Category: Dashboard Symbols & Tell-tales

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

Easy Access Indicator Symbol

Easy Access

Easy Access SymbolThis is the Easy Access Indicator symbol. It is found on vehicles with height control features, and the symbol indicates that the car will lower itself, or has been lowered, when the vehicle is turned off for easy access and egress. The image is of a man stepping down, although his head can look like it is caught in a vice. The green color is meant to only to note that the system is active.

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

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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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

Shift and Up Shift Indicators

Shift

Down shift indicatorUp shift indicatorUpshift indicatorUpshift indicatorUp Shift IndicatorThese are Up,  Down or simply Shift Indicator symbols. A handful of vehicle manufacturers use these lights in vehicles with manual transmissions to indicate when it is best to shift to a higher or lower gear for optimum fuel economy.

  • 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!

Many More Versions

Up Shift Light SymbolShift mode indicatorFor the most part, the symbols themselves are green, indicating that they are intended to be informative and helpful and not warnings. The symbol above on the far right is an up-pointing arrow and the simple word SHIFT. The images here to the left include a bumpy circle, which represents a mechanical flywheel. The first adds a Plus (+) sign indicating that an upshift is in order. The flywheel without the Plus sign is particular to a Sport Mode selection from one manufacturer and indicates that more aggressive shifting will be employed automatically.

Upshift indicatorDownshift indicatorThese two indicators, again in green, are again up or down arrows or pyramids. Included in this example is the number 2 as a suggested gear target of the shift. The number 1 or 3 or 4 or 5, etc may be seen as well.

Up shift indicatorDown shift indicatorThese two, however, are displayed in yellow/amber. In addition, there is an Up Shift and a Down Shift Indicator. Their purpose remains the same, to aide in fuel economizing. The images are that of a shifter with an arrow either above for Up Shift or below for Down. It can be described as a ball on a rod angled away from a two level base.

Performance shift indicatorThe ST symbol seen to the left is a Performance Shift Indicator. In vehicles so equipped, the indicator will be seen when the powertrain reaches the optimum upshift point. However, it will flash when the engine is close to hitting the engine speed limiter.

Shift indicatorAnother exception will be seen in gray scale in the vehicles information display. It appears as a gear – something that may be found inside a transmission – and is part of an electronic shift notification system. Performance Algorithm Liftfoot (PAL) or Performance Algorithm Shift (PAS).

Similar Symbol

Settings IndicatorDo not confuse the second image with the Settings Indicator symbol on the right. It is nearly identical to the bumpy circle used when referring to the transmission, but lacks any addition in the center and is shown in gray scale. The settings indicator will most generally be seen in the separate Information Display.

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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/up-shift-light-indicator/

Information Displays and Message Centers

Message Centers

Below are examples of Information Displays and Message Centers. These are the latest trend on electronic instrument panels. They will be for the most part shades of black and white, although some manufacturers are choosing a blue background. Full color displays are slowly coming into use as the cost of led displays continue to fall.

These displays are also wider and taller than traditional symbols and indicators. In older models, these will not be red or orange or yellow/amber, which are reserved for malfunction or trouble indicators and symbols.

Maintenance Reminder ExampleLane Keeping Assistance

Miles per Gallon Image Hybrid Operation Image

The bottom line is this: if something appears unexpectedly, there will be a red, orange or yellow symbol visible on the instrument panel in addition to the display.

If there isn’t, there is nothing wrong and a display key on the steering wheel or one of the control stalks has likely been touched accidentally. Consult your manual for options to restore the display to its original view.

However, the evolution of these displays includes the introduction of full color, GPS mapping and individual symbols. In addition, drivers are being given a choice of display style and layout in the more flexible message centers.

The displays allow for larger, more complicated Driver Assist symbols, as well as what are essentially computer controls.

Settings IndicatorFor instance, this is the Settings Indicator symbol. It is nearly identical to the bumpy circle used when referring to the transmission, but lacks any addition in the center and is shown in gray scale – for now. The settings indicator is the what we have become used to seeing on our phones and computers and in fact leads to the customization of the display.

