Cornering Lights
The acronyms AFS and AFLS in these symbols or indicators stand for Active Front-lighting System or Adaptive Front or Cornering Light System. The difference is very subtle and is the result of a manufacturer choice only.
- 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!
If it includes the word OFF, it indicates that the system has been turned off with an available switch. Look for the switch, which may have been tripped accidently. It may also be tucked nearly under the dashboard where it can be hit by the driver’s knee in a Toyota or Lexus.
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The acronym SRH changes the reference to Steering Responsive Headlights, but is exactly the same type of system. If any of the OFF lights flash or remain lit, they indicate a fault in the system, and your dealer will be needed for a repair. The letters seen alone in yellow/amber/orange is also a malfunction light.
Another indicator of a malfunction are the picture symbols to the left, a curved arrow, indicating movement, above or split by a headlight beam, one adding the exclamation point. The beam is represented by the closed rounded triangle with lines above it. The last one is seen on its side with a bent arrow in one corner.
The symbol is used by manufacturers who call the system Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL), Active Bending Light System (ABL), Static Bending Light System (SBL) or Cornering Headlights. Another example of multiple industry names for the same basic system and again, your dealer will be needed for repairs.
Either headlight system move the direction of the headlights left or right – the arrow – in concert with the steering. When the system is off, the headlights work as they have for a century, so there is no need to be concerned.
Note that these active systems often have an on/off switch that may have been accidentally been tripped on the dashboard (as noted) or inside a menu found in an instrument panel display. Look for the same acronym on a switch or in the menu.
If you drive a Polestar, note that they have begun using the symbol to the right to indicate that a lamp has malfunctioned. Follow the link here for more.
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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
This symbol is a Brake Trouble Indicator symbol. They could indicate a serious problem with the brakes. However, the light will also be on when the hand, or emergency, brake is engaged.
This symbol is a Parking Brake Indicator. There are a number of considerations. The symbol to the right simply indicates that the parking, or emergency brake is engaged. Be sure to disengage the parking or emergency brake before driving.
One of the first idiot lights, this warning light features an old-school oil can. It is the Oil Level or Oil Pressure warning lights or symbol. A wavy line below the oil can indicates the oil level is low. Without the wavy line, your engine is telling you that the oil pressure is low.
There are several versions of the dreaded Check Engine Light, and this one is the most common. It is one of the oldest of the symbols that you may see. The word “Check” may appear inside the image, or below, or not at all.
One of the original idiot lights, at least in red, this is the Temperature Warning light or symbol. In red, it indicates quite simply that the engine temperature is too high. If you see this light, your vehicle should be stopped and the engine turned off as quickly as possible. Turning on the heater to the highest setting will remove some of the heat as well. Contact your dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible.
This is the Master Warning Light symbol, in red. If this light is on, there will likely be text displayed as well on the instrument panel, or another warning light. Look for text in particular. It could very well point out something as serious as low oil pressure. However, despite the serious look to the symbol, it is generally associated with simple reminders such as a door ajar or that it is time to change the oil.
This is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) or Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) warning light symbol. It is also used as Flat Tire Monitor (FTM), which seems redundant. The tell-tale comes on when the inflation on one of the tires is reduced about 25% or more. In most cases, that will be about eight pounds. This is easily the most misunderstood symbol you will ever see on your instrument panel.
The image of a car with squiggly or wavy lines behind it is the Slip Indicator symbol. When a vehicle detects slippery conditions, its stability or traction control system is activated. The light will flash, irregularly in some vehicles, indicating that the system is doing its work, helping to keep the vehicle in control.
This is a Reduced Engine Power Indicator. Only a handful of manufacturers use this light, which comes on automatically with a reduction in the vehicle’s performance. Given what is likely an obvious reduction in power and acceleration, the symbol itself becomes redundant. The image is the same one used for the Check Engine Light above, with the added arrow pointing down.
This 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.
This is the primary Key Fob Indicator. A number of picture symbols are used to indicate the presence of an electronic key in a push button or, ironically, keyless start, or keyless ignition, vehicle. These systems will allow a vehicle to be started only when an electronic key is present in, and detected by, the vehicle.
This 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 laser sensor is clean, when it is safe to do so.
Cruise Control Indicator light in text form. This light is illuminated when the cruise control is engaged. It is perfectly straightforward, as opposed to the two image symbols below that are now often used in its place.
This is the most common Check Gas Cap Indicator symbol. It is one of the few things the average driver can do anything about. The image, which is really half of a car with an unscrewed gas cap, can look like a water pitcher with a screw or bolt next to it.
These are Park Assist Indicator symbols. The green version will be visible when the system is activated and working. The manufacturer may refer to this as Intuitive Parking Assistance, Park Distance Control (PDC), etc. It looks like a sail with lines radiating from it!
This is a Low Windshield Washer Fluid Indicator symbol. Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir as soon as possible. The image actually resembles an open hand-held fan, which is supposed to be the windshield. The dashed lines represent two steams of water.
The acronyms AFS and AFLS in these symbols or indicators stand for Adaptive Front-lighting System or Adaptive Front Lighting System. The difference is very subtle and is the result of a manufacturer choice only.
This symbol is a Tail Light Indicator symbols. The replacement of a light bulb or two will restore order. Some manufacturers add a text message in the instrument panel noting exactly which light is out. The symbol is often described as eyelashes coming out of the back of a car!
This symbol is the High Beam On indicator. The light is active only when the high beams are active (turned on) and has been a standard in vehicles for decades. It is one of only a select few presented in a blue color.
This the Fog Lamp Indicator symbol. The indicator in green is active only when the fog lamps are activated. The wavy or squiggly line crossing straight ones is meant to indicate light passing through the fog.
These are Headlamp Out Indicator symbols. One or more of the headlamp bulbs is burned out or malfunctioning. This is another symbol that may utilize an exclamation point, which always indicates a problem, even if its in the green color. Another symbol in yellow/amber only is an alternative Lamp Out indicator.