Category: Dashboard Symbols & Tell-tales

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

A/T Park Warning Indicator Symbol

A/T Park

A/T P Indicator SymbolThis is an A/T Park (Automatic Transmission) (P) Indicator Warning symbol. This light comes on when a vehicle’s 4 wheel drive shifter is in neutral (N). A drive gear cannot be engaged until either the 4 Low or the 4 High option is chosen.

  • Before moving on, are you sure one of these is your symbol?? If yes, then read on.
  • Otherwise return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

The light will also be active when there is a malfunction in the Park mechanism of the transmission. If this is the case, the vehicle must be inspected by your dealer or authorized service center 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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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/2010/12/at-p-indicator-symbol/

Brake Hold Indicator Symbols

Brake Hold

Auto hold indicatorBrake Hold Indicator SymbolAuto brake holdAutomatic Hold IndicatorAuto Hold greenThese are Brake Hold Indicator and the Automatic Hold Indicator symbols. The lights describe systems that keeps the brakes applied when the vehicle is stopped and other conditions are met. They indicate that the system is on and functioning properly. The image is the circle between brackets used as a standard for brakes, which may hold the letter A or H inside for automatic or hold.

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

Special note: If brake hold is activated when coming to a stop in a automated car wash, there will be a problem with the car moving. Shifting in and out of gear should release the hold!

Many More Versions

Auto brake indicatorAuto brake hold indicatorAuto vehicle hold indicatorAuto Hold indicatorNote that some manufacturers use the gray or black and white to indicate that the brake is actively keeping the vehicle from rolling away! That is, it senses a force trying to move the vehicle while it is not in park. Alternatively, it may indicate that the system is active and will turn green when actually holding the vehicle in place.

Automatic hold indicatorIn an electric vehicle (EV), the Park function is supplied by the brakes. So, when placing the car in Park, it is effectively in Auto Hold mode. To that end, the symbol to the left may be seen, indicating that the vehicle is secure. Note as well that the activation button or lever is also used to activate the emergency brake.

Hold Operation IndicatorBrake hold indicatorDepending on the vehicle’s manufacturer, when in actual use, the indicator may show Hold or Brake Hold, as shown to the left. The brakes are released when the driver steps on the accelerator while in a drive gear. They are generally seen in green.

AVH indicatorAuto vehicle hold indicatorAlso in green is another set from a system called Auto Vehicle Hold or AVH. The AVH indicator states that the system is active and available. The circle in brackets, which is a common combination intended to indicate brake components, in this case shows that the vehicle is in fact being held.

Auto Hold IndicatorAuto hold faultAuto brake hold malfunctionThe word or words in yellow/amber or the Hold indicator in red indicate a fault in the system. It may include an exclamation point. Find a qualified service shop as soon as possible. And finally, a line through the words indicates that the system is temporarily unavailable. The light will return to green when the system returns to normal use.

Auto hold unavailableThis is another pair of symbols, again starting in green and moving to yellow/amber. The symbols include the image of a hand, palm out. In green, the system in available. In yellow/amber, the system is not available. This may or may not indicate a system problem. If the light persists, see your dealer or qualified repair shop.

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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/brake-hold-indicator-symbol/

2nd Start Indicator

2nd Start

2nd Start IndicatorThis is a 2nd Start Indicator symbol. This feature, if switched on, causes the vehicle to move from a standing start in the higher, second, gear in slippery conditions. The light will be on when the feature is activated, which is done manually using a button on the dashboard or more likely the center console.

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

If the light is on unexpectedly, the system has likely been activated accidently. Look for the on/off switch to deactivate it.

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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/2010/12/2nd-start-indicator/

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Brake Assist (BAS) Trouble Indicator

ESP/BAS

ESP / BAS IndicatorThis combined system warning indicator covers the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and the Brake Assist System (BAS). These systems work together, and a fault in either, or both, will cause the light to come on. If it remains on, see your dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible.