Adaptive Cruise ControlOblect Detected IndicatorMaddeningly, there appear to be no constraints assigned here, and we have seen the potential for dozens of variations. The image at left is a variation of an Adaptive or Active Cruise Control Indicator switched on and functioning. At right, the system has detected a vehicle ahead and the symbol is larger than typical with the added image of a car in the distance. Note as well that these symbols will go from Green to Amber to Red depending on speed and distance.

Adaptive cruise control and curve controlThe symbol shown may grow wider as well, as seen here. In this situation, another version of the Adaptive Cruise Control symbol has been combined with a lane symbol indicating a curve in the road the vehicle will adjust to. Again the color may vary depending on conditions.

All of which leaves drivers with a bewildering array of notices, symbols, messages and color changes that at best are distracting while behind the wheel and at worst simply impossible to fully understand. To us here at DashboardSymbols.com, auto manufacturers are given far too much leeway in deciding how to present information to drivers — while they are driving!

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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/information-displays-and-message-centers/

Security and Immobilizer System Indicator Symbols

Security, Immobilizer

Security Indicator SymbolImmobilizer System IndicatorThese are Security and/or Immobilizer System Indicator symbols used by auto manufacturers. One of these symbols is illuminated momentarily to indicate that the ignition switch is locked and will need the proper transponder-equipped key  fob to start or re-start. The vehicle is immobilized otherwise. Green symbols will flash when the vehicle is immobilized.

  • 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!

Text Security IndicatorSecurity theft indicatorSecurity Lock IndicatorImmobilizer faultAnti-theft system faultThe text symbols Security or Theft, shown to the left have largely been replaced by the padlocked car image shown next to it, in red or yellow/amber/orange. Their operation is the same as those above, with one exception. One manufacturer (Alfa Romeo), also uses the first padlock image in yellow/amber to warn of an attempted break in!

Immobilizer dotHowever, if any of these symbols is visible when the vehicle is operating, it indicates a malfunction in the security system. The red dot to the left is on old style indicator. If the engine does not start with the correct key, and the security indicator remains on or flashes, the system may have a malfunction. You will need to contact your dealer or authorized service center in either case.

Similar Symbols

Key Warning IndicatorEngine Start Symbol Fault 2Do not confuse these with other automotive trouble symbols that make use of the image a key. Click here or here, right to left, 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/2010/11/security-indicator-symbol/

Maintenance or Service Required Indicators

Service Required

Service Reminder IndicatorService reminder indicatorThese are Maintenance or Service Required Indicators symbols. In most cases, these symbols are used only as a reminder that routine maintenance is needed, such as an oil change, although the car on the lift (below) could suggest a more serious problem. Note immediately that some manufacturers use the image of a vehicle with the wrench inside to indicate an electrical problem! Click here for more, particularly if the vehicle is not operating properly.

Many More Versions

Service needed indicatorNote that some manufacturers use the car on in the air or on the lift symbol to indicate that one of the vehicle’s systems has failed and needs repair. In a case like this, another symbol associated with the actual system will be shown as well.

Oil Change Indicator SymbolMaintenance Required IndicatorOil service reminderOil service reminderAll routine services in a vehicle with an internal combustion engine start with a change of the engine oil and filter. The text symbol Oil Change used by some manufacturers says it in the simplest way possible, while the text MAINT REQD may be used to mean the very same thing while implying more. The last one is rather cryptic, showing a pan shape with a drop of oil above it.

However, if there is additional text shown identifying trouble with a specific vehicle system, contact your dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible.

Service interval nearService interval exceededThese red triangles indicate the approach or the passing of a Service Interval. The required service may be a common oil change or something more important such as a transmission service. The first is a single triangle, which may appear in red or yellow/amber. It indicates the approach of a service interval. The second adds another triangle inside the first. It indicates the service is past due and may also appear in red or yellow/amber.

