Category: Dashboard Symbols & Tell-tales

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

Stability Control Off Indicators

Stability Control

These are Stability Control Off Indicator symbols. One of these lights, or one of the text versions below, tell you that the stability control system is deactivated. Your vehicle’s manufacturer may call this AdvanceTrac, Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Electronic Stability / Stabilization Control (ESC) …

And there’s still more. But first, is it truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on below.
Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

… Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Interactive Vehicle Dynamics (IVD), Precision Control System (PCS), StabiliTrak, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Vehicle Dynamics Control Systems (VDCS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), etc.

Regardless of the system’s name, the light means the same thing. The system is currently off. The vehicle will operate normally – that is, without the stability control enhancement – with the advanced system off. Note that the second image, with a sideways car on a wavy line with a tree next to it may illuminate in green! Every other version comes on in yellow/amber when the system is turned off.

Many More Versions

Note that BMW uses what it calls M Dynamic Mode (MDM) in their M-Series vehicles. When M Dynamic Mode is in use, the stability control system is turned off and the Stability Control Off indicator is illuminated. In most but not all of these models, a corresponding MDM indicator will appear.

The image to the left is very, very similar to an “OFF” indicator, except it is a NOT READY indicator. The indicator will most commonly be seen only on start up and should go out in a few seconds. It may stay on longer in cold conditions and will go out once the vehicle is warmed up. However, if it persists, there is clearly a problem that should be addressed as soon as possible.

Stability control is a sophisticated electronically-controlled system that uses sensors in tandem with other systems to identify when there is lateral slip in the tires during cornering and responds by adjusting the brakes, throttle, differential and/or suspension to help keep you on track. Thus, the system is automatically turned off when the Check Engine Light is activated in order to prevent inaccurate readings sending incorrect instructions to the system. The image of a skidding car is overly disconcerting.

These text symbols, or one matching one of the other acronyms, will be seen in some early model vehicles that use the system. Newer vehicles are more likely to use the picture symbol above.

Here’s a video describing when and how these lights may appear.

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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/2024/03/stability-control-off-indicators/

Dynamic Stability Control / Electronic Stability Program

Stability Control

This is a Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) or Electronic Stability / Stabilization Program (ESP) symbol. These are electronic suspension control systems combining elements of braking, steering and suspension to keep the vehicle under control. If an exclamation point is seen next to the symbol, it indicates a system failure.

But first, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on below.
And check out the video.
Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again.

These are a unique set of symbols that are part of the main group of Stability Control indicators. It will have an on off switch, and will most often be lit if the system is turned off. Some manufacturers use the symbol to denote systems that they call Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) (meaning traction control) and Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), which is disabled if a fault in the ASR is detected.

Note that Stability Control systems work by applying brake action to individual wheels when a loss of steering control is detected. Braking may be applied to an outer front wheel to counter oversteer, or an inner rear wheel to counter understeer. Its important to note that some systems, depending on the manufacturer, may reduce engine power until control is reestablished.

A flashing symbol likely means the system requires service. The inclusion of the ‘4 x 4’ is a variation in the appearance of the symbol used in 4-wheel drive vehicles.

Remember that these advanced systems come into play in extreme driving conditions, such as poor weather or rounding a curve excessively fast. Your vehicle is safe to drive with them disabled under most conditions. Contact your dealer or authorized service center for repairs.

Here’s a video describing when and how these lights may appear.

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Marc Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/dynamic-stability-control-electronic-stability-program/

Electronically Controlled Brake System Symbols

Brake Systems

This is first the ECB, or Electronically Controlled Brake Systems symbol, also known as Electronic Brake Force Distribution. Note that the only difference between this and the Canadian brake warning symbol – the exclamation point in a circle – is the color. Yellow/amber indicates a less serious problem than the red version. The electronic control represents a functional enhancement and may be inoperable, including a brake booster issue, but the brakes themselves will still operate.

But first, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on below.
Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

Second, and before continuing, note that if you have a hybrid vehicle, at least one manufacturer uses the symbol above to indicate a problem with the Regenerative Brake System. Click the link for more.

