Tag: auto

Automatic Headlight Dimmer or Malfunction Indicator Symbols

Auto Headlamps

Automatic high beamsAuto Headlamp Dimmer IndicatorHigh-beam Assistant IndicatorHigh beam assistantAuto high beam indicatorThese are the Automatic Headlight Dimmer indicator symbols. The system is also known as the High Beam Assistant. Shown in the traditional blue of the high beam indicator or in green, the symbols indicates that the high beams are on and that the system will automatically (AUTO or A) switch between the low and high headlight beams on the automobile depending on whether or not sensors detect oncoming vehicle head lights in the distance.

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

The letter A may or may not be seen inside the drawing representing a lamp. The lines pointing out represent light. And believe it or not, similar systems have been available in some form on high-end vehicles since the 1950s!

More Versions

Active High Beams off indicatorOne manufacturer has chosen to combine the auto high beam indicator with the park light indicator. With the auto high beam system on, the symbol is seen in blue and green. With the high beam system off, the light is shown in white. The park lights are on in either instance.

This version, in gray, indicates that the high beams have been turned off because a light has been detected in front of the vehicle. The high beams will reactivate when the light is no longer detected.

Headlamp Malfunction 2This version is an Automatic Headlamp Dimmer Malfunction indicator symbol. It is displayed in yellow/amber. The letter A, for Automatic, sits inside the headlamp and an exclamation point is added to the side. The headlights themselves will continue to function in high or low beam, but they will need to be cycled manually.

Light or rain sensor fault indicatorFinally, there is this one from Audi which for some reason they use as an Automatic Wiper Fault Indicator as well.  This looks like a hat or a lid open on one side with beams coming out of it to an oval shape in yellow/amber.

Headlight Levelling System WarningHeadlight Levelling IndicatorAll these indicators use the shape of an old style headlamp with lines pointing outward, which are meant to be beams of light. There are others that use these elements, such as those to the right, so don’t confuse them. Click here to learn 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/automatic-headlight-dimmer-or-malfunction-indicator-symbols/

Diesel Exhaust Brake Indicators

Diesel Exhaust Brake

Diesel exhaust brake indicatorAutomatic diesel exhaust brake indicatorThese are Diesel Exhaust Brake Indicator symbols. One of the indicators will be seen when the Diesel Exhaust Brake has been activated and is in full strength mode (first image) or in Automatic (AUTO) mode (second image). The appearance is that of a less than sign or a sideways V with wavy lines at one end, all inside a circle inside brackets. The latter is a standard part of many symbols associated with brakes.

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

The exhaust brake feature will function when the driver toggles it on by pushing the exhaust brake button until the indicator is seen. Normal (Full Strength) exhaust brake mode is indicated by the yellow/amber Exhaust Brake Indicator.

Turned Off

Diesel exhaust brake off indicatorAutomatic or Smart Exhaust Brake can be enabled by pushing the exhaust brake button again anytime after the normal Full Exhaust Brake has been turned on. The Exhaust Brake Indicator will change from yellow/amber to green when Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake is enabled. Pushing the exhaust brake button again will toggle the exhaust brake mode to off.

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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/2020/05/diesel-exhaust-brake-indicators/

Auto Limited Slip Differential (LSD) Indicator

Auto Limited Slip

This is the Auto Limited Slip Differential (LSD) Indicator symbol. The text symbol shows only the word AUTO (for Automatic) and the acronym LSD. The symbol appears when the system is activated and most likely seen in yellow/amber.

  • Before moving on, are you sure this is your symbol??
  • If not, you can return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

AUTO LSD system uses the traction control system to control engine performance and braking when one of the rear wheels begins to spin, increasing traction to the wheel that’s not spinning. The system should be used only when one of the rear wheels spinning occurs in a ditch or rough surface.

If the rear wheels spin, the slip indicator flashes to indicate that the AUTO LSD system has been controlled the spinning of the rear wheels.

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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/2019/06/auto-limited-slip-differential-lsd-indicator/

Dusk Sensor or Automatic Headlight Malfunction Indicator

Dusk Sensor

This is a Dusk Sensor or Automatic Headlight Malfunction Indicator symbol. Automatic headlights turn on or off depending on the amount of ambient light detected. This in turn is dependent on a properly functioning light sensor.

  • Before continuing, is this truly your symbol?? If yes, continue below.
  • Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

The image in the symbol looks more like a standard household incandescent light bulb than anything automotive. It includes an exclamation point to highlight a problem and the text AUTO to point to the automatic headlight system. The symbol is shown in amber/yellow.

Lamp Out SymbolHeadlamp Out IndicatorThese symbols to the left are generally reserved as headlight out indicators, whether in green or yellow/amber. The exclamation point or the X indicate a light out. However, at least one manufacturer uses them to indicate a light sensor problem. Text in the vehicle’s message center will state this explicitly.

Note that in many cases, the sensor may simply be blocked or dirty. It will generally be found near the top center of the windshield. If this area is clean, a qualified service shop will be needed.

