Tag: car symbol

Engine Oil Level and Sensor Indicators

Engine Oil Level

These are alternative to or in addition to Engine Oil Level Warning Indicator symbols. They are used by a handful of manufacturers. The added text or images point the way. Despite the yellow/amber color, these two symbols should be addressed as soon as possible. The exclamation point added to the oil can is also a Sensor Malfunction Indicator and is shown in red or yellow/amber. In these cases, the oil level cannot be sensed by the vehicle. More below…

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

The first, with the wrench or spanner on one side, is a warning to check the oil level. If the vehicle tracks the mileage since the previous oil change, the light is a warning that an oil change is due.

The second, with the word SENSOR in it, says that the vehicle can no longer warn you if the oil level or pressure drops dangerously low. The wavy line is meant to indicate ‘level’ and the drop represents oil. This symbol should frankly be red as either condition can severely damage your engine and make for a very bad day. Have your dealer or authorized service center repair it immediately.

More Versions

The same symbol with the added text MIN, says that the engine’s oil level has dropped to its minimum level for safe operation. Alternatively, the symbol shown as a dip stick with a drop of oil falling from it in red also indicates that the oil level is too low. In either case, add some oil as soon as you can or better yet, use this as an opportunity to get an oil and filter change.

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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.

M Favreau

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

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/08/engine-oil-sensor-and-level-indicators/

Clogged Air Filter Indicator

Clogged Air Filter

This is a Clogged Air Filter Indicator symbol. It means that the internal combustion engine’s air filter or air cleaner is clogged and is in need of replacement. It is not usually critical, but replace it or have it replaced as soon as possible for proper engine performance and fuel economy.

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

The filter removes dirt and debris carried by the outside air before it can reach the combustion chambers. The symbol includes arrows meant to represent airflow and the direction of airflow though dots, which represent the filter.

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M Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/07/clogged-air-filter-indicator/

Engine or Transmission Electronics Fault Indicator Symbols

Engine or Transmission Fault

This is an Engine or Transmission Electronics Fault Indicator symbol. Another catch-all symbol, the car with a wrench or spanner in it – which looks like a half moon on a pole – points to a problem with the engine or transmission electronics. The vehicle may default to an emergency operation mode, which provides an opportunity to bring it to your dealer or qualified service center under its own power, albeit likely reduced.

But first, 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 symbol showing a vehicle with a wrench or spanner inside it is also used as an electronics fault warning. However, some manufacturers use the very same symbol as a service reminder only. If the vehicle is operating properly, and its been a long time since its last oil service, this may be the only issue. Consult your owners manual to be sure and click here for more.

This symbol is used as an Engine Electronics Fault Indicator only. It is seen as a rectangle with a wavy or ragged line inside. Whether or not any change in the vehicle operation is seen, the fault should be checked out by a good service shop as soon as possible.

Note that with either symbol, an issue with electronics can sometimes be resolved be shutting the vehicle down and restarting. Its worth a shot…

The symbol may also indicate a fault in the vehicle’s immobilizer system electronics or fuel filter issues, which will also require a qualified service center to repair. In effect, this symbol is a Check Engine Light, but some manufacturers use it to separate emissions issues (Check Engine) from the others noted here (Engine Fault).

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M Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/07/engine-fault-indicator-symbol/

Brake Assist System (BAS) and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) Fault Indicator

Brake Assist

The picture symbol, and the acronyms in the text fault symbol shown next to it, both mean Brake Assist System (BAS) and Electronic Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), which is a Stability and Traction Control system. Any problem with the Brake Assist System shuts down the ASR, since ASR requires that all brake functions are operating properly for its own proper operation. The picture is of a tire with a double-ended arrow in it meant to suggest the tire and the vehicle it is attached to rolling or moving.

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

The Brake Assist system helps in emergency braking situations when the driver can’t push the brake pedal hard enough. A sensor recognizes the attempt at full braking and transmits the signal calling for full brake pressure from the hydraulic booster reducing the stopping distance.

Remember that these advanced systems come into play in extreme driving conditions, such as rounding a curve excessively fast. The brakes will continue to operate normally with the enhancements shut down. So, your vehicle is safe to drive under most normal conditions. Contact your dealer or authorized repair facility for repairs as soon as possible.

Related Symbol

Note that BAS/ASR are essentially the same as ESP/BAS, but be aware of the acronyms. You can learn more about ESP/BAS here.

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M Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/07/brake-assist-and-anti-slip-regulatio-fault-indicator/

Rear Active Steer (RAS) Fault Indicator

Rear Active Steer

This is a Rear Active Steer (RAS) Fault Indicator symbol. When active and working properly, the electronically-controlled system steers the vehicle using all four wheels. The light illuminates if a malfunction occurs in the system, in which case the RAS function will have stopped. The vehicle’s ordinary front steering will operate normally and the vehicle can be driven safely.

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

The RAS will also be turned off – and thus turning the warning light on – if an engine or brake fault is detected. If either the Check Engine or the ABS light is on, address them first with your dealer. The Rear Active Steering will also be disabled if a Traction or Stability Control fault is detected. If these warning lights are active, have them addressed first.

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M Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/07/rear-active-steer-ras-fault-indicator/

Lambda Sensor Warning Indicator Symbol

Lambda Sensor

This is the Lambda Sensor Warning Indicator symbol. The symbol says that the exhaust gas oxygen sensor is dirty or inoperative. The vehicle should not be driven for any length of time in this condition as this sensor is key to controlling the oxygen to fuel ratio in your engine. The Greek letter lambda looks like an upside down Y and it is shown in a triangle.

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 symbol is an odd mix of green and yellow/amber colors, not to mention a letter from the Greek alphabet, and is seen only in older vehicles. Yellow/amber is a warning color while green is intended to inform and not to warn. The Check Engine Light is used to covers this fault in later models.

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M Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/07/lambda-sensor-warning-indicator-symbol/

Engine Start-Stop Indicator Symbols

Engine Start-Stop

These are Engine Start-Stop Indicator symbols. The abbreviations actually stand for Engine (ENG Auto Stop (A-STOP)). Green indicates that the engine has been shut off, while the light in yellow/amber indicates a malfunction in the system. The engine remains running and the vehicle can be driven.

Before continuing, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on below.
Otherwise you can return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

Developed for hybrid vehicles, Start-Stop systems are now in use in vehicles with gas engines as a fuel saving measure. The engine is shut down at stop lights, etc., and re-started automatically when the gas pedal in depressed.

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M Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/07/engine-start-stop-indicator-symbols/