Engine Start
These are Engine Start System Fault Indicator symbols. They can appear in yellow/amber or red and indicate a fault in the electronics. If it is red, it is suggested that the engine NOT be switched off, if its running, and a service center be contacted and headed for immediately. If it is amber, a service facility should still be contacted as soon as possible.
- Before continuing, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on read on below.
- Otherwise, you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!
And there’s still more …
The symbols appear as a physical key with or without its associated keyhole, even though an actual physical key is not used. We included it with routine indicators because, as electronics takes over everything, these symbols will indeed become routine due to any problems with starters, start/stop systems and other associated electronics.
Do 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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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.
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 versions of a Sport Differential or Dynamic Drive Control Warning Indicator 
Do not confuse them with the all wheel drive symbols noted above and shown to the right. 
These are all 
For some EVs, these are the equivalent of the Check Engine Light. They indicate a possible problem in one or more of the following; the traction motor and inverter system, the charge port or charger, the lithium ion battery, the cooling system, or the shift control system. Pretty much any system that allows the vehicle to move might be at issue and a diagnosis by a qualified service shop will be required. HEV indicates a Hydrogen fuel cell and the FC indicates essentially the same.
This next image is listed as a Service Indicator. However, since there are no filters to change or other routine maintenance required, this is likely an indication of a system problem, which must be addressed by a qualified service center. The image, in 
Note that the very similar looking image to the right is an Electronic Power Control or Engine Speed Limitation indicator. It is seen in internal combustion engine vehicles. So if you’re not in an EV 
These are Power or Torque Limitation Indicator 
One manufacturer uses these two images to indicate reduced power due to weather or temperature conditions. The first, in 
These are all variations of of Keyless Ignition Key Fob Detection indicators. A number of 
The flashing 
This one, which is an image of a key with a line drawn through it in 
Note that some manufacturers will have the light flash in 
These are Key Fob Indicator 
These symbols are Low Key Battery Indicators. The images of a key are shown above or alongside the image of what most resembles a AA or AAA battery with its level low. One adds the letter E for empty to the right. Replace the battery as soon as possible. They do NOT use AA or AAA batteries!
Electronic keys, key fobs, remote controls, smart keys, intelligent keys, advanced keys are all terms used by manufacturers and drivers to describe the same device. You get to get into and start your vehicle only if the correct device is present, has a working battery and is not interfered with by other electronics (actually rare). All the images include the representation of a key and depending on the manufacturer, may include an exclamation point, a question mark or even a lightning bolt.
These are External Sound System Fault Indicator 
These lights, showing curved lines emanating from a car, with or without the word OFF, indicate a problem with system, which must be addressed by your dealer or qualified service center. Variations exist in color (
These are EV Charging Indicator 
Minor variations include color (
This pair of symbols is from Lincoln. The first in 
Finally, some hybrid vehicles include a SAVE mode indicator. When in Save mode, the vehicle drives in a way that maintains the charge level of the high voltage battery. The indicator will likely be shown in black and white in the information display.