Engine Malfunction
This is an Engine Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) symbol. This light, on steadily or blinking, indicates a fault in the engine’s emission control system. It may also indicate that the gas cap is loose or missing. The text itself reads Service Engine Soon.
- Before moving on, are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then continue below.
- Otherwise return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!
Ensuring that the gas cap is on and properly tightened to at least one click is one of the few fixes available to the average motorist. If this light is on and the gas cap is installed properly, see your dealer or authorized service center as soon as you can.
Note that if it is blinking, reduce your speed, avoid hard acceleration and deceleration and see your dealer as soon as possible.
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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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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 Tow or Haul Mode and Fault Indicator 
In more advanced models, the second image above with the trailer is used to indicate that a Trailer Merge Assist system has been activated. It is tied directly to the vehicle’s 
The image with arrows above the trailer is no more than a Trailer Connected indicator. It illuminates when a trailer is connected and will go out when it is disconnected. The same is true of the image of the trailer hitch ball and the trailer, both shown in 
These versions however, are trailering fault warnings. The exclamation point in the triangle above the trailer in the first image is the give away. If illuminated, check all electrical connections as well as the physical trailer connection(s). Otherwise, the issue may involve the main vehicle’s suspension or stability control systems and a qualified service shop will be needed.
Some vehicles offer Sway Control for use while towing, a system that works in in conjunction with the Stability Control System. And like that system, the Sway Control Indicator will flash when sway is detected and being corrected.
These are All-wheel Drive (AWD) Disabled Indicator 
If a wrench (or spanner) or exclamation point is shown alongside the caricature of a vehicle’s undercarriage, it indicates a fault and nothing else, as does the text message asking for service. Malfunctions may be indicated by the system before a real problem is obvious, but don’t waste time. See your dealer or authorized service center soon, as AWD repairs are expensive and continued use will increase the likelihood of serious damage.
These text symbols are found in an Electric Vehicle (EV) and become an excuse to add the word electric to the AWD or 4WD acronyms. The first light is yellow/amber when the electric four-wheel drive (e4WD) system is limited, and will turn off when the system is working normally. If this light is red, there is likely a malfunction. But as with all electronic systems, restart the vehicle to see if the system resets.
The text symbols to the right are very much related. 
These are Reduced Engine Power Indicator 
So don’t confuse the indicator with these, despite the lighting bolts and arrows. 
All these are variations of an Automatic Transmission (A/T) Oil Temperature Indicator 
A picture symbol may also be used. It is a ‘bumpy ring’ with a thermometer symbol inside it. The ring is used to represent a transmission in a number of instances. It may be seen in 
Do not confuse the third image with these symbols to the right. Click 
This is an Auto Brake Hold Indicator 
In an electric vehicle (EV), the Park function is supplied by the brakes. So, when placing the car in Park, it is effectively in Auto Hold mode. To that end, the symbol to the left may be seen, indicating that the vehicle is secure. Note as well that the Park activation button or lever is also used as the vehicle’s emergency brake.
Note that there are other versions you can 
These are High-beam Assistant 
A similar symbol may be seen in black and white in the information display. In this case, it will be accompanied by a text message noting a problem. Most likely, the system’s sensors are blocked and it is unable to function properly.