DashboardSymbols.com descriptions of the symbols and tell-tales used on automobile and light truck dashboards and instrument panels.
Windshield defrost These are Windshield Defrost or Defog Indicator symbols. For reasons known only to Rivian, they have decided that a new set of indicators is needed in order to defrost a windshield and, further, that three different colors are required. Before continuing, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, read on below. …
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2026/01/windshield-defrost-indicators/
Tailgate and liftgate malfunction These are Tailgate and Liftgate Malfunction Indicator symbols. One or these will be seen when the tailgate or liftgate or both does/do not close properly. They are presented in red as what might be mistaken as tailgate or liftgate ajar indicators with an exclamation point added. The exclamation points are ridiculously …
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2026/01/tailgate-and-liftgate-malfunction-indicators/
Hood malfunction This is a Hood Malfunction Indicator symbol. It appears when the hood does not close properly. It is seen in red as what might be mistaken as a hood ajar indicator with an exclamation point added. The exclamation point is ridiculously small and may be missed by the driver. Before continuing, is this …
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2026/01/hood-malfunction-indicator/
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2026/01/rear-and-side-collision-warnings-now-have-separate-pages/
Side Collision Warning These are Intersection or Side Collision Warning Indicator symbols. They warn of a possible collision from the side. The images are all of a vehicle seen fully from the side and are always shown in red. Before continuing, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, read on below. Otherwise, you …
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/12/intersection-or-side-collision-warning-indicators/
Rear Collision Warning These symbols are Rear Collision Warning Indicator symbols. They resemble many of the forward collision warning symbols that have become relatively common across the industry, these are specifically used to warn or avoid a possible collision from behind. Before continuing, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, read on below. …
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/12/rear-collision-warning-and-system-off-indicators/
Car battery life I recently read an article from Consumer Reports on car battery life to assess whether or not to recommend it to all of you. Well, not only can I recommend it, the article — How to Make Your Car Battery Last Longer — actually offered some surprises. Battery testing The first is …
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/12/article-on-car-battery-life-offered-surprises/
Rear and side collision warnings now have separate pages
Rear and side collision warnings We have completed new Rear and Side Collision Warning Indicator pages. These warning symbols had initially been added to the Front Collision Warnings, as the systems are intimately related. However, as with too many of our symbols pages, it had become overcrowded with innumerable symbol variations. Individual auto manufacturers insist …
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