Powertrain
These are Drivetrain, Shift or Powertrain trouble symbols or lights, and will be red or yellow/amber if it comes up. This same symbol is also used as an Electric Shift Control System Warning Indicator. It indicates a problem has been detected generally in an automatic transmission or transaxle, or its shift system. This part of the drivetrain should be serviced as soon as possible.
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This version in black and white will be seen in the vehicle’s information display. It may indicate that the transmission is overheated or there is a park lock malfunction or a major transmission malfunction. Fortunately, a text description will be seen as well.
This version is also seen in black and white. It accommodates all of the shift positions with their first letter, D, P, R, etc. If all are seen together and is found to be blinking, there is an issue with the transmission the will need service as soon as possible.
There is little that is user-serviceable in these systems, so you will need the help of your dealer or authorized service center. Some manufacturers also use these to indicate an engine problem, but the Check Engine light is generally reserved for this.
More Versions
While the exclamation point is a recurring motif in automotive instrument panel symbols, the wrench is a bit more rare. Neither is it very informative unless, a) the driver is already familiar with it or, b) the driver stops and reads the owners manual. It often indicates a transmission problem, particularly if seen in red, but it also is used for other purposes. Do consult your manual.
Do not confuse the first image with the Settings Indicator symbol on the left. 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 and is the what we have become used to seeing on our phones and computers.
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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
Similar Symbols
This 
This is a variant called Electronic Throttle Control System (
A picture symbol, an Electronic Shift Malfunction indicator in amber. Click 
This is a variant with a German acronym. 
These are Up, Down or simply Shift Indicator 
For the most part, the symbols themselves are 
These two indicators, again in 
These two, however, are displayed in 
The 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.
Another 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 (
These are Power and Sport Mode Indicator 
Whether it is from an electronically controlled transmission or throttle (
Another group of symbols are shown here. These are displayed in gray scale. The modes allow for additional power to be extracted from the high voltage battery, are found in instrument panel in a curved shape along the bottom of the circular portion of the information display. Seen as Sport, Sport S and Sport S+, they indicate the level of change applied to the vehicle’s suspension.
In electric or hybrid vehicles, featuring more powerful acceleration. Both the