Suspension Setting
These are Suspension Setting and Malfunction Indicator symbols. In green, they denote settings. In yellow/amber they indicate a problem with the suspension system. Many high-end vehicles provide the ability to adjust the shock absorber damping mode. A Sport setting will stiffen the ride, while a Comfort or Soft setting will soften the ride.
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If neither setting is selected, the shock absorber damping will be “Normal” and no indicator will be shown. Note that most vehicle manufacturers require that the vehicle be stopped in order to change these settings.
Malfunction Indicators
The ability to control settings are likely electronically controlled. Other manufacturers use the same type of system to control the suspension response automatically depending on road conditions. If a failure occurs, an yellow/amber text symbol may be shown. CK SUSP stands for Check Suspension. And the ECS text symbol above is an acronym for Electronically Controlled Suspension.
This acronym, IDS+, translates to Interactive Dynamic Driving System Plus. The manufacturer associates it with their Continuous Damping Control (CDC) and Sport Mode settings. It too indicates a fault in the system if it is seen while driving.
The amber or black an white shock absorber or spring, with or without an exclamation point, is an Active Suspension Warning symbol. In black and white, it is seen in the information screen and will be accompanied by text describing the issue and what can be done.
This version shows a vehicle, SUV or van on an uneven line, meant to be the ground. It too indicates a active suspension issue that needs to be checked. This version is called an Active Damper System (ADS), where a damper is actually a shock absorber.
This is yet another version of an Air Suspension system, shown as a rectangle pinched in the center with arrows above and below and an exclamation point inside, which denotes a malfunction. In any of these cases, if the advanced system fails, the suspension will default to an average and perfectly safe response mode and the car will be safe to drive. Have the advanced system checked out by you dealer or authorized repair shop as soon as possible.
This is another version of an indicator for an Air Suspension system. It is seen as arrows pointing both up and down in black and white in the information screen. The arrows will fill in as the ride height is adjusted up or down.
A yellow/amber picture symbol that shows a car with two arrows under it or the text AIR SUSP are other Suspension Malfunction Indicators. Here, the symbols are connected to an air suspension system, which has the ability to raise or lower the vehicle. The arrows are meant denote up or down motion. A malfunction in an air suspension system will likely leave the vehicle at the bottom of its height range and thus too close to the ground for anything but the smoothest road surfaces.
A similar set of images are shown here for a pick up truck or SUV. The first will be seen when the suspension system air in this case is raised (up arrow) or lowered (down arrow) changing the ground clearance. It will flash green and give an alert to indicate that the vehicle is changing the ride height.
The indicator light with the padlock and two arrows comes on when the air suspension is in Service or Alignment Mode. Three lines below a down arrow indicates the vehicle has been lowered for easy entry or exit.
Note that if any symbol appears in red, reduce speed and have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible. Control of the vehicle is likely compromised and potentially dangerous.
And then we move to a set of eight, yes eight symbols from Jeep, all associated with its air suspension system. The first two are Air Suspension Active Indicators, which will be on when the system is actively adjusting the ride height up or down.
Next are a series of mode settings in text. First is the Entry/Exit Indicator, which means the vehicle has been lowered to make it easier to get in and out of the vehicle. Next up is the Air Suspension Aerodynamic (AERO) Height Indicator, which says that the system is set to optimize aerodynamics.
Then we have the OFF RD (road) 1 and OFF RD 2 settings. As might be expected, the text symbols are height adjustments to account for off road condition. Setting 1 raises the vehicle and setting 2 is higher still.
These are actually earlier versions of the Air Suspension Indicators. They simply show up and down arrows in what are likely supposed to be air bladders. They look more like hats and are of course intended to indicate where the vehicle’s height is set.
This is an Air Suspension Payload Protection Indicator and is part of an air suspension system. It will be on when the maximum payload may has been or is close to being exceeded or load leveling cannot be achieved at its current ride height. Protection mode will automatically be selected in order to protect the air suspension system. Air suspension adjustment is limited due to payload. The image is that of a pick up truck with both up and down arrows and a line drawn through showing the system is unavailable for adjustment.
These four Air Suspension Indicators include a bit of text description, which identifies the function. Up or down arrows are added as well. The first two indicate that the vehicle is being Lowered or Raised. The third, Alt, or alternate, Height, is used when hauling a trailer and automatically keeps the vehicle level. Finally, Bed Low is a simple reminder that the bed has been lowered.
These are Air Suspension Fault Indicators. It will illuminate in the event of a problem with the air suspension system. Reducing the vehicle’s speed would be prudent under this condition as vehicle control could be compromised.
Since these systems are likely be tied to the vehicle’s Stability Control System (as well as the steering system), a second light, similar to the one to the right, may appear as well, indicating that the System has been turned off. Click here (first image) or or here (second image) for more information 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.
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
These are all Low Windshield Washer Fluid Indicator 
Do not confuse the symbol with these. 
These are Door Ajar or Door Open Indicators. Other related 
This is a special case that will show up with a door ajar indicator in some instances. It an exclamation point in red, as is obvious. It is seen when the ignition is on and Driver’s Door is the one open. So long as the vehicle is not in gear, there should be nothing to be concerned about.