However, as electronic control of overall brake systems expands, the symbol above is used in Canada to alert to a problem any part of the brake system controlled electronically. These can include Automatic Brake Hold or Electronic Parking Brake system issues, as well as those described above.

In the U.S., the text symbol to the left, Brake System, is used in yellow/amber. Again as above, the brakes themselves, as operated by the brake pedal, remains a hydraulic system and will continue to function normally.

However, if the red BRAKE text warning symbol is also lit, contact your dealer or authorized service center immediately.

Note that the symbol of a circle with “brackets” on either side, broken or otherwise, represents brake components. What is shown inside and the details of the “brackets” and color specify the nature of the problem.

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Marc Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/electronically-controlled-brake-system-symbols/

Seat Belt Reminder Indicator Symbols

Seat Belt Reminder

These are Seat Belt Reminder Indicator symbols. Either may appear in the center of the reminder light for the driver or to the right as a passenger reminder. The second version, showing two belted occupants, indicates either the driver or passenger is unbuckled. The third, adding the number 2, points to the front passenger. Regardless, the indicators simply want you to put on your seat belt or belts.

Is one of these really your symbol?? If yes, then continue on.
Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

If the illuminated and the vehicle is moving, it is likely to be flashing. The flashing can cause the first light to take on the appearance of a man riding a horse and has been described this way!

For some reason, one manufacturer has added the blue symbol to indicate that a person seated and the seat belt is fastened. Evidently, the fact that the red indicator is not on is not sufficient to indicate that the person’s seat belt is fastened.

This is a Rear Seat Unoccupied Indicator. The light is used to show the driver that a rear seat is unoccupied and he or she does not need to be concerned that a seat belt is unbuckled. It is part of a scan of all seats and seat belts and appears in black and white.

There have since been a large number of these, like those to the right. We’ve addressed them on a separate page. Click here for more.

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Marc Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/seat-belt-reminder-indicator-symbols/

Passenger Air Bag on/off Indicator

Passenger Air Bag

This is the Passenger Air Bag Indicator. Either the word on or off will be active in the symbol. The passenger airbags are a hazard to smaller individuals and are designed to be turned off automatically when a small amount of weight is placed on the seat. This can also occur when a package or bag is placed there. If an adult is in the seat and the air bag is off, take the vehicle to your dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible.

Are you sure this is your symbol?? If not, return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

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Marc Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/passenger-air-bag-on-off-indicator/

Supplemental Restraint System Air Bag Indicator Symbols

Supplemental Restraint

These are the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Air Bag Indicator symbols. Either of these warning lights indicate that a problem exists with one of the many airbags in the vehicle, which should be taken to the dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible. The picture symbol has been described as a beach ball on a lap.

But first, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on below.
Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

In most later-model vehicles, the picture symbol replaces the original text symbol, SRS, shown to the above right. This was likely done to help non English-speaking motorists. Older vehicles used the simple Supplemental Restraint System acronym (SRS). And there’s still another…

Yet another version, used by some European manufacturers, is a simple Air Bag text symbol, as shown at left. All versions warn of a failure in one of the air bags, which can only be repaired by your dealer or authorized service center.

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Marc Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/supplemental-restraint-system-air-bag-indicator-symbols/

Headlamp Leveling System Warning Symbols

Headlamp Leveling

These are the Headlamp Leveling System symbols. They include the curving arrow and may or may not have the exclamation point inside the drawing representing a lamp. The lines pointing out and down represent light. Regardless, if one of these symbols is seen, it indicates a problem with the system. The vehicle should be taken to your dealer or authorized service center.

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!

Heavy loads can push the rear of a vehicle down causing the headlamps to point upwards, but leveling system sensors will detect the horizontal level of the vehicle and adjusts the lights accordingly, unless the leveling system is not operating.

Similar Symbols

Do not confuse the symbols with one of these. Click here or here for more, right to left.

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Marc Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/headlamp-leveling-system-warning-symbols/