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

ESP is what one manufacturer calls its Stability Control System. Click this link to learn more. BAS helps in emergency braking situations when the driver can’t push the brake pedal hard enough. A sensor recognizes the attempt at full braking and transmits the signal calling for full brake pressure from the hydraulic booster reducing the vehicle’s stopping distance.

Brake Assist and Stability Control Fault IndicatorThis is essentially the same as the BAS/ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) system, but do match the acronyms. You can learn more about BAS/ASR here.

The systems are all electronic enhancements. The enhancements will not be available until repairs are performed. However, the brakes will operate normally and the vehicle will be safe to drive. Do so with care.

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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/2010/11/esp-bas-trouble-indicator/

4 Wheel, All Wheel Drive Trouble Indicators

4 Wheel Drive

4 Wheel Drive IndicatorThese are 4 Wheel Drive (4WD) Trouble Indicator symbols. This first light will be seen under conditions specified by the manufacturer. For some, it will only be illuminated if there is a malfunction in the 4WD system. The light will also come on if the front wheel or tire diameters are different from those on the rear. In either case, the vehicles speed should be reduced immediately and taken to your dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible for servicing.

  • Before moving on, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on below.
  • Otherwise return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

For others, the same indicator will be seen simply as an alert that the vehicle is in the four-wheel drive mode, which means that the front and rear driveshafts are mechanically locked together. The front and rear wheels will then be rotating at the same speed. This mode should only be used in slippery conditions, such as snow or loose gravel, etc.

Drive train overheat indicator4WD overheat indicatorThese symbols, Drive Mode Overheat, appear if the drive train temperature rises too high. It includes the image of a thermometer along with the 4WD acronym or image. There will also likely be a text message in the center of the instrument with a recommendation to either pull over or slow down. The light will remain on so long as the system remains overheated.

Super Handling All Wheel Drive IndicatorThis is a trouble light for what one manufacturer calls its Super Handling (SH) All Wheel Drive (AWD). The vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible. If the light comes on while driving, the differential temperature is too high and the vehicle should be pulled over to allow it to cool. The light will then go out.

4 AutomaticThis light, 4A, illuminates when the 4×4 Automatic drive system is engaged. However, it indicates a system problem if it is on but the system is not engaged. A visit to an qualified service shop will be needed.

SERV 4WD indicatorFinally, this one uses a shorthand for the word Service, SERV. The SERV 4WD Indicator is stating that a fault exists in the 4 wheel drive system and that a qualified service shop will be needed soon. The vehicle will continue to operate in 2 wheel drive normally.

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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/2010/11/4-wheel-drive-trouble-indicator/

Electronic Throttle Control Indicator

Electronic Throttle

Electronic Throttle Control IndicatorThis is the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Indicator symbol. This light, a lightning bolt between reversed brackets or parenthesis, will illuminate if there is a problem in the electronic throttle control system. It may be seen in red or yellow/amber. As an electronic system, it can sometimes be reset by restarting the car, much or exactly like re-booting a computer.

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

If the system and the light do not reset with a restart, the vehicle should be drivable, but your dealer or authorized service center will need to service the system soon.

Note however, that if your vehicle does not operate normally, contact roadside assistance right away.

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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/2010/11/electronic-throttle-control/

Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) Off Indicator

Brake Assist

IBA Off IndicatorThis is an Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) Off Indicator symbol. IBA uses lasers to identify approaching obstacles and applies the brakes accordingly. The light comes on when the IBA switch is turned off. If the light comes on while the system is on, it is either unavailable temporarily or is malfunctioning. Check that the sensors are clean, but only when it is safe to do so.

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

Another manufacturer calls this Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) but does not feature a warning light for it. Regardless, the vehicle can still be driven safely if the system is inoperable, but your dealer or authorized repair center will need to service it.

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. There is more information on automatic braking here.

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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/2010/11/intelligent-brake-assist-iba-off-indicator/