Similar Symbol

Auto Headlamp Dimmer IndicatorDon’t confuse the first symbol with this one to the right. Click 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2019/01/dusk-sensor-or-automatic-headlight-malfunction-indicator/

Automatic Windshield Wiper Fault Indicator Symbols

Auto Wipers

Auto wiper indicatorRain sensor indicatorRain sensor twoAuto windshield wiper indicatorRain sensorUnless they appear in green or black and white, all of these symbols are various forms of an Automatic Windshield Wiper Fault Indicator symbol. Each is meant to point to a problem that has caused the automatic wipers to shut down. In green, they simply indicate that the system is active.

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

Lane keep and rain sense indicatorOne manufacturer has chosen to combine the second symbol with the lane keeping indicator. They are shown in white or gray. In white, both the lane keeping and rain sensing systems are on. In gray, both systems are on but no lane markers are detected.

Light or rain sensor fault indicatorThere is also this one from Audi which for some reason they use as an Automatic Headlight Dimmer Indicator as well.  This looks like a hat or a lid open on one side with beams coming out of it to an oval shape.

All the images are in yellow/amber, which indicates a problem. Note that in all cases, the windshield wipers will continue to work, but will have to be operated manually. The automated systems work by sensing water on the windshield.

Starting on the top left, the image depicts a windshield with the wiper blade extended to one side. The word AUTO appears at the top. This offers easily the clearest message of the three, that there is a problem with the system that may or may not include a problem with the rain sensing gear.

The middle image also includes the windshield and wiper blade, but adds a water droplet on one side. It is also in yellow/amber, which, along with it being illuminated, is the only indication of a problem. The message here is that the rain or moisture sensor is likely dirty or blocked.

The last one is a puzzle. An exclamation point is shown next to what is a cloud with rain falling from it. One could imagine a driver believing that this is a weather forecast, given the sophisticated nature of today’s cars. Sadly, it too is meant only to indicate a problem with the rain sensor(s).

Similar Symbols

Windshield Washer Fluid Low IndicatorDo not confuse any of these symbols with this one. Click here for more about the first image and click here for more on the last one.

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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/2019/01/automatic-windshield-wiper-fault-indicator-symbols/

4 Wheel Drive Indicators

4 Wheel Drive

4 Wheel Drive Low Indicator4_wheel_drive_low_indicator4 Low indicator4wd low indicatorLow range indicatorThese are 4 Wheel Drive Low Indicator symbols. They indicates that the 4 wheel drive is engaged at a low gear ratio. This ratio is useful when maximum power or traction is needed for steep climbs, sandy or muddy conditions, or off-road driving. Four wheel drive is often shown as 4×4 in publication and may be used in the symbol. LOW may be spelled out or abbreviated.

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

Many, Many More Versions

4-wheel Drive Hi Indicator4x4 High Indicator4 High indicatorThese two are corresponding 4 Wheel Drive High indicators. The High setting is the default setting in a 4 wheel drive vehicle for normal driving conditions. For this reason, vehicle manufacturers rarely add this indicator. If it is added, High may be spelled out or abbreviated (HI). One manufacturer simply uses a 4×4 Indicator to mean that the vehicle is in 4×4 HIGH.

4WD AUTO indicatorThis indicator, 4WD AUTO, states that the vehicle is in AUTO mode. The vehicle will automatically engage 4 wheel drive when a loss of traction is sensed.  Otherwise, the front axle is engaged, but the vehicle’s power is sent only to the rear wheels.

Two Wheel Drive Indicator2 High indicatorThese symbols, a 4×2 or 2H Indicator, say that a 4 wheel drive vehicle is supplying power only to the rear wheels. The use of the rear wheels only is the correct choice in typical driving conditions. That is, smooth, dry roads.

4 Automatic4x4 Auto Indicator4WD Auto IndicatorThe 4A4×4 Auto Indicators and the stick figure indicator with 4WD text in the center both say that 4-wheel drive will be available automatically for additional traction. Only electronically-controlled 4-wheel drive systems will have this available. These indicators become 4 wheel drive trouble lights if they remain on when the system is not engaged.

All Wheel Drive DisabledThis symbol with the open circles is used in Australia and New Zealand to indicate only that the 4-wheel Drive system has been engaged. In North America, the same symbol is usually used to indicate a problem with an All-wheel Drive system, although Chevrolet has begun using it to also indicate the system is engaged. Click here for more.

4 wheel drive highGeneral Motors uses an indicator for five possible choices. Their system can be set to AUTO (automatic (AUTO), 4 high (HI), 4 LOW, 2 wheel drive (2WD) and finally N (or NEUTRAL in yellow/amber), seen below, if it is left in neutral. This final setting is useful as a warning if it has been left in neutral accidently. It indicates that nothing is engaged. The vehicle could roll away and won’t move if placed into gear!

2 wheel drive4WD neutral4x4 neutral indicatorIn all cases, the various 4-wheel drive systems are choices that can be made by the driver using either a lever or buttons. If the system will allow a different selection, or if a 4×2 indicator remains illuminated, contact your dealer or authorized service center immediately. Driving will be possible, but only at reduced speed.

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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/2010/10/4-wheel-drive-low-indicator/