Service ReminderIn many European vehicles, a simple wrench (spanner) image will be displayed temporarily as a service interval approaches. It will likely be in gray scale, rather than a more expected amber.

Note that if you see a wrench or spanner in red, it indicates a serious powertrain problem.

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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/2010/10/maintenance-required-indicator/

Traction and Active Traction Control Indicators

Traction Control

Trac IndicatorActive Traction Control IndicatorA-TRAC indicatorThese are all Traction and Active Traction Control Indicator symbols. They indicate that the system has been activated and doing its job to maintain traction in slippery conditions, hence the green color. Like other text indicators, they intend to inform more directly than diagrams.

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

Color is important. A yellow/amber indicator that remains lit and has not been turned off, particularly if it is accompanied by the Master Warning light, indicates a problem with the system that your dealer or authorized service center should address. If the Check Engine light is on, these systems will likely be turned off as well, turning the light on.

Many More Versions

Dynamic Traction Control IndicatorPCS indicatorTraction control indicatorThese symbols indicate Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Traction Control System (TCS) Precision Control System (PCS) Warnings, simply variants in the name. Again, green or yellow/amber indicates the system is on and functioning or that the system has a malfunction, respectively.

The text OFF symbolsTraction Control System Warning LightTraction control indicator (below) will also be illuminated if any of these system variants is turned off using its control switch. If an OFF symbol is not used by the manufacturer, one of the symbols shown will simply remain lit.  Again, if the system has not been turned off, have the system serviced as soon as possible.

TCSS OFF IndicatorTRAC OFF IndicatorTraction Control OffTraction control off indicatorOne of these lights will be active when the traction control system is switched off and is generally yellow/amber. If the switch is on, a malfunction is indicated. Note that traction control systems use the vehicle’s brakes and throttle in their operations and the malfunctions may be in the antilock brakes or the engine. The ABS or Check Engine light(s) may be on as well.

TRACTION control mode indicatorThis indicator, TRAC. MODE, means that the Stability Control System has been turned off and that a Traction Control Mode may be chosen to suit the driver or the conditions. This is usually an off-road or racing option.

VSA Indicator SymbolVSC TRAC IndicatorService traction system indicatorThese symbols indicate a malfunction in the traction control or a related Stability Control system. Separate warning lights are generally the rule, but some of the first vehicles that employed the systems had their warning lights combined. The vehicle should be taken to the dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible for repair.

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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/2010/10/traction-and-active-traction-control-indicators/

Suspension Setting and Malfunction Indicator Symbols

Suspension Setting

Suspension Setting SymbolThese 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.

  • 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!

Suspension Setting SymbolIf 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

Electronically Controlled Suspension Malfunction IndicatorCheck Suspension IndicatorCheck ECS indicatorThe 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.

IDS + IndicatorThis 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.

Suspension fault indicatorSuspension setting indicatorActive Suspension WarningDamping control fault indicatorSuspension malfunction indicatorThe 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.

ADS indicatorThis 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.

Air suspension indicatorThis 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.

Air suspension setting indicatorThis 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.

Suspension MalfunctionAir suspension indicatorA 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.

Air suspension fault indicatorAir suspension faultThese 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.

More Settings Indicators

Suspension setting indicatorAir suspension upA 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.

Suspension mode indicatorEntry exit modeThe 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.

Entry-Exit indicatorAERO indicatorNext 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.

Air suspension down indicatorThese 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.

Air suspension protection indicatorThis 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.

Lowering indicatorRaising indicatorAlt trailer height indicatorBed low indicatorThese 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.

Suspension mode normalSuspension off road modeSuspension sport modeThese are Suspension Setting Indicators associated with the Ford Bronco G.O.A.T. system. Left to right are Normal, with a shock absorber; Off-road, adding the flag and cactus; and Sport, with the cap S, modes.

Stability Control Fault IndicatorSteering Trouble IndicatorSince 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2010/10/sport-suspension-setting-symbol/