repair center.

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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/2011/07/4-wheel-active-steer-warning-symbol/

Variable Gear Ratio Steering Indicator Symbol

Variable Gear Ratio

VGRS Indicator SymbolThis is a Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) Indicator symbol. This light indicates a malfunction in the variable gear ratio steering system. The vehicle must be inspected by your dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible, particularly if there is difficulty steering the vehicle. Continued driving is not recommended.

  • So, are you sure this is your symbol??
  • If not, you can return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

——————————————————————-

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/2011/07/variable-gear-ratio-steering-indicator-symbol/

Night View Indicator Symbol

Night View

Night View IndicatorThis is a Night View Indicator Symbol. It is a rare system, that uses a near-infrared floodlight to illuminate the road ahead. The waring light indicates that its infrared bulb is burned out. Have your dealer or authorized service center replace it. No other system in the vehicle will be impacted and it can be driven safely.

  • So, are you sure this is your symbol??
  • If not, return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

A near infrared light will help detect people or animals that me have intruded on the roadway.

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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/2011/07/night-view-indicator-symbol/

Electronic Power Control Indicator Symbols

Electronic Power Control

Electronic Power ControlThese are EPC Indicator SymbolEPC (Electronic Power Control) indicator symbols. It may also be known as an Engine Speed Limitation indicator. Depending on your vehicle’s manufacturer, one of these indicators will come on when a problem is detected in the engine electronics and may appear in red or yellow/amber.

The vehicle’s throttle may be limited when this light is illuminated in order to protect the engine from damage, essentially putting the vehicle in Limp Mode. You will have power enough to limp to your dealer or service center for repairs, which is what should be done. If the light is seen in red, the issue is critical and the vehicle should be shut down.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) will be turned off automatically, if the vehicle is equipped with the system. Its indicator light will then appear as well, indicating the Off condition. The EPC light needs to be addressed, after which both lights will be resolved.

EV system fault indicatorEV System IndicatorThe first image looks very much like those to the right. They are seen in Hybrid or Electric Vehicles (EVs) as a High Voltage Battery warning. 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/2011/04/epc-electronic-power-control-indicator-symbol/

Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) Indicator

KDSS

KDSS IndicatorThis is a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) Indicator symbol. If this yellow/amber light appears, it is likely that the system has detected a fault that will need to be addressed by your dealer or authorized service center. The vehicle and suspension will operate normally in the interim, but without the advanced system.

  • So, are you sure one of these is your symbol??
  • If not return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

Stability Control Fault IndicatorSince this system will be tied to the vehicle’s Stability Control System, a second light, similar to the one to the right that shows a skidding car with or without a line through it, may appear as well, indicating that the Stability Control System has been turned off. Click this link for more or see our Multiple Symbols page for more 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2010/12/kinetic-dynamic-suspension-system-kdss-indicator/

Height High Indicators

Height High

Height High IndicatorHeight indicatorThese are Height High Indicator symbols. This text symbol as well as the picture symbol will be available on vehicles equipped with an adjustable air suspension system. A symbol will likely be on the instrument panel telling you which mode the suspension is set to. The system will have a control switch on the dashboard or more likely the center console for height choices.

  • So, are you sure one of these is your symbol??
  • If not, return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

——————————————————————-

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/2010/12/height-high-indicator/