Low Washer Fluid
These are all Low Windshield Washer Fluid Indicator symbols. Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir as soon as possible. The first and last images actually resemble an open hand-held fan, which is supposed to be the windshield. The dashed lines represent two steams of water, also used in the second image but encased in what looks like a broken or split water jug.
- First, are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then continue on below.
- Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!
To help find what and where to refill, the same image will be found on the reservoir’s cover under the hood. A symbol on the reservoir’s cap will likely match the one seen on the instrument panel.
Similar Symbols
Do not confuse the symbol with these. Click here for more about the first one and click here for more on the last two.
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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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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 Door Ajar or Door Open Indicators. Other related 
This is a special case that will show up with a door ajar indicator in some instances. It an exclamation point in red, as is obvious. It is seen when the ignition is on and Driver’s Door is the one open. So long as the vehicle is not in gear, there should be nothing to be concerned about.
These versions indicate that the Trunk Lid, Hatch or Tailgate is open or not properly latched. The image to the left adds only a bar behind the vehicle. If the lid, hatch or gate is not obviously open, the image’s meaning may not be obvious.
Finally, these Hood Ajar and Sunroof Open indicators. Take the first one seriously. While every car has a secondary latch to keep the hood from flying up while driving, counting on it alone is dangerous. If this light is on, be sure the hood is closed and/or that nothing is preventing the hood from fully closing. Otherwise, have the light and its trigger serviced as soon as possible. Close the sunroof if you wish.
These are 4 Wheel Drive Low Indicator 
These 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.
This 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.
These 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.
The 4A, 4×4 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 
This 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. 
General 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 
In 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.
These are all versions of Differential Lock Indicator 
This version, an AWD LOW indicator, also says that the vehicles axles are locked together in low gear. All the wheels will turn at the same rate, and should only be operated at low speed in slippery conditions, which is also why this indicator and all the others are shown in 
If this system is accidentally engaged, your vehicle will hitch and buck and feel like it is going to tear itself apart at normal speeds. Come to a stop and look for the symbol on your dash or console and disengage the system. Drive forward or backward a few feet to complete the disengagement.
This version, seen in black and white, is seen in the information display and will be accompanied by a text explanation. The open circle in the center indicates a malfunctioning differential lock. Again, a helpful explanation will be seen with the warning light, although resolving the problem will likely require a qualified repair shop.
The indicator may turn up as symbols in all text, like the Diff (differential) Lock or All Wheel Drive (AWD) Lock Indicators shown here to the left. They mean the same as the images above.
These are Rear Differential Lock indicators. The versions on the left features a large closed circle or a pad lock between the two rear (bottom) wheels. The version to the right uses an X in place of the closed circle and is an Electronic Rear Differential Lock indicator. Both versions indicate that the two rear wheels have been locked to rotate together. Like the center lock options above, a button or dial on the dashboard or center console has been engaged locking the wheels and can be turned off.
The exclamation point indicates a malfunction on the differential lock system. It is likely electronic, so try restarting the vehicle. If the vehicle is equipped with an Information Display and a CHECK DIFFERENTIAL or DIFFERENTIAL MALFUNCTION message is shown, contact your dealer. If the vehicle hitches and bucks like a bronco at speeds above 20 MPH and the Lock cannot be disengaged, reduce speed and go straight to your dealer or service center, or have the vehicle towed.
There are now options to lock either or both of the front and rear axles electronically from some manufacturers. These padlock images are Front and Rear Axle Lock Indicator symbols. The image with the double locks indicate that both front and rear locks have been engaged.
These are Economy Mode (
Some manufacturers use a leaf image, tree or plant, symbol to indicate that Economy Mode has been selected. One includes a gas pump hose. Note that a pictorial ECO symbol also exists, which only shows that a vehicle is being operated economically, and not in a chosen mode. See 
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 
These are Snow Mode Indicators