These versions indicate that the Trunk Lid, Hatch or Tailgate is open or not properly latched. The image to the left adds only a bar behind the vehicle. If the lid, hatch or gate is not obviously open, the image’s meaning may not be obvious.
Finally, these Hood Ajar and Sunroof Open indicators. Take the first one seriously. While every car has a secondary latch to keep the hood from flying up while driving, counting on it alone is dangerous. If this light is on, be sure the hood is closed and/or that nothing is preventing the hood from fully closing. Otherwise, have the light and its trigger serviced as soon as possible. Close the sunroof if you wish.
These are 4 Wheel Drive Low Indicator 
These two are corresponding 4 Wheel Drive High indicators. The High setting is the default setting in a 4 wheel drive vehicle for normal driving conditions. For this reason, vehicle manufacturers rarely add this indicator. If it is added, High may be spelled out or abbreviated (HI). One manufacturer simply uses a 4×4 Indicator to mean that the vehicle is in 4×4 HIGH.
This indicator, 4WD AUTO, states that the vehicle is in AUTO mode. The vehicle will automatically engage 4 wheel drive when a loss of traction is sensed. Otherwise, the front axle is engaged, but the vehicle’s power is sent only to the rear wheels.
These symbols, a 4×2 or 2H Indicator, say that a 4 wheel drive vehicle is supplying power only to the rear wheels. The use of the rear wheels only is the correct choice in typical driving conditions. That is, smooth, dry roads.
The 4A, 4×4 Auto Indicators and the stick figure indicator with 4WD text in the center both say that 4-wheel drive will be available automatically for additional traction. Only electronically-controlled 4-wheel drive systems will have this available. These indicators become 
This symbol with the open circles is used in Australia and New Zealand to indicate only that the 4-wheel Drive system has been engaged. In North America, the same symbol is usually used to indicate a problem with an All-wheel Drive system, although Chevrolet has begun using it to also indicate the system is engaged. 
General Motors uses an indicator for five possible choices. Their system can be set to AUTO (automatic (AUTO), 4 high (HI), 4 LOW, 2 wheel drive (2WD) and finally N (or NEUTRAL in 
In all cases, the various 4-wheel drive systems are choices that can be made by the driver using either a lever or buttons. If the system will allow a different selection, or if a 4×2 indicator remains illuminated, contact your dealer or authorized service center immediately. Driving will be possible, but only at reduced speed.
These are all versions of Differential Lock Indicator 
This version, an AWD LOW indicator, also says that the vehicles axles are locked together in low gear. All the wheels will turn at the same rate, and should only be operated at low speed in slippery conditions, which is also why this indicator and all the others are shown in 
If this system is accidentally engaged, your vehicle will hitch and buck and feel like it is going to tear itself apart at normal speeds. Come to a stop and look for the symbol on your dash or console and disengage the system. Drive forward or backward a few feet to complete the disengagement.
This version, seen in black and white, is seen in the information display and will be accompanied by a text explanation. The open circle in the center indicates a malfunctioning differential lock. Again, a helpful explanation will be seen with the warning light, although resolving the problem will likely require a qualified repair shop.
The indicator may turn up as symbols in all text, like the Diff (differential) Lock or All Wheel Drive (AWD) Lock Indicators shown here to the left. They mean the same as the images above.
These are Rear Differential Lock indicators. The versions on the left features a large closed circle or a pad lock between the two rear (bottom) wheels. The version to the right uses an X in place of the closed circle and is an Electronic Rear Differential Lock indicator. Both versions indicate that the two rear wheels have been locked to rotate together. Like the center lock options above, a button or dial on the dashboard or center console has been engaged locking the wheels and can be turned off.
The exclamation point indicates a malfunction on the differential lock system. It is likely electronic, so try restarting the vehicle. If the vehicle is equipped with an Information Display and a CHECK DIFFERENTIAL or DIFFERENTIAL MALFUNCTION message is shown, contact your dealer. If the vehicle hitches and bucks like a bronco at speeds above 20 MPH and the Lock cannot be disengaged, reduce speed and go straight to your dealer or service center, or have the vehicle towed.
There are now options to lock either or both of the front and rear axles electronically from some manufacturers. These padlock images are Front and Rear Axle Lock Indicator symbols. The image with the double locks indicate that both front and rear locks have been engaged.
These are Economy Mode (
Some manufacturers use a leaf image, tree or plant, symbol to indicate that Economy Mode has been selected. One includes a gas pump hose. Note that a pictorial ECO symbol also exists, which only shows that a vehicle is being operated economically, and not in a chosen mode. See 
These are Power and Sport Mode Indicator 
Whether it is from an electronically controlled transmission or throttle (
Another group of symbols are shown here. These are displayed in gray scale. The modes allow for additional power to be extracted from the high voltage battery, are found in instrument panel in a curved shape along the bottom of the circular portion of the information display. Seen as Sport, Sport S and Sport S+, they indicate the level of change applied to the vehicle’s suspension.
In electric or hybrid vehicles, featuring more powerful acceleration. Both the 